Teachwood

Does any one know what Dodge says about running B20 to B100 Biodiesel?
The owners manual is not very informative on the subject.

Also, Any one making their own Biodiesel? Lookes easy enough.


Teachwood

jnilesPDodge

I'm still looking for the exact quote from Chrysler, I found it the other day and it says that B10 is as high of blend they approve. I'll keep looking for the exact wording and get back.
Thanks,

Lightman

I don't think anyone cares what Dodge says, since we have Cummins engines. Cummins' official statement is that they neither approve or disapprove of biodiesel use. They haven't tested officially with anything more than b5, but recent reports from them show b20 use with no problems. Again, remember their recommendations are based on quality ASTM grade biodiesel, not shoddy homebrew. Don't get me wrong, it's not hard to make high quality homebrew, just not everyone does. Buyer beware.

With that said, I've burned over 4000 gals of bio since 2001, in every blend possible. For the most part I recommend b20 to everyone. It's got the best blend of emissions reduction, no effect on mpg, and provides a positive gain in lubricity, smooth/quiet idle, and odor. Best of all you are putting money back into the american economy and not over to the middle east. Screw opec, screw crude oil. BURN THE BEAN!!

mudpup221

I just filled up today with B20 here in the Dayton OH area. It cost me $2.10/gal as opposed to $2.19/gal. for petrodiesel.

I would love to try higher blends of bio but don't know if our trucks have real rubber seals or not. Has anyone run B100 in a new Cummins?

Lightman

I ran b50-60 one time on a trip from Chicago to Cleveland. Aside from being REALLY quiet, I didn't notice any negative effects. It was sort of an accident I ran that high of blend, although I wasn't really worried. With the price of b100 these days, I try not to run more than b20. I haven't heard of any HPCR truck owners using b100.

mudpup221

Thanks for the reply Lightman, But what does HPCR stand for?

Lightman

Sorry - 3rd gen trucks - High Pressure Common Rail injection.

mudpup221

Ok, thanks.

PourinDiesel

I run bio from time to time.
No issues that I can tell better or worse.

bulabula

Can you run bio in the winter? I'm wondering if it gels in freezing weather. If so, do they blend it?

Is it ok to run the same additives with bio that are ok for regular #2? Power Service, etc... is it necessary to run those additives?

Thanks

Lightman

Bula - it has a slightly higher gel/cloud point than #2, so you can't run really high percentages in the winter. B20 is good down to about -10F, lower if you use additives. Powerservice makes a special biodiesel antigel additive - called Artic Express - that is specifically designed to work with b20. I've run b20 with regular antigel additives thoguh down to 0F or so with no problems even parking outside all night.

bulabula

Thanks Lightman. I read that there's going to be a place selling bio near work and thought I'd try some when its available.

Lightman

Np bula - I bet after about a half tank you notice it's a lot quieter and smoother on b20.

torquefan

Anybody know where to find instructions for making biodiesel?

Lightman

Torquefan - this would be a great place to start - http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=447609751

ALso on www.biodieselgear.com in the resources section there are various guides. Try that test kit that you can make bio with - it will give you the confidence to go bigger.