First Tank of Bio

[Alan Reagan]

I fueled up with Bio Diesel for the first time on Saturday. First impression is that the engine seems quieter and starts better cold. I was talking to a heavy equipment mover at the pumps and he was fueling up with Bio, also. He told me that's all they use. He said that the equipment and trucks start better when it's cold and that they are seeing better fuel mileage since switching to the Bio.



I'm going to run it for a while and see how it does.

 

[CMcDonald]

Where did you get it? How much does it cost per gallon? I live in North Atlanta and I have not seen any bio out yet.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I use fleet fueling in Perry, GA. Davis Oil is the distributor. The fleet fueling system I use is part of the Pacific Pride system but it's not billed by Pac Pride. I called the distributor, told him how much fuel I used per month and he sent me an access card. The fuel stop carries #2, #2 offroad and Bio. Bio is 2-5 cents per gallon higher but is expected to drop as more people switch over. I won't know the actual cost until I get my bill this week.

 

[DCasten]

One of the local dealers in Iowa has started selling. I've run about 60 gal so far and have not noticed a mileage difference but it does “seem” quieter. My wife with her good ears does not think its any better, “Still sounds like a truck to me”

 

[DBond]

I fueled up with Bio Diesel for the first time on Saturday. First impression is that the engine seems quieter and starts better cold. I was talking to a heavy equipment mover at the pumps and he was fueling up with Bio, also. He told me that's all they use. He said that the equipment and trucks start better when it's cold and that they are seeing better fuel mileage since switching to the Bio.



I'm going to run it for a while and see how it does.

Your obsevations are what is typically reported with biodiesel. I think higher cetane makes the observable difference, but you also are getting great lubricity, and lower emmisions.

I am assuming you are getting a lowblend, like B2- B5? The reason I ask is that if you are getting B100 (pure biodiesel) it can clean out petro diesel crud from your fuel system, and you need to be aware of the higher gel temp. Those aren't concerns at the low blend rates.

 

[grfraz]

Bio is 2-5 cents per gallon higher



In most cases bio-diesel is cheaper to produce, this station is probably just gouging you since there are very few places that you can buy it.



The company that I work for, here in Augusta, gives 100's of gallons of sesame and soy bean oil to a company in Rome Ga and they process it into bio-diesel fuel. However, I do not know if they sell it to the public or not.

 

[Alan Reagan]

This is the 20% blend. I'm still going to change out my fuel filter a little early. I can tell you that the exhaust certainly smells different. I won't know about the mileage until I refuel but right now the overhead is showing 21 and it is pretty accurate. Normally it shows about 20. 7 over a long period.

 

[Ereynolds72]

Where did you get it? How much does it cost per gallon? I live in North Atlanta and I have not seen any bio out yet.

SA White Oil Co. in Smyrna sells it. They are just off Atlanta Rd. I fueled up a couple of times. They sell straight B100 and it was about . 30 cheaper when I filled up. I haven't checked in awhile though.

 

[Mobius1]

I fueled up with Bio Diesel for the first time on Saturday.

Did you have to do any modifications to your fuel system at all for it to accept Bio??

 

[DBrickel]

I have ran two tanks through mine and haven't noticed much difference. I was warned to change fuel filter after the 2nd tank because the bio will super clean your lines and tank. Mpg is about the same and the price is a bit more expensive than dino. I'm all for most anything that will help get us off our dependence of opec oil.

 

[DBond]

Did you have to do any modifications to your fuel system at all for it to accept Bio??

Depends on what % bio you run, and how old the truck is.

B100, pure biodiesel, is a good cleaner that can send petro crud to the filter. Also can soften materials used in pre '94ish vehicles.

B5 (5% bio) or less you shouldn't need to worry about anything in a 3rd gen CTD.

B20 probably no issue but maybe a filter change depending on how dirty your system is. Higher levels you would want to work up to, to clean out the system gradually.

 

[rbattelle]

I've been running B2 (highest concentration available here) for a couple months, but can't say I've noticed any difference from the engine (except that I "feel" better). I keep waiting for B20 to become available here.



-Ryan

 

[GaryCarter]

I burned two tanks on vacation. Could tell no difference. However I didn't sniff the exhaust.



Gary

 

[CumminsBu]

Great News to hear, Cann't wait for Bio to be avaible in VA.

 

[MMeier]

This is the 20% blend. I'm still going to change out my fuel filter a little early. I can tell you that the exhaust certainly smells different. I won't know about the mileage until I refuel but right now the overhead is showing 21 and it is pretty accurate. Normally it shows about 20. 7 over a long period.

How about with pen and paper?

 

[MMeier]

I've been running B2 (highest concentration available here) for a couple months, but can't say I've noticed any difference from the engine (except that I "feel" better). I keep waiting for B20 to become available here.



-Ryan

2%?, is that even enough to make a difference in the first place ?

 

[Cattletrkr]

2%?, is that even enough to make a difference in the first place ?

It's enough to eliminate the "need" for fuel additives. B2 is better fuel than the sulfur laden crap that everybody misses so.



I've burned up about 2000gal. of B5, and about 500gal. each of B20 and B40. No noticeable performance changes. Exhaust is kinda cool smelling.



I'm back to B2 until Mar. or April though. I like running bio when I can, but I'm not willing to risk gelling to do it. Any of you who think *Dixie* is the Nat'l Anthem, you don't have anything to worry about with any mix.

 

[DBond]

2%?, is that even enough to make a difference in the first place ?

Depends on where you are trying to make a difference.



2% is basically makes it premium diesel. a little higher cetane, excellent lubricity, and a cleaner fuel system.

As far as reducing OPEC imports or cleaning the air it's small, but it's a start.