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.........

 

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

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...&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

 

Surely you don't think that's who our $3+/gallon goes to do you? If you do, you might want to look around at the big oil companies here "at home." "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!

 

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?

 

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 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...