Biodiesel?

[JSanchez]

Has anyone out there used Biodiesel fuel? I know there are two types: 100% and a 20% blend. It is made from soy and other vegetable oils, as well as animal fats. I was curious to see if anyone has experience with these fuels, and how they perform. It sounds very interesting--I don't know what the cost is per gallon, but with the price of fuel today, I hope it is a viable alternative.

Chime in.

 

[JKibby]

J Sanchez,



I am very interested in this but I don't know if it's an option. There might be some modifications needed to run this fuel but I have no idea. I know there are several places to get it but I'm like you I need to research it first.



Jim

 

[jcarey]

Me too! Do a search on biodiesel on both TDR and Google,com. There's a ton of info. B100's pure biodiesel; B20's an 80-20 blend of bio and regular diesel. I've read on TDR forums about guys who use it regularly. We're waiting on our new truck, but we plan on buying B100 and adding it to regular diesel to make B20. It's suppposed to lubricate as well as help keep the fuel system clean.

 

[JSanchez]

The latest info. I have is that biodiesel (B20) is more expensive than regular diesel. Here in California it is about $2. 59 per gallon at the pump. B100, which is pure biodiesel, can be burned with modifications, or it can be used to blend with regular diesel (20%). B100 is around $4. 27 per gallon, but you should shop around as you can buy from several producers around the country. I know this sounds like alot in comparison to regular diesel, but there may be a price reduction of between $. 50 cents to $1. 00 per gallon if the provisions in the Federal Energy Bill are passed. This will cut taxes on biodiesel because it is an alternative fuel. It would be a good idea for those interested to contact their Congress person and voice their support for this bill. Also, our respective state Senators should be contacted as well. In California there is a similar bill. Make yourselves heard!

 

[jrjuday]

I have been using biodiesel for about a year and a half with no problems. Try this link for info. www.Biodiesel.org.

 

[JFrazier]

Page 234 of the '03 Owner's Manual says,



"NOTE: As sufficient testing has not been completed, organically blended diesel fuels (e. g. biodiesel, ethanol, and methanol blends) are not recommended or approved for use with your Cummins Diesel equipped Dodge Ram Truck"



Pretty hard to ignore that strong of a statement. Doesn't come right out and say that it'll void the warrantee but I'd hate to have to argue the point with DC if they said a problem was caused by using biodiesel.



Jim

 

[JSanchez]

Just a note: Biodiesel meets the same ASTM requirements for regular diesel. I believe it is ASTM D 6751.

 

[DFrank]

B 20 is available in Boulder Co for just under $2/ Gal. I burn it from time to time and don't notice any diference, beyond the 30 cents extra per gallon. The warm fuzzy feeling of "being green" wore off pretty quick.



I did read that it actually lubricartes fuel injector pumps better than conventional fuel. Not sure if it's true.

 

[JSanchez]

DFrank,

I agree. If Biodiesel is to be a viable alternative, the cost has to be equal to, or less than, the fuel it is replacing. After all, who wants to pay more?

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Originally posted by DFrank

B 20 is available in Boulder Co for just under $2/ Gal. I burn it from time to time and don't notice any diference, beyond the 30 cents extra per gallon.

Huh??? At $2. 00 per gallon Biodiesel is CHEAPER than what plain #2 costs around here

 

[DFrank]

Bummer, on the prices there Vaugn. I'm sure we'll see them soon enough, but In Boulder I am paying 1. 69 ish and b20 is just under $2. I've heard the truck stops on I25 are just over 1. 50.



Dve

 

[MikeKelley]

#2 is $2. 50 here in the Sierra Mountains and biodiesel is $3. 00.

 

[JSanchez]

I think it is important to realize how blatantly we are being robbed at the fuel pump. Here in so. California diesel has gone up 50 cents per gallon in the last 3 weeks!! ($2. 25 from $1. 76), and gasoline has only gone up 5 to 10 cents per gallon. How can this be justified when diesel is cheaper to make than gas? Any thoughts?

 

[MikeKelley]

Originally posted by JSanchez

I think it is important to realize how blatantly we are being robbed at the fuel pump. Here in so. California diesel has gone up 50 cents per gallon in the last 3 weeks!! ($2. 25 from $1. 76), and gasoline has only gone up 5 to 10 cents per gallon. How can this be justified when diesel is cheaper to make than gas? Any thoughts?

My thoughts exactly. Diesel is cheaper to make, taxes on it are lower, yet it has gone up this week here 35cents and the price of gas has stayed the same. Diesel now costs more than Premium Gasoline. It seems we have drifted off topic. Anyway, if biodiesel was less expensive I would use it, but not at $3. 00/gal.

 

[doldenburg]

anyone know about waste oil-used cooking oilburning?

 

[RobbieH]

http://www.greasel.com

 

[AUrban]

Or more specifically (gen. 3'ers)...



http://www.greasel.com/html/body_tech_section.html#NewerCummins

 

[MBurtch]

Is there any new information from anyone burning biodiesel in a 3rd generation truck?



A friend stopped by work yesterday. He has a ford. He has been collecting waste cooking oil and processing it himself. He said it cost about $500 in parts to make the processor himself. I think he said the finnished product cost him between . 40 and . 50 a gallon.

 

[lethal injection]

I have been running b100 for awhile now. You do not have to do any mods to run it. I have had zero problems and wont go back to that crappy #2. Bio diesel is 2. 90 here and #2 is 3. 19