Question

[Shane Farmer]

I'm wanting to here from some people who know first hand about biodiesel.

Like, can you run this stuff on the highway?

Is it actually an alternative that is practical?

Any more information would be very appreciated.







92' 250 converted dually. Tweaked pump 30%, BD turbo and pyro gauges.

and currently more love for my truck than money :{

 

[GIT-R-DONE]

Check out these guys web site:



http://www.azurebiodiesel.com/

 

[TKirby]

Should also check out www.freedomfuelamerica.com for some info.

 

[Sri Ram]

answer

Shane, I have been running a mixture of anywhere from 20-100% biodiesel for approximately one year. I have noticed no detrimental effects from doing so. In fact, in my '93, it seems to have reduced significantly the excessive white smoke that came out before the engine reached normal operating temp. It also cleans out the fuel tank, lines, and injectors as well as any additive.



The most noticeable effect has been, of course, that it doesn't smell so bad. (However, it's still exhaust. Don't breathe it!)



At a local diesel shop, a guy suggested that it was bad for the rotary VE pump in these 1st gens. He claimed that the various seals and rings will deteriorate over time when exposed to bio-fuel. That would be VERY bad because new pumps and rebuilds are expensive!



I'd offer that at this point, it's anyone's guess about how 'safe' it is for your rig to use biodiesel. Educate and decide for yourself. In the near future, we may see diesel engines designed–again–to be run on bio-fuel…

 

[THuebner]

rubber fuel line deterioration

Hi,

I've heard that certain types of rubber are deteriorated by bio-diesel and that certain parts of 1st gen. fuel systems are susceptible to this deterioration. Anyone familiar with this?

Thanks.

Tom

 

[TSuter]

We've been running B-20 on base for going on two years, I believe that includes the generators and what-not used to power the aircraft and we haven't had any of the above mentioned problems that I've heard of.



Tom

 

[Sri Ram]

bio-deterioration

"I've heard that certain types of rubber are deteriorated by bio-diesel and that certain parts of 1st gen. fuel systems are susceptible to this deterioration. Anyone familiar with this?"



S'funny you should ask. I was at the shop the other day (getting my dowel pin tabbed!) and the guy there put the fear of death into me over running biofuel through my rotary-style injection pump–the kind used in the 1st gens. He claimed–and he called another guy on the phone to confirm–that the various seals and o-rings would degrade when used with biodiesel.



And yet, I've had no problems after a year or so of using soy bean biodiesel.



Still, it is a valid fear. Biofuel WILL degrade some types of rubber. I've even heard that it will take your paint off if you spill it and leave it there. So, keep a rag handy when y'all are filling up! Also, it will spontaneously combust if you leave a pile of rags soaked in it sitting around. Let 'em dry first.