BioDiesel B20 opinions?

[American Adventurist]

What say you? I pulled into Love's truck stop and saw B20 at the pump and waved off. Is anyone here running B20 on 4th gens?

 

[Newsa]

If you run B20, you're not supposed to switch back and forth between full Petroleum diesel and B20. Use only one or the other consistently. I haven't seen it enough to know i will always be able to get it. You're also supposed to change both fuel.filters when you switch.

I believe they say B20 is only approved for fleet trucks that always refuel at the same place using the same fuel?

 

[American Adventurist]

If you run B20, you're not supposed to switch back and forth between full Petroleum diesel and B20. Use only one or the other consistently. I haven't seen it enough to know i will always be able to get it. You're also supposed to change both fuel.filters when you switch.

I believe they say B20 is only approved for fleet trucks that always refuel at the same place using the same fuel?

That sounds like a PITA because availability is not always assured on long trips, especially with the remote travel I do away from the interstates.

 

[EDankievitch]

I've been running B20 and B100 since 2005 with No Issues aside from the gelling of the B100 one year before I could blend it for winter. I currently have winter blend B20 in my tank. If i remember right the 4th gen trucks are designed to run on B20. And I have switched back and forth between B20 and reg Diesel when I can't get B20 with out any issues. Good quality BioDiesel from a good supplier is not an issue for our trucks. Now that Ethanol **** they put in our Gas that's another story......

 

[Cummins12V98]

I seem to get good mileage with the B20.

 

[JackFate]

2016 manual states you need to take to dealer to have something done to run b20

 

[MLee]

So do they finally have a blend that won't Gel in colder climates? in the winter. Or do you just stay away from it in the winter.

 

[American Adventurist]

2016 manual states you need to take to dealer to have something done to run b20

Damn. That's ridiculous - you'd think you wouldn't need to "take it to the dealer" for every damn little tweak. That and the fact that most folks are just going to plug B20 in anyway oblivious to the caveat buried in the manual. SMH.

 

[American Adventurist]

I seem to get good mileage with the B20.

Did you take it to the dealer prior to running B20?

 

[sag2]

You need to check the owner's manual for your particular truck. Each year is different so you can't just say 3rd or 4th gen truck. The reason the truck needs to go to the dealer is because IF the truck can run B20 the truck needs to get programmed for added maintanience intervals. The fuel filter change requirements are increased with the use of B20. It acts like a great solvent and any fuel system deposits will plug the filter faster. If you have a fuel system failure and you are running B20 or higher and the truck was not updated they do not have to cover the repair.

 

[JackFate]

When traveling in Minnesota I found the Holiday stations pumps tag read up to 15% bio so I don't go there. May have been up to 20% bio

 

[Newsa]

You need to check the owner's manual for your particular truck. Each year is different so you can't just say 3rd or 4th gen truck. The reason the truck needs to go to the dealer is because IF the truck can run B20 the truck needs to get programmed for added maintanience intervals. The fuel filter change requirements are increased with the use of B20. It acts like a great solvent and any fuel system deposits will plug the filter faster. If you have a fuel system failure and you are running B20 or higher and the truck was not updated they do not have to cover the repair.

^^^^Best (most complete) explanation of the situation & what FCA expects of Ram 6.7 owners^^^^^

 

[Newsa]

When traveling in Minnesota I found the Holiday stations pumps tag read up to 15% bio so I don't go there. May have been up to 20% bio

Interesting . Maybe if its <20%......it doesn't have to be labeled B20?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Did you take it to the dealer prior to running B20?

It is compatible

 

[EDankievitch]

I was going to bring up that I seem to get slightly better fuel MPG's running the B20 blend. I also find that it seems to have less Re-gen cycles.

 

[Newsa]

From Biodiesel.org

There are a few PRECAUTIONS to take when making the switch to B20:

• Make sure you buy B20 from a reputable source.
• Buy fuel that is already blended. This will help ensure that the biodiesel has been properly handled and treated for climatic needs.
• Never buy from someone making fuel in their garage or backyard.
• Biodiesel is a cleaning agent, which means petroleum deposits may end up in the fuel filter until the system is clean. Stick to your regular maintenance schedule, unless your vehicle feels sluggish when accelerating. This is a symptom of a plugged filter and should be checked immediately.

 

[2013megacab]

This subject comes up periodically. As previously stated you must (very carefully) read the manual for your truck, including the Diesel Supplement. Omitting the paragraphs about ASTM Standards, etc., mine says:

"Bio-Diesel Fuel Requirements"

(Deleted Chassis Cab Model stuff)

"Pickup Models And Chassis Cab Models Ordered
With B20 Option"

(I presume I can delete the words "And Chassis Cab Models Ordered With B20 Option" in accordance with English language grammar rules. It is my understanding that the B20 option added the frame-mounted filter to the Chassis Cab models)

"Your vehicle has been validated and approved for the use
of Biodiesel in blends up to 20% (B20) provided that you
comply with the requirements outlined below. It is important
that you understand and comply with these
requirements. Failure to comply with Oil Change requirements
for vehicles operating on biodiesel blends up to
B20 will result in premature engine wear. Such wear is
not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty"

and

"Fuel Water Separation - Must Use Mopar/Cummins
Approved Fuel Filter Elements"

and

"Fuel In Oil Dilution - Must Adhere To Required
Oil Change Interval
Fuel dilution of lubricating oil has been observed with
the use of Biodiesel fuel. Fuel in oil must not exceed 5
percent. To ensure this limit is met your oil change
interval must be maintained to the following schedule:
• Ram PickUp 2500/3500 Only –15,000 Miles*
• Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab – 12,500 Miles*
(*unless otherwise notified with a oil service message)"

NOTE: There is no mention of decreased fuel filter service requirements, and the oil filter change requirements are unchanged for my 2500.

So, as long as I change the oil and oil filter every 15,000 miles or 6 months and fuel filters every 15,000 miles and use MoPar-approved oils and filters I should be golden.

Al

 

[Cummins12V98]

If you read the "disclaimer" there is not necessarily B20 coming out of the nozzle!

 

[Cornstalk]

I try to always buy diesel at our local Casey's which their diesel is Bio Free or the FS they also have Bio Free diesel in the winter months and they add their additive to it.

 

[JR]

Federal law allows retailers to sell up to B5 without labeling. B6-B20 retailers must put signage up stating "May contain up to B20" but are not required to list specific percentages and can change without notice. B20 -B100 must be labeled as such.

I just read an interesting article the other day where they compared the emissions output of ASTM grade B20 vs regular #2 diesel in two identical new engines. The article touted about how B20 produced 67% fewer particulate matter than regular #2. When I dug through the report I came across the numbers, that 67% was something like 0.0033g/bhp less than regular #2... :-laf
Apparently current engines are pretty dang clean.