Anyone using the Opti-Lube XPD???

[Carlacee]

Again, I'm new to TDR.



After reading the additives study above I'd like to think it's pretty simple, run 2% soybean BioDiesel..... or Iam I missing something here... ??



I would have to think the bigger questions are,



1) where can I find the Soybean BioDiesel?



2) should I set the truck up with a tank to store it. . seems logical



3) did I miss anything above... ???

 

[ZBrooks]

Again, I'm new to TDR.



After reading the additives study above I'd like to think it's pretty simple, run 2% soybean BioDiesel..... or Iam I missing something here... ??



I would have to think the bigger questions are,



1) where can I find the Soybean BioDiesel?



2) should I set the truck up with a tank to store it. . seems logical



3) did I miss anything above... ???

You're not missing anything, it really is that easy. I don't know where you live, so I don't know where you can find it, but it doesn't have to be biodiesel from soybeans. Biodiesel is made from canola, sunflower, etc.



There is no need to set the truck up with a different tank since you can just add the biodiesel to your main tank. Currently, I am running B100, but in the winter, I'll run anywhere from B5 to B50. B5 is the best bang for the buck as far as cleaner emissions are concerned and B20 is great for making more power because of the increased lubricity while maintaining a majority of ulsd in the tank.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Again, I'm new to TDR.



After reading the additives study above I'd like to think it's pretty simple, run 2% soybean BioDiesel..... or Iam I missing something here... ??



I would have to think the bigger questions are,



1) where can I find the Soybean BioDiesel?



2) should I set the truck up with a tank to store it. . seems logical



3) did I miss anything above... ???

NOPE - you have it well covered - the problem for many, is locating a local source for the biodiesel. I prefer to get as near 100% bio as possible, then simply add a gallon or so to each tank of regular ULSD, purely for the lubricity benefit, and to replace the costlier stuff I have been using so far. I did a web search for bio retailers, and found one I'll be passing close to on a trip in the next week or so, and will take an empty 55 gallon barrel with me to fill and store in the garage for adding to the truck tank as needed - 55 gallons added at the 2-5% level will last me quite a while...



EDIT:



Here's a list of nationwide biofuel outlets - several listed near you:



Biodiesel.org - Retail Fueling Sites

 

[Carlacee]

Thanks for the info Zee and Gary!



I'm new to the TDR and a wantabee, if you get a chance see my other post as I think it tells my story well.



As for the extra tank, in my dreams I'm planning a larger tank to replace the OEM, and a 100 Gal in bed. Now can can see a tank for the bio-diesel.



As for the the ratio's, would B5, etc be 5% bio & 95% ULSD and so on??

 

[BrianJ]

NOPE - you have it well covered - the problem for many, is locating a local source for the biodiesel. I prefer to get as near 100% bio as possible, then simply add a gallon or so to each tank of regular ULSD, purely for the lubricity benefit, and to replace the costlier stuff I have been using so far. I did a web search for bio retailers, and found one I'll be passing close to on a trip in the next week or so, and will take an empty 55 gallon barrel with me to fill and store in the garage for adding to the truck tank as needed - 55 gallons added at the 2-5% level will last me quite a while...

EDIT:



Here's a list of nationwide biofuel outlets - several listed near you:



Biodiesel.org - Retail Fueling Sites

This is exactly what I do, I have a distributer near by where I get 5 gal jugs of B100 and add at the rate of 1gal per full tank fill, ending up with a B2-B3 mix.



In discussing this with the distributer, one thing he warned me about was the shelf life of Bio, which he stated as appx two months. So I make sure I don't buy more than 1-2 months worth at a time. Gary, if you are going to store the Bio in a 55 gal pail and it will take some time to go through, I would strongly suggest adding a biocide to the fuel to help it keep longer.



My distributer actually sells it in several container sizes, included 55 gal barrels, but I wouldn't use it near fast enough.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

This is exactly what I do, I have a distributer near by where I get 5 gal jugs of B100 and add at the rate of 1gal per full tank fill, ending up with a B2-B3 mix.



In discussing this with the distributer, one thing he warned me about was the shelf life of Bio, which he stated as appx two months. So I make sure I don't buy more than 1-2 months worth at a time. Gary, if you are going to store the Bio in a 55 gal pail and it will take some time to go through, I would strongly suggest adding a biocide to the fuel to help it keep longer.



My distributer actually sells it in several container sizes, included 55 gal barrels, but I wouldn't use it near fast enough.

Good info - my largest concern IS about storage life, hope the biocide or other storage extenders work...

