Hi everyone, this is my first post, and I am wondering if anyone has had any experiences using biodiesel. I am in the market for a diesel truck (Dodge) ,and was curious if anyone has ,or known of anyone the has experience using biodiesel. I've read some articles and it seems like it is not that difficult to process, although I have 17 years experience in an analytical chemistry lab which gives me an advantage over the average home brewer. Sounds and looks good on paper but you know how that goes.
Just wanted your thoughts and comments.
Thanks in advance,
Gary

Called Cummins direct when I first got my truck last year and they don't recommend it.........

Called Cummins direct when I first got my truck last year and they don't recommend it.........

They do now. See this post. Also, here in MN all diesel purchased is 2% bio.

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?t=142738&highlight=bio

one thing that i found is the methanol in the fuel molecule is corrosive to fuel lines and such. i would go with a blend personally. i hear its better to run it in a 12 valve instead of the 24 as well. wither way i would recommend a 12 valve over a 24.

I am in the process of building my own reactor and wash tanks right now. I actually plan on running B50 (a 50/50 mix of bio and #2) right off the bat and hopefully going to near B100 soon after that. I just took a class on biodiesel and have been reading a ton about it.

I think that a lot of the concerns out there are not valid for the home brewer as you have greater quality control. I think that is the problem that a lot of manufactures have with biodiesel; the lack of a standerdized quality control system for the commercial processors. Regardless, I will go overkill on the quality, ie extra washing and drying and not worry about it.

In today's vehicles the fuel lines are not a problem. They are made out of Viton (sp?) which is biodiesel compatible. The only real problems (assuming proper brewing) are clouding/gelling at higher temps in the winter and on older vehicles you may get a plugged filter or two as the biodiesel cleans crud out of your fuel tank.

The way I see it I can make the fuel for about a buck a gallon and not give my money to the middle east terrorist. Oh yeah, it's better for the environment too. What's not to love. I'll let you know when it's up and running and give an honest account of anything that it screws up, but I'm not expecting any problems.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I will be getting the oil anylized regulary by Blackstone labs to further evaluate things.

Cummins now says you can go up to 20% or B20. They previous said B5. Any higher than B20 and the current system can't take care of the water.

Pete

Yes Cummins has said its Ok to use B20 but Dodge still only approves B5 if your truck is still under warranty.

Good point DBLR.

Pete

The way I see it I can make the fuel for about a buck a gallon and not give my money to the middle east terrorist. Oh yeah, it's better for the environment too. What's not to love.


Surely you don't think that's who our $3+/gallon goes to do you?[nonono] If you do, you might want to look around at the big oil companies here "at home."[dummy] "Regular" gas (low octane) is about thirty something CENTS a gallon in Saudi Arabia right now and the high octane is in the 50 CENTS range.

None-the-less, I agree with not wanting to give my money to the terrorists........unfortunately, it's the terrorists here that are getting it all. Don't think they are terrorists? Ever see the lines at the pumps when the artificial shortages occur? "What?" "Oh my god...........you mean they are about to run out of the $3.50/gallon gas/diesel?" "I'm leaving work early so I can wait in line for over an hour to make sure I get me some." "I can't NOT have gas/diesel............what would I do?"

Websters.com.......Terrorist = a person who terrorizes or frightens others

Oops..........sorry..........kinda off the topic of the post........I'll shut up now![tapdshut]

I know that the $3 does not go to the oil producing countries...but some of it does. How else does Iran get the money to make nuclear reactors and fund terror training camps. I don't remember the last time I bought something that said "Made in Iran" but I know oil is produced there. I know I made a semi-political statement but I'm not trying to get political here.

Soon I hope to be driving past you waiting in that long line at the diesel station. If you see a white 2500 that smells like french fries...wave because I won't be pulling in!

I know that the $3 does not go to the oil producing countries...but some of it does. How else does Iran get the money to make nuclear reactors and fund terror training camps. I don't remember the last time I bought something that said "Made in Iran" but I know oil is produced there. I know I made a semi-political statement but I'm not trying to get political here.

Soon I hope to be driving past you waiting in that long line at the diesel station. If you see a white 2500 that smells like french fries...wave because I won't be pulling in!


H8GAS,
Where you gonna get enough supply of veggie oil?

I know that the $3 does not go to the oil producing countries...but some of it does. How else does Iran get the money to make nuclear reactors and fund terror training camps. I don't remember the last time I bought something that said "Made in Iran" but I know oil is produced there. I know I made a semi-political statement but I'm not trying to get political here.

Soon I hope to be driving past you waiting in that long line at the diesel station. If you see a white 2500 that smells like french fries...wave because I won't be pulling in!

Thanks for the replies, and keep them coming, the mor information we can gather the better.

Hey H8gas, where are you getting you plans for your reactor and wash tanks, something manufactured or are you making them yourself. I'd be interested in emailing you to get some more insight to this process.

