So I just ran my 2nd tank of B100 biodiesel on my 04.5.
I'm saving about $.60 per gallon and getting it at a reputable company (Pacific Biodiesel, the oldest and I think the largest manufacturer)
First tank was about half b100 and half petro
the second was all b100.
I noticed the power and mileage was down slightly.
The smoke was completely eliminated (even on Juice level 5).
If I didn't have to drive an hour to fuel-up, the savings at the pump alone would be worthwile. I am a little scared about problems though.

Anyone have any problems running B100 over a period of time?


I am talking to my company about converting to B100 on our diesel construction vehicles, but the manufacturers provided a nice list of non-vehicle specific parts that will degrade and corrode, but nothing about if there is an actual problem with running biodiesel fuels. (Heck the natural air corrodes all the parts they listed....) It seems like the manufacturers haven't really tested anything over B5 (Cat and Kubota). I am going to convince my company that we should do it on only one vehicle as an experiment until I can proove the benefit.

 

I've been pretty active on many of the biodiesel boards. I've run B99 (same as 100, just 1% petro for tax reasons) several times. No problems with the biodiesel itself. The problems come in with fuel quality and consistency. There is less btu's in biodiesel so you'll get about 5 to 10% less mpg and power. Don't let people confuse cetane w/btu's. Cetane simply lowers the flashpoint so that it burns more easily. BTU's measure the amount of energy in a given amount of fuel. If you're getting good quality biodiesel with all the glycerin removed from the fuel, you should be fine, IN MY OPINION as a lay person. Check your fuel filter regularly as that will be the first indicator of trouble with the fuel. Some older cars with certain rubber hoses had problems with degradation. I don't think that's the case with our trucks. Your heavy machinery at your job might though. Good luck!

 

I just got back from a Bio Diesel class. I would carry extra Fuel filters (just in case) and a way of changing them. Otherwise enjoy. Nothing wrong with running it. You wont need additives with it. The only drawback may be its higher gelling point.

 

Did you receive any good publications you suggest I take to my equipment managers (who are against anything that would void the equipment warranty)?

 

My truck has seen nothing but B100 since new. I now have 2300 miles on it and it runs fabulous. I have been making biodiesel for about a year and a half now and I have run it on a 2001 Ford Powerstroke 7.3 Diesel, a 2001 VW Golf TDI, and a 2002 VW Jetta TDI and have never had any problems whatsoever. I have made probably close to 2500 gallons since the start. Since I make my own fuel, I make sure that the quality is perfect before I put it in my tank. I always test my fuel with the 3/27 test to make sure that the fuel is highly converted and also make sure that the biodiesel is very well washed, dried, and filtered before using. The only negative thing that you have to worry about with B100 is the higher clouding/gelling point temperature in the cold. All I do when it gets cold is add about 20% kerosene and that takes care of it.

 

Good stuff!!! How much does it cost you to make per gallon (approximately), and did you make your own distillery?

 

Around $0.60 a gallon, and yes I made my own processor. It is an appleseed type processor made from an 80 gallon hot water heater.

 

adamrc- could you post some pictures of your still
i would be interested in making one but wouldnt know where to start.
thank you

 

No pubs, I believe it's don't tell on yourself, and only fill up with B20 before you go in. Bio is proven to be fine when made properly, but play the game.

 

We are looking to do the biodiesel for environmental reasons and the significant cost savings. I have indicated to the Equipment Managers that the warranty can only be voided if the Biodiesel caused the failure and that the rest of the vehicle is still warrantied. I just have to proove the benefits and show that it outweighs the potential risks...

 

Forget about reducing emmissions. You are using WVO, so that may be considered enviro. friendly. Expect significant cost savings. I go through about $300.00/ week of diesel, so that is my primary empathious.