Hey guys,

Interested on your feedback regarding B20.

I have 135,000 miles on my truck, and since I bought it used, I am going to assume its always been running on 100% PetroDiesel. Just bought Opti-Lube Diesel Improver (Summer Blend) and plan on using this as the sole fuel additive.

However, I live in Austin, Texas (liberal capitol of TX), and therefore have a lot of stations selling B20.

Only cons I can come up with is a few more clogged fuel filters initally, and I may want to change back in the coldest months to avoid gelling. May not be such a bad idea to to use B20 to clean out all the crud in the fuel tank.(?)

Is B20 better than, PetroDiesel with an additive?

If I use B20, can I forget the need for any fuel additives?

Thanks in Advance,

Michael

 

The only issue with using bio that I have heard of is the high pressure common rail fuel systems , then at what % of bio it becomes an issue I'm not familiar with .
I saw the results of about 20 additives test , and what came out at the top was using 100% as a 5% additive , better then what I have heard were the better additives .

http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177728

 

Thanks John,

I have seen that study, and thats why I picked the additive I did. It was in the top 4 and CHEAP.

I was surprised to see that some of the brands often spoken highly of on this site, did not fare well.

From what I understand, B20 does not void manufacturers warranties of any major US engine manufacturer. Anything above 20% concentration...might.

I noticed that the mixed soy and petro combo was rated number 1. If 5% is good, can 20% hurt? And if I don't need additives with bio, why do it?

Michael

 

B50 on a common rail is totally safe, it's when you get above B75 that troubles can start.
You'll be fine with B20 and no additives, possibly year round in Austin.
By the time BD gels there everyones water pipes will be frozen too.

 

Thanks guys,

Two last, stupid questions...

If I start running B20, what is the first sign that I have a clogged fuel filter. Rough Idling?

Can it cause damage if I don't address it immediately?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

 

Hard or no start .

 

I run b20 year round here in SLC UT with no problems.

 

I started running B100 in my truck; had @13 years and 97K on the clock. I'd run maybe 1500 miles of B100 in it, pulling a 7000lb trailer up the Cajon Pass and noticed I wasn't making the speed I'd had on previous runs. Replaced the fuel filter, pulled it apart, and it was uh, sludgy. Slimey. Gukky. Replaced the filter twice more over the next 3000 miles- proactively- and have had zero problems since. And, if you look down the filler neck with a flashlight, you'll agree I've got the cleanest filler neck in SoCal. Biodiesel does that kind of thing.