Re: oil vs cooking oil to run a loco?

Oregon has mandated a biodiesel blend, I think 5%, and some cold weather starting problems have resulted. In winter on the East (colder) side No. 2 fuel is normally blended 30% with No.1, but the biofuel coagulates at a higher temprature. This has caused some clogged filters. Fortunately it has been a mild winter, aside from a little stretch of -15^oF back in December. I don't know at what temp. the biodiesel starts to gel but I have had straight N0.2 gel at +5^o. The coldest I have had to start my tractor was -10, which it did fine on the 70/30 winter blend, but I have not had to try it with the biodiesel blend.

This would not likely have much effect on firing a steam locomotive as they mostly run in warmer weather. At the tempratures I was talking about they would have to be kept hot anyway, so warming the oil would not be a problem.