Cummins Announces B20 Approval

[DZLROKET]

Yeah I emailed DC when I heard about the 20% thing with Cummins. Got back a form letter sayin basicly: Dodge is aproved for 5%. They did not address the issue at all.

 

[mhenon]

I'm currently running B10 ULSD. I'm a little worried about the combination of bio and ULSD. Doing some research on that now...



Ryan

Ryan... I would think the combo is perfect. ULSD being a little drying and bio adding back the lubricity. What were your concerns of running the two?

Mike

 

[rbattelle]

Ryan... I would think the combo is perfect. ULSD being a little drying and bio adding back the lubricity. What were your concerns of running the two?

Mike

Well, apparently the biodiesel mix with ULSD shows an increased oxidation rate over normal petroleum diesel. That means the fuel breaks down rapidly. It can lead to varnish and other fuel system deposits.

I spoke with Stanadyne today regarding their Performance Formula. The bottles state it's good up to B5, but they said there's no problem using it up to B20. After B20 (even B21), the performance formula loses its water demulsifying effect.

I will continue to run the B10/ULSD combo. Can't worry about everything, right?

Ryan

 

[THenningsen]

hey ryan... . any further on this? I found a station close to the house that has B10... debating on whether to run it or not. What have you found out?

 

[rbattelle]

Well, I ran B10 for over a year with no ill effects whatsoever. Unfortunately, the fuel station I was using (the only one within 30 miles that carries bio) changed ownership and stopped offering biodiesel.

I'm very upset. That was about a month ago. Since I rarely drive the truck anymore, I haven't needed to refuel since then.

The two main crops in this part of Ohio are soybeans and corn. And yet biodiesel is nearly impossible to find.

Ryan

 

[FDrake]

Does anyone know how to find out if a station near you sells Bio? It has to be easier to search on line that driving all around the city to spot one.
Frank

 

[icman95]

You know, for all the talk here and in the news about bio, I haven't seen one pump of it in my neck of the woods. Don't know if I'd like, it, but I sure want the chance to try. Does anyone know where in eastern CT it can be had? Also, what does it do for fuel economy? Is it better, the same, or worse than dino fuel?

 

[PatrickHansen]

To find biodiesel, you can go to these sites:

Biodiesel Stations | OVER 1500 VERIFIED LOCATIONS IN THE US

BioTrucker.com - America's Farmers Fueling America's Truckers!

 

[Bob4x4]

You know, for all the talk here and in the news about bio, I haven't seen one pump of it in my neck of the woods. Don't know if I'd like, it, but I sure want the chance to try. Does anyone know where in eastern CT it can be had? Also, what does it do for fuel economy? Is it better, the same, or worse than dino fuel?

Less btu's per lb,more water... ... ... ... ... ... ..... more money,lower cloud point

 

[rbattelle]

To find biodiesel, you can go to these sites:



Biodiesel Stations | OVER 1500 VERIFIED LOCATIONS IN THE US



BioTrucker.com - America's Farmers Fueling America's Truckers!

Part of the problem is these lists are not necessarily accurate. The station that I used to fill up at is listed, under it's old name and with B10. Neither are accurate anymore.



There is a "Gas America" close to me with B2, but I'm wary about filling up at low-volume stations. I guess I'll have to check it out.



Ryan

 

[icman95]

Thanks for the tips guys. I'll have to check out those sites as soon as I get my rear axle seal fixed. It broke on the way home today and I don't think I'll have time to do it myself. Have to call my mechanic tomorrow & see if he'll take it soon.



Thanks for the btu comparision, Bob. Less btu's might turn me off, but not until I try it for myself. Of course, diesel's btus vs gasoline are a lot higher, therefore the better mpg. I was hoping that bio would be close.

 

[icman95]

I lied. I went to those sites just now. They seem to list bulk suppliers that I assume are home heating oil people as well as retail outlets, so not every listing there will fuel our trucks. It seems that there are either 1 or 2 retail outlets in the whole state of CT. I have to imagine that there are more than that. Perhaps they just haven't gotten the word out yet. All the others that came up on my search were in surrounding states. I will be making a day trip to southern New Hampshire next month and will be passing through a town listed as having a retail pump. If we end up taking my truck I'll have to make a point to stop and get some.



Thanks all.

 

[icman95]

HOLY COW GUYS! Talk about incredible timing! Just as I was signing off, an article on the TV news came on about building a biodiesel plant here in CT that would be the largest one in New England. The Town of Suffield, CT just had a town meeting to discuss allowing a company called Connecticut Biodiesel to build a $65 million plant to produce the stuff. Some of the residents voiced concerns that the plant will emit pollution and increase commercial truck traffic in the area. This is a rural (by CT's standards) town without much industry so the people are afraid of things like this. It looks like the town fathers might turn it down, but I don't think the decision was made yet. I say bring it on!!

 

[rbattelle]

Less btu's per lb,more water... ... ... ... ... ... ..... more money,lower cloud point

Higher cetane (minimum 47), higher lubricity than petroleum.





Here's a link with lots of info.



Ryan

 

[Bob4x4]

How does using biodiesel affect the engine warranty?

Cummins engine warranty covers failures that are a result of defects in material or factory workmanship. Engine damage, service issues and/or performance issues determined by Cummins to be caused by the use of biodiesel fuel not meeting the specifications outlined in the Fuels Requirements - Service Bulletin (3379001-11) are not considered to be defects in material or workmanship, and are not covered under Cummins engine warranty.



This is no different from Cummins position with any regular diesel fuel. Cummins does not cover the damage caused by products from other companies that may have insufficient quality. It is important to ensure when using any diesel fuel or a B20 biodiesel blend with a Cummins engine that the fuel meets industry acceptable quality standards.





From the Cummins website

 

[Bob4x4]

Is B20 approved for the Dodge Ram Turbo Diesel?

For Cummins engines in Dodge Ram trucks, biodiesel fuel can be blended with an acceptable diesel fuel up to a 20 percent volume concentration (B20) for municipal, government and commercial fleets only. This applies to selected model year vehicles. Please consult DaimlerChrysler for specific requirements and approved vehicle models.