Biodiesel added to Diesel

JESSE1 · Jul 2, 2011

I've recently noticed that all the area diesel pumps have a sticker that says "up to 5% biodiesel added". Is this a new requirement or a regional thing? I've heard biodiesel adds lubricity to the ULSD so it may be a good thing.

clemsonfor · Jul 3, 2011

JESSE1 said:
I've recently noticed that all the area diesel pumps have a sticker that says "up to 5% biodiesel added". Is this a new requirement or a regional thing? I've heard biodiesel adds lubricity to the ULSD so it may be a good thing.

Yea i think i like to have 5% as it does add lubricity but not to the point to gell or clog injectors.

I got behind a mercedes running bio deisel friday on my way home. It was an 80s model i think and had the biodeisel sticker and all. They always say it sells like cooking frenchfries. So i turned the AC off recirculate to smell it. It was horrible. I would much rather smell REAL deisel than that stuff. It was like old nasty burning fry oil or just old nasty cooking oil. It was really bad smelling, worse to me than deisel.

clemsonfor · Jul 3, 2011

EDIT: deleted, cause of double post.

PoorMansCat · Jul 4, 2011

clemsonfor said:
Yea i think i like to have 5% as it does add lubricity but not to the point to gell or clog injectors.

I got behind a mercedes running bio deisel friday on my way home. It was an 80s model i think and had the biodeisel sticker and all. They always say it sells like cooking frenchfries. So i turned the AC off recirculate to smell it. It was horrible. I would much rather smell REAL deisel than that stuff. It was like old nasty burning fry oil or just old nasty cooking oil. It was really bad smelling, worse to me than deisel.

should have used free range chicken grease!!..

Been noticing the 5% aded logo as well.... I don't really mind it other than the slight loss in fuel efficiency.... the lubricity is a welcomed addition though...

dmccarty · Jul 5, 2011

We do not have Biodiesel mixed into diesel except at special pumps which are only at a few stations.

I do not buy the stuff since it is overpriced per gallon and give less MPG.

Later,
Dan

Ken45101 · Jul 5, 2011

Biodiesel does result in a reduction in power and fuel economy although it's small with 5%.

Here is some information from Deere:

The risk of problems occurring in the engine increases as the level of biodiesel blend increases.

The following must be considered when using biodiesel blends up to B20:

Expect a 2 percent reduction in power and a 3 percent reduction in fuel economy when using B20
Cold weather flow degradation
Stability and storage issues (moisture absorption, oxidation, microbial growth)
Possible filter restriction and plugging (usually a problem when first switching to biodiesel on used engines)
Possible fuel leakage through seals and hoses
Possible reduction of service life of engine components

In addition to those factors listed above, the following must also be considered when using biodiesel blends above B20:

Expect up to a 12 percent reduction in power and an 18 percent reduction in fuel economy when using B100
Possible coking and/or blocked injector nozzles, resulting in power loss and engine misfire if John Deere-approved fuel conditioners containing detergent/dispersant additives are not used

Full information at:

John Deere Power Systems Biodiesel FAQs

Ken

jonyyuma · Jul 5, 2011

I have not noticed any bio-diesel stickers here yet on the fuel dispensers...It is 3.80 a gallon. But the PUtruck in front made me hungry, like being at macdonalds...

Iowachild · Jul 5, 2011

Kubota's statement on biodiesel. USE OF BIODIESEL IN KUBOTA DIESEL ENGINES Notice the part about storage!!

PoorMansCat · Jul 5, 2011

yep.. some guys are running home brew.. but typically, they have a complex low pressure fuel system that involves 2 tanks... and before an overnight shutdown, they switch off of B100 to petroleum diesel to purge the fuel system completely of fry grease.
The petro diesel also helps with cold startup... then once warmed, they switch back to the B100....
Personally, I will leave all that mess to the "tinkering" guys... I'll stay on pump fuels..
One thing about Bota's position and Deere... Just a couple of years ago, bio was readily available everywhere, but there was NO set testing/verification system to ensure that B5, 10, 20, or even 100 was the same everywhere... There are now standards in place.... The disclaimers on various manufacturers web-sites may not be updated...

jonyyuma · Jul 5, 2011

The purging of the fuel is a very good method..Mercedes can burn straight fry oil if you have the sepr. tank and some need the heater element option.Tractors? not sure about it, i don't burn diesel on the road anymore, my tractor deserves the best...

PoorMansCat · Jul 5, 2011

jonyyuma said:
The purging of the fuel is a very good method..Mercedes can burn straight fry oil if you have the sepr. tank and some need the heater element option.Tractors? not sure about it, i don't burn diesel on the road anymore, my tractor deserves the best...

hahaha... same here... and for my P/U... I dont burn enough to worry about trying to brew my own.. I'm too busy trying to learn how to brew my own beer..!!!!!!....