 

[Carlacee]

Okay, this is more great info..... although it leeds to the next logical question, what effect does the biocide have on the lubricity?



If it's worse, then a short shelf life system would need to be employed... again, I'm thinking in a fulltimer mindset.



Carrying small amouts 'loose' in the bed just sounds like trouble in one way or another too me...



Again, thanks for your time, it's greatly appreciated!

 

[CDonaldson]

I've been using the XPD since right after it came out to current. I have been very pleased with it. I could say that overall I've gained 1-2 mpg's, but since my truck is relatively new and was still breaking in when I started using the XPD, I'm not sure if the XPD was/is responsible for the mileage gain or not.



What I can report is that it certainly quiets down my engine clatter. I have purposely not put it in a tank or two of fuel and while consuming the fuel my engine got a little more clattering. When I then put it in, my engine quieted down considerably. I have used no other additive or cleaner, just the XPD.



I buy it out of XPD's Colorado distributor. I buy it by the gallon. I am using the Winter and Summer formulas, but in my location I am using the Winter Formula about 2 mos of the year and the Summer the other 10 mos. It is actually not that expensive to use. I really DO like the results so far and plan to continue using it.



Another thing I also noticed is a slight tone change to the turbo spool, it is very hard to describe, but it seems to have a lesser tinny sound when spooling, almost could describe it as more throaty.



I have considered using the biodiesel, but unless things have changed, it is not easily obrained/available in my area. UPS brings the XPD to my door, not sure about biodiesel and having it shipped via UPS, and I would probably really want to get it in 55 gal quantites. I'd be very interested in knowing how it's doing in the 2006 model year trucks, they seem to have some pecularities that also seem to seperate it from the earlier models.





CD

 

[bheiting]

Anyone know why Cummins does not recommend using fuel additives? That was
advice I got from their tech line, and also the web site. They said there is enough
lubricity in the new fuel.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Anyone know why Cummins does not recommend using fuel additives? That was

advice I got from their tech line, and also the web site. They said there is enough

lubricity in the new fuel.

Dunno about current times - but several years back, Cummins made that same statement - THEN came out with a fuel additive with THEIR name on it - and THEN, additives (theirs!) were just fine... :-laf



Question is, since it's doubtful that Cummins refines or produces additives of their own, WHOSE were they now re-labeling and using that formerly was on their do-not-use list?



I'd suspect any of the name brand fuel additives now on the list, are there more due to environmental and emissions reasons, than issues with the engine or fuel systems - much like the EPA mandated changes the dropped the CI4Plus engine lubes, and created the CJ series...

 

[Buffalo]

I've attended a number of seminars given by the Bosch Distributorship in Las Vegas (Bosch is the manufacturer of our High Pressure Common Rail Pumps). About four years ago, Bosch was noticing a lot of problems associated with "dry fuel" or, ULSD without enough lubricity added at the refinery. At that time, Bosch was HIGHLY recommending the use of additives containing added lubricity. They sold Stanadyne but said, anything is better than not using a lubricity additive.



Then, at one seminar, the representative said nothing about using an additive. After his talk, I asked him about his lack of recommending an additive & he said that it appears that all the refiners are adding ENOUGH lubricity, now. Bosch is not seeing an unusual amount of premature wearing of pumps, anymore. Personally, I have not read of an unusual number of premature pump failures, either.



My guess is that this problem is not as significant as it used to be. The use of an additive or 2% B-99 for preventative measures is probably not a bad idea, though. But, probably not necessary. Lots of people, if not the vast majority of people, are running ULSD, only.



CARLACEE,



Two percent BIO is all that you need to "properly additize" your ULSD. Don't know if having an extra tank dedicated to the bio is worth it. That would be your decision. I have a 115 gallon, in-bed auxillary tank. With the main tank & the auxillary tank filled, you have about 150 gallons, on board. That's a lot of fuel & a lot of weight to haul around all the time. It's great on a trip with a trailer. I topped off my tanks in St. Ignace, MI. just at the north end of the Mackinaw Bridge connecting the lower penninsula with the upper penninsula of MI. I made it to the far nortwestern end of OK (Guyman) where I refilled the tanks (about 1530 miles). I still had about a quarter of a tank left in my main tank. I could have made it into NM but, at the time, some of the cheapest fuel was in OK so, I filled up there.



Your 100 gallon tank would only require 2 gallons of Bio to fully additize the entire tank.



Joe F.

 

[ZBrooks]

I'd be very interested in knowing how it's doing in the 2006 model year trucks, they seem to have some pecularities that also seem to seperate it from the earlier models.

