Effect of Karanja biodiesel blend on engine wear in a diesel engine

For large-scale and reliable implementation of biodiesel in transportation engines, its effects on engine wear and engine durability upon prolonged usage needs to be experimentally investigated. Therefore effects of 20% Karanja biodiesel blend (KOME20) on engine wear and durability was studied vis-à-vis mineral diesel in 250 h long endurance test on a direct injection compression ignition (DICI) engine. Visual inspection of engine components for deposits indicted higher carbon deposits on piston top, cylinder head and injector tip for biodiesel fuelled engine. Relatively lower wear of valves, pistons, piston rings, liners and small end bearings of the connecting rods was observed for biodiesel fuelled engine. Wear of big end bearing of the connecting rods, main bearings and crank pins was found to be higher for biodiesel fuelled engine. Surface texture of cylinder liners remained in acceptable condition after the endurance test for mineral diesel as well as Karanja biodiesel blend. Despite higher carbon deposits and higher wear of some vital engine components, no operational problems were observed during the long-term endurance test for the biodiesel fueled engine.