Biodiesel
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From: Wichita, KS
Biodiesel
Well, I finally jumped off and bought some biodiesel additive to try. There has been a lot of posts in here about adding different oils to fuel, but based on everything I've read, biodiesel makes good sense. I'm planning on a 2% mix, which works out to 2 gallons added to 98 of fuel or 2 quarts in 24.5 gallons. Cost wise that is $2.50 in biodiesel additive. If it does as advertised, I should get that back in better mileage and long term reap all the other benefits. I'm no treehugger, but it makes sense there too.
www.biodiesel.org
www.biodiesel.org
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From: Eastern & Western Merryland
Originally Posted by topless
Well, I finally jumped off and bought some biodiesel additive to try. There has been a lot of posts in here about adding different oils to fuel, but based on everything I've read, biodiesel makes good sense. I'm planning on a 2% mix, which works out to 2 gallons added to 98 of fuel or 2 quarts in 24.5 gallons. Cost wise that is $2.50 in biodiesel additive. If it does as advertised, I should get that back in better mileage and long term reap all the other benefits. I'm no treehugger, but it makes sense there too.
www.biodiesel.org
www.biodiesel.org
Curious though, is Biodiesel additive the same thing as biodiesel fuel? What advertisements are you referring to anyways?
I also support biodiesel fuel - I just poured 5 gallons of B100 into my tank and filled it up on Saturday.
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From: Boston, MA Area
I'm running on my second ~100 gallon fill of B5 (bought commercially mixed in Chelsea, MA). I'll go with B5 for a few fills so I have some good statistical data, then I'll switch up to B20 for a few. If I can find someone in the area who will sell higher concentrations when the weather warms up, I'll probably try that too. Eventually I hope to be able to make my own. but first things first.
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2 quarts in 25 gallons? Is this just plain old biodiesel. If so, I doubt you will notice anything. Actually tough to notice anything with b-5 either. Start getting to b-20 and you will start to notice things.
I don't believe the claims of "better mileage" as there are less BTU's in a gallon of bio then in a gallon of #2. The cetane is higher with bio.
I personally notice a decrease in mileage when I am running B-100
I don't believe the claims of "better mileage" as there are less BTU's in a gallon of bio then in a gallon of #2. The cetane is higher with bio.
I personally notice a decrease in mileage when I am running B-100
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From: Wichita, KS
It's labeled " Soy 100 Diesel Additive".
I just got back from running the first tank of fuel with the 2% mix. The engine seems quieter, but without a DB meter, that could be wishful thinking. But, the exhaust smell is definately different. I don't have a cat anymore and now it's easy to tell there is a slightly different odor to the exhaust.
I usually average 16.4 mpg @ 72 mph on the overhead console, this trip it was 17.2. Since I put 315's on the truck the console has been pretty accurate to the calculated mpg.
With just one tank, I'm surprised I can tell anything, but I'm commited to using 10 gallons of this stuff, cause that's what I bought.
I just got back from running the first tank of fuel with the 2% mix. The engine seems quieter, but without a DB meter, that could be wishful thinking. But, the exhaust smell is definately different. I don't have a cat anymore and now it's easy to tell there is a slightly different odor to the exhaust.
I usually average 16.4 mpg @ 72 mph on the overhead console, this trip it was 17.2. Since I put 315's on the truck the console has been pretty accurate to the calculated mpg.
With just one tank, I'm surprised I can tell anything, but I'm commited to using 10 gallons of this stuff, cause that's what I bought.
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From: Southeastern Michigan
Topless, glad your having positive results with it. If it is just pure soy based biodiesel (b100), then how much are you paying for this additive?
The reason I ask this is because if it is just b-100, then that stuff goes for about 2.50 to 3.50 a gallon if you purchase it from a fuel retailer that sells bio diesel (not really sure on the exact cost of bio cause I don't buy it
). Hopefully the stuff you have is in that price range, If not, get on the phone and find some dealers that sell bio. Be it b5 (5% bio added to #2 diesel) or try to find higher concentrations (b-20 or more).
If you find a retailer that sells b-100, and don't want to run b-100, then show up with a few 5 gallon jugs to fill up and do your own blending. It may save you some $$.
Yes, the engine will be allot qiueter, run smoother, and the fuel system will be better lubricated as well as end up cleaner in th long run. Biodiesel is great stuff. The achiles heel is the cold weather performance of the fuel. You really have to be carefull with how much bio you run in cold climates as it gels at a higher temp. Keeping it under b-20 is wise when weather is below freezing.