CD

Biodiesel at all percentages is working VERY well in my '06.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

I think it a good idea it’s supposed to be burnt in a diesel engine and I found a place in Tucson that sells it. Plus it's definitely cheaper that the other additives that I have been using that don’t do anything but thin the fuel.

Where in Tucson can you buy the B99? I am in Sierra vista AZ. thanks in advance for a reply Womack. MAJ D

 

[WWomack]

Az petrolium at 1015 S Cherry Ave Tucson, AZ . I just got 5 gallons from them and they are open 24/ 7, if you dont get by before closing.

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Still cautious

OK, Thanks Womack, appreciate the info. According to the other posts here I can use 2% of this BD with ULSD and my lubricity will be increased but now I am reading other posts that say that with my new 2008 6. 7 and the supposed "changes" they built into the fuel pump for the lower lubricity of ULSD that I should NOT be putting ANYTHING in that fuel tank but ULSD? Also stated that the solvent properties in BD cleanse the engine fuel delivery systems and it is necessary to change fuel filters more frequently in the begining of use of BD until the system is purged of any residue. It also affects the elastopolymer components. . actually dissolves them with higher concentrations and if it gets on your paint it will disolve that too. Scary stuff. It's hard to find a good UNBIASED article on it as there are so many. Anybody got a link to a good article concerning BD and problems they encounted in using it? BrianJ's link was awesome and provided much of the info stated above... but again. . all biased even with the impressive ASTM's ratings. Anyone have a link from Cummins regarding this issue?? I am thinking I may need to write to them (Cummins) to get an official statement. I am still under Cummins warranty and Dodge warranty (for whatever thats worth ... . NOW?)

 

[ZBrooks]

SNGLESHOT - Here's a link that will tell you all you need to know about biodiesel and your 6. 7L.



Why 2007 & Newer ULSD Emission Vehicles Don't Like Biodiesel - Topic Powered by Eve For Enterprise

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

SNGLESHOT - Here's a link that will tell you all you need to know about biodiesel and your 6. 7L.



Why 2007 & Newer ULSD Emission Vehicles Don't Like Biodiesel - Topic Powered by Eve For Enterprise

The key here, is:

Either way, it's not a great thing for those of us wanting to run high blends of Biodiesel in new diesel vehicles.

Much of the discussion here is NOT "high blends", or percentages - but just enough to provide a desired extra level of lubricity as "insurance"...

 

[ZBrooks]

The key here, is:







Much of the discussion here is NOT "high blends", or percentages - but just enough to provide a desired extra level of lubricity as "insurance"...

Did you read beyond the first post? Much of the discussion in that thread deals with low percentages of biodiesel blends, such as B5. Some folks are/were even having issues with less than B5 because of the post combustion injection event.



Half a gallon of bio per tank is just over 1%. If I had a 6. 7L, I wouldn't even run that unless I removed the dpf. By running bio in a 6. 7L, any "insurance" you're trying to get for your pickup is more than likely going to end up in the crankcase with the dpf installed. For those of us with a 5. 9, any % will work.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Did you read beyond the first post? Much of the discussion in that thread deals with low percentages of biodiesel blends, such as B5. Some folks are/were even having issues with less than B5 because of the post combustion injection event.



Half a gallon of bio per tank is just over 1%. If I had a 6. 7L, I wouldn't even run that unless I removed the dpf. By running bio in a 6. 7L, any "insurance" you're trying to get for your pickup is more than likely going to end up in the crankcase with the dpf installed. For those of us with a 5. 9, any % will work.

YUP - I nissed the followup posts, sorry - surprised that even the far lower bio concentrations are a problem - and one not likely to be easily overcome - thanks for setting the record straight...



As an additional point of interest worth consideration, I wonder if even the commonly used aftermarket additives such as Stanadyne and Power Service also cause a problem on those specific year trucks, due to the same causes?

 

[steved]

I'd absolutely LOVE to be able to get about a 50 gallon drum of B99 to store, and then add to the plain ULSD sold in this area - and stop using the 2-stroke oil and Diesel Kleen mix I'm now stuck with - I'm sold on the added lubricity it provides - but would prefer simply adding the bio stuff instead...



No known source of Biofuel anywhere close to eastern Oregon - but will be down in the Sacramento area of California in a week or so - any retail sources of B99 in that area?

Gary:



Call your local heating oil/fuel distibutors, they will most often have access to biodiesel and not be on a map or advertise it.



According to a "map" of retailers, the closest biodiesel was over 100miles out... a few phone calls found it about 5 miles from the house... and they would fill 5-gallon cans or deliver 150 gallons.