Performance of a low-horsepower diesel engine with a blend of rapeseed oil and conventional diesel fuel

Abstract

A single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection diesel engine fuelled with 1 : 1 volumetric blend of rapeseed oil (Brassica juncea L.) and conventional diesel fuel was run satisfactorily for 324 h at approximately 85% of the full-rated power output without any major alteration to the engine. Its performance deteriorated with the cumulative hours of operation, but could be restored to normal by decarbonising exhaust manifold and fuel injector tip after every 100 h of operation. Wear in various engine components was not abnormal. Limited tests of engine lubricating oil revealed no abnormality over the regular oil-change period.