Effects of processing and chemical characteristics of plant oils on performance of an indirect-injection diesel engine

Engine performance curves were obtained for crude, degummed, and degummed‐dewaxed sunflower oils and for crude, degummed, and alkali refined cottonseed oils using a single‐cylinder, precombustion chamber design diesel engine. Crude oils gave very poor performance and are considered unsuitable for use as alternative diesel fuels. Performance curves for processed sunflower and cotton‐seed oils were slightly better than for diesel fuel, but increased carbon deposits and lubricating oil fouling were noted. Although processed oils may be acceptable fuels for short‐term use, they are not recommended as alternative diesel fuels at this time.