ATLANTIC - NEWS & INFO

2009 LUBRICATION & TUNE-UP GUIDES NOW AVAILABLE

Atlantic is now an authorised distributor of the Lubrication & Tune-Up Guide produced by Infomedia®

The 2009 Lubrication & Tune up Guide is an indispensable tool for the modern workshop. The guide contains information for all passenger, 4WD & light commercial vehicles such as:

·        Alternator outputs

·        Auto transmission adjustments

·        Brake servicing & bleeding

·        Engine identification

·        Lubricant Specs

·        Power, torque & tune-up specs

·        Recommended service intervals

·        Serpentine belt layouts

·        Timing belt layout

·        Wheel alignment specs

·        Wheel bearing adjustments

·        Metric conversions and more…

We are currently stocking the 2009 Lubrication & Tune up Guide in hard copy books and CD’s for installation on your computer.

For your copy contact us on (02) 9829-7555 or alternatively speak with your Sales Representative.  

 

TECHNICAL BULLETIN

THE USE OF BIODIESEL FUEL AND ITS EFFECT ON ENGINE LUBRICANT

 WHAT IS BIODIESEL

Commercially produced Biodiesel Fuels are produced from conventional diesel fuels blended with vegetable oils such as canola, soybean and sunflower oil. Biodiesel fuels can also be manufactured from other bio sources such as beef and sheep tallow. The oil and fat components are subject to a process known as transesterification before being blended with standard diesoline fuel. The ratio of bio component to diesoline is designated as Bx where “x” is the percentage of processed vegetable oils and / or animal fats. For example a B5 Biodiesel is 5% Biodiesel and 95% Diesoline.

 ADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL

 Biodiesel is similar to normal diesoline in chemical properties when used in compression ignition engines, so it can be used without the need for modifications to the engine or fuel systems. Other major benefits include: 

• Biodiesel is biodegradable, non toxic and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
• Improved lubricity.
• High cetane number.
• Improved conductivity, particularly for Ultra Low Sulfur fuel.

 DISADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL FUEL

 The following disadvantages have been noted in the use of Biodiesel Fuels: 

• Lower energy content of Biodiesel equates to about 11% loss in power.
• Higher percentage Biodiesel fuels can lead to engine performance problems such as filter plugging, injector coking and premature engine lubricant degradation.
• The possibility of microbial growth in the fuel leading to injector operation problems, filter plugging and corrosion problems.  
• Biodiesel may contribute to increased NOx emissions which is responsible for photochemical smog.
• Possible voiding of warranty.

 Atlantic recommends that customers who wish to use Biodiesel do so with caution. Studies have found that Biodiesel blends as low as B5 (5%) have exhibited substantial premature degradation of crankcase lubricants. Major Diesel engine manufacturers such as Cummins, International & Volvo have recommended that when using Biodiesel that service intervals be cut in half.