BioDiesel

[Chief]

It is not the dealer you should check with about this; check the operator's manual and warranty. It is what New Holland has in writing that is the bottom line. If a fuel related failure occurs and it is the manual that #1 & #2 diesel only are authorized; you are potentially out on a limb as it could then be the dealers word against yours. Want to bet who wins that arguement? Get it in writing.

 

[markie61]

Even better: found the stations address, phone #, etc at biodieselnow.com /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Mark

 

[BigDave]

Mark,

If you need to get a refill, you'll be only 3 miles from my place. There's an ice-cream stand just beyond the 7-Eleven on the side of the craft store if you would like a reward for finding your destination.

As far as warranties are concrens here's a link:
Standards & Warranties

It's crystal clear for some manufacturers, and ait might be a little fuzzy for the rest.

 

[markie61]

Well, I tried the biodiesel for the first time this week. I added about 1.5-2 gallons then dumped in 5 gallons of petrodiesel to a 1/8 full tank. Rough math says I had about a 15-20% mixture.

It started right up and within a minute I was smelling over-cooked french fries. I warmed the engine up after removing the loader and putting on the mower. I then mowed for 5-6 hours.

I am pleased say that I experienced absolutely no problems, no decrease in power, no rough running, nothing in the fuel filter - in fact, absolutely nothing remarkable except a difference in exhaust odor. I think I will find a 55 gallons drum and get some more some day! I like the idea of biodiesel from many different perspectives: socially, politically, environmentally. It would be nice if I could find it closer.

Mark

 

[agcomike]

I'm ready for them to standardize some bio refineries in my area it seems kinda complex and difficult to find refining stock and making for a individual.

 

[MikePA]

Here's a response I received on 7/7/2003 from New Holland.


Thank you for contacting New Holland North America. Please accept our apologies for the delay in responding to your email. Normally, we are able to respond to inquiries within a few business days and we hope to be able to serve you better in future.

The use of biodiesel blends meeting ASTM 6751 (see attached Appendix for more information on ASTM 6751) is approved for New Holland engines up to a B5 (5% blend ratio). Biodiesel fuel blends can be used in all CNH produced engines. Some problems with elastomers o'rings, seals, etc.) may be experienced with older equipment though replacement service parts should remedy this situation.

However, please note that since biodiesel does not have long-term stability, it should not be left in engines that are stored for more than four months. Also, prior to storage, engines should be flushed by running for a minimum of 30 minutes with regular diesel fuel.

Since biodiesel fuel has a higher cloud point than conventional diesel fuels, its use during the winter months should be discouraged in favor of a blend of #1 and #2 conventional diesel fuels. Biodiesel fuels attract moisture and may contain higher content of water than conventional diesel fuels. It may be necessary to drain the fuel filter water trap more frequently when using biodiesel fuel.

Additionally, depending on fuel quality, it may be necessary to change the engine fuel filters more often when using biodiesel fuel. If biodiesel blends are spilled onto painted surfaces, they should be wiped up immediately or they can damage the painted surface.

On the plus side, biodiesel contains no sulfur or aromatics, and is an excellent lubricant. It has a higher cetane number and burns cleaner than diesel fuels and produces less particulate and smoke emissions. It mixes easily with conventional diesel fuels and does not separate once it is mixed. It is considered an environmentally friendly fuel because it is a renewable source of energy. Pure biodiesel fuel is biodegradable and non-toxic to animals and plant life.

New Holland is presently evaluating blends greater than B5 and will issue the results to certified New Holland Dealers via Service Bulletin once the results are available.

 

[markie61]

So, as I read it, 5% biodiesel is the only amount that New Holland says is OK and they are evaluating higher percentage blends. Guess I better go cut my mixture with more petrodiesel..... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Mark
PS Thanks for pursuing this subject with New Holland /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> So, as I read it, 5% biodiesel is the only amount that New Holland says is OK and they are evaluating higher percentage blends. </font>
That's how I read it, too. Kind of surprising. Thought they'd say 20% was approved.

 

[BigDave]

5%...that almost makes me wonder what's the point? Has anyone run that mix yet? Does it make a difference in the exhaust? Does the engine run smoother?

I wonder if NH would accept owners as guinea pigs to test BioDiesel beyond what their engineers are willing to test? My tractor runs great on 100% Bio. I kind of feel bad when the dirty fossil diesel runs through the tractor during the winter months. It has less lubrication and far more pollution. I've also noticed the price difference is decreasing locally. Last year #2 was $1.39 and Bio was $2.99, now it's #2 $1.49 and Bio $2.59.

I guess I'm wondering if I have to make a choice between of what's better - engine warranty protection or less engine wear?

 

[patrickg]

Is it better never than late, or better late than never?

Anyway, "Home Power" magazine has had some good biodiesel stuff in the last year or two. Mostly running personal transportation (autos and pickups). Their writeups are well documented and give all sources for all materials mentioned. They give the recipes and setups for "cooking" your own bidiesel and mention several sources for feedstocks (raw materials.)

Curious how the aroma of french fries seems to be a common comment describing a biodiesel powered vehicle.

On a similar topic, an Oceanside, Ca science teached used to run his commuter car on methane (biogas). He lined his trunk with plastic, filled it part way with chicken manure and ran a plastic tube to the carb via a valve. When he ran a bit low he would open the trunk stir the S--T, close the lid and be ready in no time to cruise again. Of course he never left the neighborhood (lived close to the school and shopping) He did not go on the freeway.

Renewable resource... bio friendly... low impact...
DID NOT SMELL LIKE FRENCH FRIES

Pat