High Concentration Ethanol-Diesel Blends for Compression-Ignition Engines

A fuel blend containing 30 percent ethanol, diesel fuel and additives was tested in a diesel tractor to determine its effect on engine performance and durability. Uprating the delivery of the fuel injection pump was found to be a practical method of restoring the 11 percent power reduction caused by the lower heat content of the blend. Operation of the tractor under on-farm conditions for alternate 100 hour periods totalling 2000 hours on diesel fuel and on the blend revealed no noticeable deterioration in engine condition related to the blend.