Biodiesel

Branson3510 · Apr 20, 2005

Bonehead,
I've been going into Fuelwerks in Ballard for my biodiesel. Who on the Island is your distributor? It would be a heck of a lot closer!
Thanks,
Paul

BoneheadNW · Apr 20, 2005

Branson3510-

See the link below. I know of them only through my friend who highly recommends them. Where abouts are you located?

I have a few questions for you regarding the biodiesel and your organic farming. I'm out the door in a few minutes to S. California for vacation. I would like to P.M. you with the questions when I get back if that is OK.

Bainbridge biodiesel

Branson3510 · Apr 20, 2005

BoneheadNW,
Yes, please do PM. I'll talk your ears off. Thanks for the link.
Paul

mangoland · Apr 20, 2005

( Is anyone here actually running biodiesel in their tractor? )

In our community with several small farms, there are a number of tractors, JD and Kubota, running on 100% bio. No problems, other than fuel flitering as noted below. As mentioned, older tractors have rubber seals and hoses that the biodiesel will degrade. The newer tractors have synthetic rubber that withstands the bio.

Since the bio is a good solvent, placing it in a fuel system will dislodge any residue in the tank and lines that may have built up over the years. It will find its way to the filter, and clogging can happen. It also depends on how well the maker filters on his end. Little bits of french fries are not desireable!

TORQUIN · Apr 27, 2005

I ran a liter through mine, when it was near empty. It was my first batch making it myself, in a 2 liter bottle. I noticed no difference in how the tractor ran. I have 200 gallons, I bought, in a tank and I will be using that in the tractor soon.

Chris

TORQUIN · May 6, 2005

OK, now I'm runing 99% BD (it was running on fumes when I filled it up). It runs just fine. I notice no difference, except the smell. Smells like burnt cooking oil, not french fries like many say. This may be because my BD came from soy bean oil, not vegetable oil though.
I have to keep myself from going in the house to maek sure I didn't leave something on the stove.... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Chris

BoneheadNW · May 6, 2005

Thanks TORQUIN for the update. I'll take the smell of burnt cooking oil over fossil diesel fumes anyday.

A question: Is fuel filter clogging (from solubilized fossil precipitates) a problem in new tractors running say a 20% biodiesel mixture? I understand that biodiesel will act as a solvent for any residue in the tank/lines but will these precipitates be present if biodiesel is just mixed with fossil diesel?

I hope I was clear with my question.

Bonehead

MikePA · May 7, 2005

A question: Is fuel filter clogging (from solubilized fossil precipitates) a problem in new tractors running say a 20% biodiesel mixture? I understand that biodiesel will act as a solvent for any residue in the tank/lines but will these precipitates be present if biodiesel is just mixed with fossil diesel? 
Lots of answers at the biodiesel.org link I included in the second message in this thread.

Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?
Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken. Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification is used.

Since the 'problem' is caused by 'deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage', this would not be an issue on a new tractor.

BigDave · Jun 11, 2005

I have run 100% bio for the past few summers. I run 100% fossil in the winter. I have also ran mixes of 10 to 50%. It's just easier to pour it in at 100%. My tractor runs quieter with the bio. Interestingly enough, now that oil is over $50 a barrel and a gallon of fossil diesel is about $2.50, bio's price also went up to around $3.50. I guess it's market driven & not cost driven, since the price of oil should have any effect. Unless of course the price of soy beans increased.

JBX · Jul 19, 2005

Hi 9 Mile,
Yes, I am using "BIO" in my 2002 BX2200.

Have been using it for over 2 years now.
Works OK, but be aware that it does have some side effects that I have personally experienced.

1- My tractor does seem to lose just a bit of power when using straight BIO. Is this because the "cetane" rating goes up or down for different "vegetable" sources? I don't know.

2- Clean up any spills immediately and thoroughly, as BIO will soften and curdle the paint over time. It is alkaline after
all.

3- use a good water filter (Mr Funnel type) to filter every drop of fuel going into the tractor tank. BIO will absorb water like you would not believe, unlike petro diesel, and all of the problems with my tractor have been water-in-fuel related, (my fault).

4. It does soften rubber fuel lines and gaskets, so watch for any seepage in those areas. Go to synthetic when possible.
Look up "viton".

5. Don't store any more BIO fuel than can be used in a month or so. Over the winter, be mindful as the temperature gets down to 40*F or colder. BIO does not like to get COLD! I taper off the BIO and add more petro diesel in the blend with fuel treatment.

6. Kubota Corp does not like "BIO". It is NOT an "approved" fuel, or so they claim, and may void the warranty on the fuel system. I do not know if they have changed their corporate stance in the last couple of years.

I choose to use BIO because-
A. I am reducing dependency on foreign oil, 1 gal. at a time,
B. I work around children/adults in an amusement ride setting,
C. It does result in fewer toxins/pollutants going into the air,
D. It is a renewable resource,
E. It is a recycled fuel, if harvested from "fast food fry oil",
F. It is a great conversation item and customers are curious.
G. The source is grown in America.
H. The exhause does smell better than petro diesel exhaust.
I. I like being on the "cutting edge" of change, even at $3/gal.

I love my Kubota.
JBX