H8GAS,
Where you gonna get enough supply of veggie oil?

I have about 80 gallons from a buffet restaurant, but the manager is checking with his boss to see if they can give up a large portion of the contract with the rendering company that currently collects the WVO. If that doesn't work out I will have to solicite myself to other restaurants. But I'm sure there are a lot of people out that want to give away what they normally have to pay to get rid of. I really only need about 50 gallons a week right now...although my wife is already talking about getting a diesel if this works out. The 80 gallons will be plenty for me to fine tune the processor and run a few 50% tanks in my truck.

I think it was last month in Diesel Power mag?? GE did an independent study on the use of Bio. From what I understood, if you have a rig thats still under warranty- and ANYTHING goes wrong with that motor - They will pull a sample of the fuel and as DBLR stated- if over 5% bio you void warranty.
Plus - they basically showed (if I'm remembering right...) the new trucks with the higher compression rates are not recommended for use with Bio.

So having a rig thats out of warranty - preferably a 02 or older - thats the way to go with Bio.

Be aware - your voiding may vary...

Thanks for the replies, and keep them coming, the mor information we can gather the better.

Hey H8gas, where are you getting you plans for your reactor and wash tanks, something manufactured or are you making them yourself. I'd be interested in emailing you to get some more insight to this process.

I read books and the internet until my eyes bled[laugh] and then I took a class on the topic. Basically, my plans are for an appleseed processor and 55 gallon drums for wash tanks and drying tanks.

And I am aware that I might void my warranty using the biodiesel. Remember that if it's made right it is just fuel...there's nothing crazy about it. This is not snake oil or any big mystery. Studies done by major universities all over the country have proved it's validity as an alternative fuel. There are an estimated 20k home brewers in the world (although its impossible to know for sure) and the biodiesel community is not hearing horror stories from them. However, commercial production is a different story and I believe it is the commercial producers who cut corners that give bio a bad name.

How many times have we heard folks here have warranty issues with pump diesel...it happens. At least this way I am the only one to blame if I make a bad batch and the quality control tests are easy to perform and accurate. And like I said, I'll be making fuel for about $1 a gallon and have a new hobby!

There have been major problems with alternative like SVO and blending. Don't get those confused with biodiesel.

here you guys go

http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/OEM%20Statements/chyrsler%20group.pdf

Kind of on an impulse I put B20 in my truck yesterday and changed the fuel filter. Should I be concerned? I have a 2000 Dodge cummins 2500. Seems like my truck runs a little better but that could be the fuel filter, the one I pulled out was very dirty.

Hi everyone, this is my first post, and I am wondering if anyone has had any experiences using biodiesel. I am in the market for a diesel truck (Dodge) ,and was curious if anyone has ,or known of anyone the has experience using biodiesel. I've read some articles and it seems like it is not that difficult to process, although I have 17 years experience in an analytical chemistry lab which gives me an advantage over the average home brewer. Sounds and looks good on paper but you know how that goes.
Just wanted your thoughts and comments.
Thanks in advance,
Gary

I make about 600 gallons or so per week.. That fuel runs in more trucks, cars, bulldozers, wood chippers, brand new vehicles, old 1950's tractors, etc etc. than I can think of.

Never had a single problem yet with any of them..

Properly made biodiesel will not damage your engine.. In fact, because of its cleaning properties and high lubricity characteristics, biodiesel may even extend the life of your engine.

The US Department of Energy calls biodiesel a "Direct alternative to regular diesel fuel"..

I also spent 20 years as an industrial process engineer. Most of that was dealing with chemical processes of one type or another.. You wont have any problems at all...

Let me know if I can be of any other help.

Kind of on an impulse I put B20 in my truck yesterday and changed the fuel filter. Should I be concerned? I have a 2000 Dodge cummins 2500. Seems like my truck runs a little better but that could be the fuel filter, the one I pulled out was very dirty.


You might need to change the fuel filter again once you've run the B20 through since the biodiesel will clean out your tank (all the sediment and stuff that collects in over time) and go into your filter. So other than that no you should be fine. :cool:

I've been running approx. a B20 blend in my truck for years and have had no problems at all. :cool:

Sage,

Never had a problem with the fuel filter(I do change it every 15k miles). I think the solvent properties of bio don't really kick in until you get above B30 or so.

I've been running approx. a B20 blend in my truck for years and have had no problems at all. :cool:

Sage,

Never had a problem with the fuel filter(I do change it every 15k miles). I think the solvent properties of bio don't really kick in until you get above B30 or so.

I changed my fuel filter after having only about 20 gallons of biodiesel in the truck and it was filthy. I haven't had a problem after that though. So whatever was "Stuck" came out it seems.

Trucks are much happier with biodiesel in the tank.

there is a md's on every corner enought to power a truck all week.

I run B40 in my 12V it seems to like it....

