Hello, I don't post here that often but am constantly researching and reading on the forum. I want to post a question about the suitability of running the VE on 100% biodiesel. I have run b-20 without a problem yet with fuel prices I can actually get 100% biodiesel for 25 cents cheaper. A little about myself. I have been part of converting five dodge trucks to run on straight vegetable oil, which is different the biodiesel because there is no alcohol. Thousands of miles of success no injection pumps lost. This conversion still starts and shuts down the truck on pure diesel or max b20 blend of biodiesel. So I have now seen two VE's go bad when running higher then B20. One was out of town when it happened so I did not get to do the work myself of changing it and the other is having fuel solenoid problems now since going to higher biodiesel blends. My first question is how much rubber is in the VE pump? In researching the fuel shutoff solenoid I read there is a piece of rubber that can losen affecting the ball in the solenoid. Could this be related to the alcohol in the biodiesel? I believe so. Also is there an inlet screen on the VE? When switching to biodiesel one often faces fuel filter changes from the biodiesel cleaning the fuel system. Is it possible that after the filter could also be cleaned clogging the inlet to the pump, thus showing signs of a dead pump when it just isn't getting fuel, the pumps inner mechanicals may still be fine? Or am I really breaking something inside the pump that does not allow the pump to work? Oregon fuel injection told me that they often see glycerin buildup inside the pump, from not up to par biodiesel. For some reason I still don't believe them because to me it seems very random when they fail. Any comments or thoughts on the subject or welcome. I just wanted to get this out here to see what people say.

My rigs.
1990 Standard Cab "Candy Cane" auto stock except for BD injectors and a 90 gallon veg system. SOLD Odometer broken
1993 Standard cab auto stock except for 50 gallon veg system. SOLD 265000 miles
1990 standard cab five speed stock. 240000 miles. Willing to part out or sell as is. Runs fine, body is beat up
1993 Extended cab Five speed 131000 miles. Added tack, and racor water seperator. About to begin 50 gallon veg system install. Nicest truck I have ever owned. Not for sale.

 

The glycerin buildup in the pump is most likely from homebrewed bio. The stuff you buy commercially has to meet industry standards. I do believe that 100% bio and probably lesser blends will cause deterioration of the seals and other rubber parts in the VE. I'm hoping that an updated kit from Cummins which reportedly costs $15 will fix those problems. I don't know if that includes the rubber tip of the fuel solenoid.

If there is gunk in the line between the filter and the pump and the injectors and lines also it will probably be removed by the bio. How much that could be is anybodies guess.

My plans are to go through the pump and update the rubber parts when I add the 3200 govenor spring. Then I'll be bio-ready because I firmly believe it's coming. Dino diesel will only go higher in price as supplies dwindle.

Edwin

 

Hey, is it possible to get the pump rebuilt nowdays and the rubber inside will be good for 100% biodiesel?
I would be more than happy to spend $500 to get my pump rebuilt to be capable to run 100 %.
Or if you do yours, could you let me know how hard it is to do it?

Thanks,
Wheelo

 

I work in a diesel shop and I see pumps go bad from straight veggie oil and home brew bio. It is not the alcohol, it is the veggie oil that breaks down the rubber parts of the pump. watch your oil level, if it rises the front seal of your pump has gone bad and you are now adding fuel to your diesel. also clogged filters and low lift pump pressures can destroy the injection pump. If you are converting cars to run on SVO use oil rated hose, not regular fuel hose. the latter will deteriorate and send particles that will clog filters and destroy pumps.

 

#2 only !

 

#2 only if I have too!!!! I try to burn as much veg as I can. Support farmers and production of fuel here in the US. So what if I sacrifice a pump. Thanks for all the other replies. I have heard that all rebuilt pumps are updated with viton seals so after the first one biodiesel should be fine. I would love to just buy a cheap kit and do this myself also instead of a complete replacement.

 

Powdrluvr,
I could not agree anymore!! I too would love to rebuild my pump to be able to run 100% biodiesel! I home brew the stuff for my dads chevy, and I cant even run it without messing things up, Now that hurts!
Wheelo