If you can't locate a dealer close by, then making it yourself is really not that hard. Especially smaller quantities. Yes, there is a learning curve, but you can actually make a small batch in a matter of minutes with some easy to obtain everyday items (sodium hydroxide which is also known as red devil lye drain opener, heet brand gas line antifreeze-methanol is the ingredient, and some cooking oil). Add a little heat, and in about a half hour, you have pure biodiesel (methyl esters).
Yes, I left out details, and there is a little more to it (this is only a description, not instructions), but that is how simple it is. There are safety issues as well, but just common sense stuff.
I make bio, use as much of it as I can (while staying within the limits of how much I can legally produce/use without paying road tax), and my truck loves it. My 12 valve is an entirely different truck while using it. I do have to repeat that it does contain less btu's per gallon than #2. Maybe your mileage is better because you are more aware of your driving habits while testing this additive.
It is an excellent way to maintain proper lubrication to the fuel system after the ULSD becomes nation wide. It is an excellent way to clean and help keep your fuel system, fuel injectors, and combustion chambers squeeky clean.
Yes, the smell of the exhaust is different. Not that typical sharp smell from #2. It is an easier to tolerate smell, and it produces less smoke. It does not smell like french fries. That smell is for the guys who run unconverted waste vegatable oil (something I would never do). Kevin
The reason I ask this is because if it is just b-100, then that stuff goes for about 2.50 to 3.50 a gallon if you purchase it from a fuel retailer that sells bio diesel (not really sure on the exact cost of bio cause I don't buy it
). Hopefully the stuff you have is in that price range, If not, get on the phone and find some dealers that sell bio. Be it b5 (5% bio added to #2 diesel) or try to find higher concentrations (b-20 or more).If you find a retailer that sells b-100, and don't want to run b-100, then show up with a few 5 gallon jugs to fill up and do your own blending. It may save you some $$.
Yes, the engine will be allot qiueter, run smoother, and the fuel system will be better lubricated as well as end up cleaner in th long run. Biodiesel is great stuff. The achiles heel is the cold weather performance of the fuel. You really have to be carefull with how much bio you run in cold climates as it gels at a higher temp. Keeping it under b-20 is wise when weather is below freezing.
If you can't locate a dealer close by, then making it yourself is really not that hard. Especially smaller quantities. Yes, there is a learning curve, but you can actually make a small batch in a matter of minutes with some easy to obtain everyday items (sodium hydroxide which is also known as red devil lye drain opener, heet brand gas line antifreeze-methanol is the ingredient, and some cooking oil). Add a little heat, and in about a half hour, you have pure biodiesel (methyl esters).
Yes, I left out details, and there is a little more to it (this is only a description, not instructions), but that is how simple it is. There are safety issues as well, but just common sense stuff.
I make bio, use as much of it as I can (while staying within the limits of how much I can legally produce/use without paying road tax), and my truck loves it. My 12 valve is an entirely different truck while using it. I do have to repeat that it does contain less btu's per gallon than #2. Maybe your mileage is better because you are more aware of your driving habits while testing this additive.
It is an excellent way to maintain proper lubrication to the fuel system after the ULSD becomes nation wide. It is an excellent way to clean and help keep your fuel system, fuel injectors, and combustion chambers squeeky clean.
Yes, the smell of the exhaust is different. Not that typical sharp smell from #2. It is an easier to tolerate smell, and it produces less smoke. It does not smell like french fries. That smell is for the guys who run unconverted waste vegatable oil (something I would never do). Kevin
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From: Oregon
2% is great
[QUOTE=bulabula]Pretty gutsy move there ....... 2 quarts in 25 gallons. Dunno about any fuel mileage improvements, but I do respect the effort.
Dont know exactly what this means but it sounds good to me. May not directly help mpg but seems worth trying.
“….we have tested biodiesel at Stanadyne and results indicate that the inclusion of 2% biodiesel into any conventional diesel fuel will be sufficient to address the lubricity concerns that we have with these existing diesel fuels. From our standpoint, inclusion of biodiesel is desirable for two reasons. First it would eliminate the inherent variability associated with the use of other additives and whether sufficient additive was used to make the fuel fully lubricious. Second, we consider biodiesel a fuel or fuel component—not an additive…Thus if more biodiesel is added than required to increase lubricity, there will not be the adverse consequences that might be seen if other lubricity additives are dosed at too high a rate.”