Hi.
First post for me.
I'll give it a try and update with problems i encounter,but like some here I dont anticipate any.
One thing I read at http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html concerning used cooking oil was the ph factor GWR,it needs to be neutral.
If it hadnt been for Bio-Willie then I never would have bought a Dodge Cummins.
I agree with those above about not supporting Terrorist at home and in the middle east with My petro dollars.
The best way to deal with this scum is to cut off the fundage,and ***? its good for the nviro.
Good to meet You all.

They do now. See this post. Also, here in MN all diesel purchased is 2% bio.

http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?t=142738&highlight=bio

Don't forget MN drivers have had nothing but problums with fuel jelling in the winter from the 2% bio the last 2 years!!
I have tried 10% bio and will never use it again

Think the problem some folks are running into, especially in MN, is that in 2006 only 50% of the commercially available BD was up to ASTM standards
Not good but better than the 30% in 2005.
A person making their own has more control over the finished product and if done right won't have a problem.

Hi.
First post for me.
I'll give it a try and update with problems i encounter,but like some here I dont anticipate any.
One thing I read at http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html concerning used cooking oil was the ph factor GWR,it needs to be neutral.
If it hadnt been for Bio-Willie then I never would have bought a Dodge Cummins.
I agree with those above about not supporting Terrorist at home and in the middle east with My petro dollars.
The best way to deal with this scum is to cut off the fundage,and ***? its good for the nviro.
Good to meet You all.

If you follow the journey to forever sight, you wont make ASTM grade biodiesel... The site is way outdated.

Better is to go to www.biodiesel.infopop.cc that's where the real biodieselers hang out..

Thanks Murph!
I had to check out your elite machines,BTW.
If the trailerjockey biz pans out,I'll need one of those.
I'm rather good at spontaeneous combustion so I'll be looking for safer alternatives such as your fine equipment.

Try an intank heater to keep Bio from gelling. I wouldn't let one bad experience keep you from using a great fuel source.

There is also additives to help prevent gelling.

True their are additives to prevent jelling, I use Howes and I havent used a gallon of #1 diesel for 3 years now!!! I don't think I could get away with that if I ran 2% bio in the winter. I am sure I would have no trouble with 2% bio if I would add some #1 diesel in the mix. But in the last few years in ND #1 costs about 30-40 cents more a gallon then #2 and their goes your MPG.

There is also additives to help prevent gelling.

They don't work very well with biodiesel....

Don't believe the advertisements.. You have to use 3 times the recommended amount just to get a 5 or 10 deg drop in gel temp...

Not worth it.

They don't work very well with biodiesel....

Don't believe the advertisements.. You have to use 3 times the recommended amount just to get a 5 or 10 deg drop in gel temp...

Not worth it.

This is a blanket statement against blanket statements .
All the additives are knot the same , and there has been a lot of industrial testing showing some do work , that said , I live in Minnesota , & done some testing myself , with truck -28 F , last winter & my freezer before my 1st winter using bio .
Have some friends that build the plants , one all over the world , so I try to keep up with most of what is going on , but the vast majority of producers are farmer groups / coops , so its hard to have consistent fuel , from what I hear , the biggest problem is PH & the lack of control of PH .
Also I hear that once the plants are built , the new owners make adjustment that are not recommended by the manufactures , then this is a new [ relative to recent history ] and they are being forced into production faster than it should be [ should have never gone away from Rudolf Diesels original
using of [ oil companies take over { again }] , same with many alternatives , should have stayed with when they were discovered .
We are about 2000 yrs behind , because of hiding info , flat worlders ect.

Ive got a veg conversion in mine that doubles as biodiesel heat in the winter ;p
Still have to start and shutdown on #2 though.

Thats a little confusing , converted for & bio-diesel .
The conversion for- non processed vegi oil ,
Bio-diesel is processed , to take out the triglycerides .
Just trying to help some learn the terms .
SVO - straight vegi oil , also sometimes called virgin vegi oil ,
WVO - waste vegi oil , can also include animal fats ,
BIO-DIESEL - any or all & combinations of above that have been through the transesterfication process [ removing triglycerides , water , salts , PH balanced ] , this comes in 2 forms 1 certified as a replacement fuel for diesel , and there is home brew , not certified .

They don't work very well with biodiesel....

Don't believe the advertisements.. You have to use 3 times the recommended amount just to get a 5 or 10 deg drop in gel temp...

Not worth it.


I have never personally used any, but had looked at some and your right about having to add tons of the stuff to get the right ratio. This past winter some of our biodiesel did gel up in the reactor tank. Each batch had a different gelling point so it was important to keep a sample of whatever batch you had in the vehicle to know if there was a problem or not.

Ive got the veggie conversion but I also have a biodiesel reactor and all that stuff too. I use the biodiesel mostly so far, since Im still messing with the tanks. veggie isnt well suited to stuff other than long highway trips. Im convinced you need to run it really good and hot to keep it from coking.
I can also throw the bio into the heated veggie tanks to keep it warmed up.