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Biodiesel developed from non- edible seeds grown in the wasteland in India can be very effectively utilized in the existing diesel engines used for various applications. This paper presents the results of investigations carried out in studying the fuel properties of mahua oil methyl ester (MOME) and its blend with diesel from 20% to 80% by volume. These properties were found to be comparable to diesel and confirming to both the American and Indian standards. The performance of mahua biodiesel (MOME) and its blend with diesel in a Kirloskar DAF8 engine has been observed. The addition of MOME to diesel fuel has significantly reduced CO, UBHC and smoke emissions but increases the NOx emission slightly. The reductions in exhaust emissions could help in controlling air pollution. The results show that no significant power reduction in the engine operation when operated with blends of MOME and diesel fuel.

The fuel crises of the 1970's and early 1980's focused attention on the desirability of developing alternative fuels and decreasing the dependency on petroleum-based fuels. Vegetable oils and derivatives are among the materials that were extensively investigated as alternative diesel fuels. Vegetable oils are a potential alternative to the partial or total substitution of diesel fuels. It was known that short-term engine tests have been successful with vegetable oils; however, long-term tests have revealed the fuel limitations regarding lubricating oil contamination, deposits on engine surfaces and performance problems. This study shows how the added advantages of air-cooled engine over the water-cooled engine become the preferred choice for the SVO run diesel engine. Based on the 100 hrs SVO run diesel engine, the modification has been carried out for the long run. Different emission measurements were carried out and studied in comparison with conventional diesel.