Bio-Diesel

[Matt42]

Can BioDiesel be used without modification to a stock Diesel light truck, like ours?

 

[lschultz]

I don't know about the Cummins but some of the fellows running the VW TDI's are using it.

 

[Blakers]

It says in the 03 Ram book not to use it. I believe some of the esters in the biodiesel can eat rubber o-rings, etc. I would think they would start making new engines capable of running on it without harm.

 

[illflem]

What Cummins said pre '03,

"Cummins neither approves or disapproves of the use of biodiesel fuel. The use of biodiesel fuel does not affect Cummins Material and Workmanship warranty. "

Much more here http://www.cummins.com/na/pages/en/....cfm?uuid=000947AD-64AE-1B8D-BCF080C4A8F00000



On '03s the problem is an issue known as flocking. The Bio is changed by the much higher fuel pressures of the common rail and return fuel coagulates (flocks) in the tank, plugging filters on it's next trip though.

Running 100% bio (B-100) isn't economic and never will be but a B-2 blend results in 60% more lubricity and is fine for older 5. 9s.

B-100 will never be seen in common usage, just experimental, it will always be a blend. Most all older diesel engines have no problem up to B-20.



Here's a couple older ones that have over 100k on 100% bio

http://www.missouri.edu/~pavt0689/Cummins_5.9L_Biodiesel_Fueled_Engines.pdf

University of Idaho has two '95s with over 100k on B-100, no problems



And a message board that answers your question in more detail

http://forums.biodieselnow.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1004



The Minnesota Legislature passed a law last year requiring that all diesel fuel be blended with 2 percent vegetable oil or animal fat by June 2005. Iowa and Wisconsin are considering similar bills. It will be national before too long.

 

[alt]

We run it in our farm equipment. Only 2% though. It cost us a little more but it benefits farmers by the use of soybeans. If I could find a station around me that sold bio-diesel I would buy it to run in my truck even if it did cost more.

Paul

 

[TomGolden]

I have been running a 2% concentration of soy oil since July 2002. I buy the 5 gallon jugs at Costco and mix it with some other additive, such as PowerService or Amsoil diesel additives.

 

[Blakers]

Soybean oil is not biodiesel. No telling what damage you will do with that. That stuff congeles an will solidify after a while. You must split the glycerin out of it before you use it.

 

[alt]

So they don't use soybeans in the production of bio-diesel???

 

[illflem]

Biodiesel isn't salad or cooking oil but is any number of vegetable or animal oils including soybean that have been refined for use as fuel.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Don't know how I missed this post...

I've been making and running Biodiesel for 4 years now. I run it in every car of mine, including my Cummins. If you'rer worried about softening rubber orings and hoses then use it in concentrations under 20% or so. Other than some cold weather gelling I haven't experienced any of the supposed biodiesel related problems that manufacturers and others claim.

Biodiesel makes a great pump lubricant, even in very small quantities. It cuts down on soot and HC production too (100%biodiesel makes about 70% less soot in the same vehicle). You will also see about 5% reduction in fuel mileage if you run it in 100% concentrations.

Joe

 

[LightmanE300]

LOL, finally someone else on this board that knows something about biodiesel!



Folks run up to B20 in your Cummmins, including '03's and you will have no problems, only benefits. The 'flocking' mentioned above isn't an issue in HPCR injection systems with blends such as b20 or below. Running b2 will improve lubricity a tad, but you won't see any major benefits doing that. B20 is the ideal mix, as it will provide significant emissions/smoke reduction, increased overall cetane and lubricity, and a nice chunk of change you didn't throw over to the middle east for fuel.



I've run b100 (100% bio) in my TDI for 25,000 miles with excellent oil analysis results, and the smoothness and quiet idle is awesome. Smelling like a fryer is a side benefit! I can't ever seem to tell if its my exhaust or mcdonalds i'm smelling while i'm in the drive thru with my windows down. It's really really close in smell.



I run B20 in two '99 Mercedes E-class turbodiesels, and the decrease in idle racket and smoothness is awesome.



It helps your engine, helps the environment, and helps the economy. It's a win-win.



I personally believe the cummins will run on 100% biodiesel without problems, but B20 is undeniably safe. It's been tested in school buses and state and city fleets for millions of miles.

 

[LightmanE300]

Here's a chart showing the awesome emissions reductions of biodiesel use. Note NOX emissions are ever so slightly increased, more with 100% use. However, the carbon, hydrocarbon, etc etc are all WAY reduced. Even at a 20% blend (B20) the emissions reductions are significant.



Oops it won't let me add the pic now.

 

[LightmanE300]

here it is, the bio emissions chart. Sorry it had to be so small, the site has the gay picture size limit...

 

[FreeBMW]

what are the advantages to running bio diesel? is it just the enviro stuff or does it lube the pump better as well?

 

[illflem]

1% biodiesel mixed with straight diesel will raise the lubricity 60% over straight diesel.

 

[LightmanE300]

Better lubricity, higher cetane, doesn't contribute to our country's foreign oil consumption, supports american farmers, is renewable(not a finite resource like petroleum), etc. Best of all, your engine runs quieter, less smoky, and more smoothly. BURN THE BEAN BABY!

 

[JLEONARD]

I don't know anything about bio-diesel and have never seen the stuff around here (Connecticut).

Where would I get some to try?

Jay

 

[illflem]

There are no pumping stations for biodiesel in CT. The closest are in Boston, N. Hampton and Maryland.

You can buy it in drums here http://ctbiodzl.freeshell.org/

 

[NC_Mog]

I've run B20 in my '03 HO with zero problems. Runs just as smooth, and the power is still good. That and the exhaust smells a bit better.



I really want to run it in my '67 MB diesel. Normally it smokes like a SOB; I'd really like to see the difference with B20 in the tank. I just need to have a spare set of fuel filters on hand once the biodiesel cleans the tank out.

 

[David Pendleton]

Nearly everything you ever wanted to know about biodiesel

For more information about biodiesel, visit:



http://www.biodiesel.org



You will find a station locator there, also.



If you would like to make your own biodiesel, the 'bible' of biodiesel cookery is:



'From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank'

Joshua Tickel

ISBN 0-9707227-0-2



You'd be suprised at how easy, (and cheap) it is to make.



David