Biodiesel from beef tallow has been considered a low-cost and high availability alternative due to be residue from the Brazilian livestock production, one of the world's largest. Papers that show the use of biodiesel from beef tallow in diesel engine are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of blend of biodiesel from beef tallow (B5) in commercial diesel oil on engine performance, analyzing possible internal consequences and characteristics of lubricating oil after the prolonged use in a diesel engine. Engine performance was evaluated through tractor power take off (PTO) tests. The engine was operated for 600 hours. Power and fuel consumption were measured. Samples of lubricating oil were analyzed by the end of each 100 partial hours. At the end of the test the engine was opened and visually inspected. Analysis of engine lubricating oil has showed critical level of contamination after 400 hours but the visual inspection of engine did not detect any internal wear. The engine performance was satisfactory although there was tendency of reduction in power and increase on fuel consumption along the 600 hours.
biocombustible; energy; engine performance
