Durability Testing of Transesterified Winter Rape Oil (Brassica Napus L.) as Fuel in Small Bore, Multi-Cylinder, DI, CI Engines

This paper reports on a 1000 hour EMA alternative fuels test that was performed to evaluate compression ignition engine durability when fueled with methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil and number 2 diesel - methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil blends.

Three engines, one fueled with 100% methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil, one with a 50% number 2 diesel - 50% methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil blend, and one with a reference fuel of 100% number 2 diesel, were investigated in the 1000 hour test. It was found that methyl ester of winter rapeseed oil was equivalent to number 2 diesel when compared on the basis of long term performance and engine wear. The primary factors which were evaluated included engine brake power and torque, injector tip coking, and engine component wear (based on oil analysis). The only noticeable adverse effect of the ester fuel was a slight decrease in engine oil viscosity.