The Engine Manufacturers Association announced the release of a test specification for biodiesel fuel to facilitate testing and evaluation of how blended biodiesel fuels perform in today's clean-burning diesel engines.

The EMA specifications establish technical requirements for blends of petroleum and biodiesel fuel that can be used to assess the effects of such fuels on engine performance, durability and emissions. Biodiesel is made from vegetable oil, most commonly soybean oil in this country, and unlike many alternative fuels, it can be used in existing diesel engines without modification.
EMA's "Test Specifications for Biodiesel Fuel" define a biodiesel blend fuel with the properties and characteristics that engine manufacturers believe are needed to ensure good performance in today's engines. Engine manufacturers consider the specifications a critical first step in further testing and evaluating fuel blends with a biodiesel content greater than 5 percent.
Currently the American Trucking Associations supports biodiesel blends of up to 5 percent, and most engine manufacturers believe biodiesel blends at this level will not affect engines. Many biodiesel supporters, however, are pushing for blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel. The EMA Test Specifications for Biodiesel Fuel establish a baseline B20 biodiesel blend that can be used for further testing and evaluation.
EMA notes that the development of this specification does not imply any endorsement or approval of the use of B20 fuel. Copies of the specifications can be found on the EMA website at www.enginemanufacturers.org.