Bio-Diesel

[Breck]

I have been running B2 in mine for about the last 20K:



1. Smokes a little bit more

2. Cost 3 cents more

3. Gets about 5-15% less milage, depends on how hard engine is working/towing.

4. Seems as though it has a little less "zip"

5. Smells better



Just my observations.



V/R



Breck

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

Hi Breck,

Not disputing your numbers, but 5-15% at only B2 seems a bit much. I've run B100 in 4 different cars now(1996 Cummins, 1999 VW Golf, 1987 Isuzu P'up, 1983 VW Quantum), and I've never lost more than about 10%... . and thats B100. My Cummins still gets 19 MPG with B100. Never checked it on straight petro though. Just wanted to post so that others know your numbers you are observing aren't typical for B2, and uncommon for even B20.

I also don't notice any power loss until Biodiesel concentrations approach 50% or so in any vehicle of mine.



Joe

 

[Breck]

Maybe it is the fuel that I am getting? I noticed that the tractors don't have as much "grunt" and go through fuel quicker as well. (They are run closer to rated power than our trucks). Like I said, nothing scientific just a casual observation.



I'll keep using it, more for the lubricity then anything else; I like to keep the VP-44 happy.



V/R



Breck

 

[bmoeller]

Talked to one of the truckers that I run with alot today. He told me that they started to use the b-diesel in their trucks a while back. (not sure on the blend or where he is buying it from, didn't ask). He said that the only thing they really noticed, was that their trucks that smoked a little before, smoke more. The ones that didn't, now do when upshifting. Said it was 3 cents cheaper than reg. #2. No noticeable difference in power or fuel economy.

 

[JoeBioDiesel]

I wonder why they observed an increase in smoking. Soot is generally decreased by up to 75% or so. There is an increase in VOFs(volatile organic fraction), which is basically hydrocarbons smaller than soot but still visible. I have notices more smoking on startup, cold, but not any other time. Bio will also smoke under other conditions like low compression and poor fuel spray from the injectors, but it's unlikely an entire truck fleet suffered those problems.



Joe