i work in a trade school and we have done lots of testing with canola and biodiesel.
canola oil has a higher lubricity value then diesel, since the creation of altra low sulfur fuels injecters and pumps are not getting the barrier lube they need.( sulfur is not a lubricator, the process to remove it from fuel reduces it lubricity). companys like standayne are saying 5% biofuel mixed with diesel will increase lubricity to a safe point again.
there is no cetane in canola but from what i have see canola will ignite sooner then diesel, which in its self is kinda neat your advancing fuel timing with no pump adjustment.
Canola is a very good cleaner try some on your hands next time their dirty,
some people say after using canola or biofuel there filters plug up.. Its true canola cleans all the tarnish carbon and gunk from diesel fuel systems after a couple tanks it is a good idea to change filters.
so as an additive???
cleans,lubes,increases cetane,and i didnt mention but will greatly reduce emissions
sounds like a pretty good cheap additive to me
dont be surprised if that magic bottle on the walmart shelf claiming to be a diesel cure all
is nothing more then canola with a dash of this or that
speaking of additives engine oils have taken a big hit, the emission laws say reduce zinc to prevent catalytic failures.Zinc is the last bit of protection before metal to metal contact, now the levels in most oils are so low that protection level is gone. This barrier is very important for the life of valvetrains, injectors driven by a cam etc.. (places were you would see heavy loading). If i was buying a oil additive i would look for something thats main claim was to increase zinc content. the one i use is zddp in my hotrod tractors and truck
anyway thats my 2cents
thanks gary