Dont know exactly what this means but it sounds good to me. May not directly help mpg but seems worth trying.
“….we have tested biodiesel at Stanadyne and results indicate that the inclusion of 2% biodiesel into any conventional diesel fuel will be sufficient to address the lubricity concerns that we have with these existing diesel fuels. From our standpoint, inclusion of biodiesel is desirable for two reasons. First it would eliminate the inherent variability associated with the use of other additives and whether sufficient additive was used to make the fuel fully lubricious. Second, we consider biodiesel a fuel or fuel component—not an additive…Thus if more biodiesel is added than required to increase lubricity, there will not be the adverse consequences that might be seen if other lubricity additives are dosed at too high a rate.”
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From: Wichita, KS
I don't know if it's just b100 in a 5 gallon pail. I paid $25 for each pail. Around here I only know of 1 gas station selling any kind of bio-diesel and it's for commercial vehicles only, not availble to the public. It also is run by the company I bought this "additive" from.
My truck smokes less and has shown at least a 1/2 mpg improvement in fuel useage. You'd think in Kansas, more ethanol and bio-diesel would be available. There are only a few gas stations offering a 10% ethanol gasoline and 1 offering the e-85.
My truck smokes less and has shown at least a 1/2 mpg improvement in fuel useage. You'd think in Kansas, more ethanol and bio-diesel would be available. There are only a few gas stations offering a 10% ethanol gasoline and 1 offering the e-85.
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From: Oregon
Topless here is a list for Kansas Bio.
Bird Express #203
1000 Main Street
Great Bend, KS 67530 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Tina Keeler 620-792-7579 B2 Public pump Bob's Inc
Wisconsin St
Cawker City, KS 67430 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Sam Bowles 785-454-6219 B2 Capital City Oil (B20 Only)
4141 NW Lower Silver Lake Rd
Topeka, KS 66618 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Marvin Spees 785-233-8008 B20 Hampel Oil
3727 S West St
Wichita, KS 67217 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Ken Hampel, Ed Hampel, John McQuery 316-529-1162, 316-530-5848 B2 Hampel Oil
503 West St
Iola, KS 66749 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Jay Weseloh 620-365-3621 B2 Hampel Oil
921 N. Main
Pratt, KS 67124 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Richard Risley 620-672-3743, 877-479-3343 B2, B5 Home Oil Services, Inc
501 Main
Blue Rapids, KS 66411 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Rob 800-794-0945 B2 Public pump Kramer Oil Co
1202 11th Rd
Marysville, KS 66508 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Don Kramer 785-562-2466 B2 LeRoy Coop Association
505 E6th St
LeRoy, KS 66857 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Darren Specht 888-964-2225 B2 24 hrs Visa - Discover - MasterCard Mid Kansas Coop Assoc
2114 W Main St
Castleton, KS 67501 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Tim Leslie, Perry Stussy 620-459-6950, 620-465-2292 B2 Clear and dyed biodiesel Midland Marketing
8th & Oak
Hays, KS 67601 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Stan Maskus 785-628-3061 B2 MidTown Service
919 Morgan Ave
Downs, KS 67437 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Sam Bowles 785-454-6219 B2 Parallel Farms, Inc.
18648 286 Rd.
Whiting, KS 66552 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Bill Cochren 785-873-3246 B5 public pump Route 77 Corner Store
129 W. Main St.
Waterville, KS 66548 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Rob Hartloff 785-363-2641 B2 S & S Oil & Propane Co. Inc.
2608 W. Hwy 50
Emporia, KS 66801 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Jim Shepherd 620-342-2835 B5 24HRS CFN ONLY SITE Woodson County Coop
700 W. Rutledge
Yates Center, KS 63947 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Danny Karmann 620-625-2123 B2
Bird Express #203
1000 Main Street
Great Bend, KS 67530 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Tina Keeler 620-792-7579 B2 Public pump Bob's Inc
Wisconsin St
Cawker City, KS 67430 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Sam Bowles 785-454-6219 B2 Capital City Oil (B20 Only)
4141 NW Lower Silver Lake Rd
Topeka, KS 66618 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Marvin Spees 785-233-8008 B20 Hampel Oil
3727 S West St
Wichita, KS 67217 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Ken Hampel, Ed Hampel, John McQuery 316-529-1162, 316-530-5848 B2 Hampel Oil
503 West St
Iola, KS 66749 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Jay Weseloh 620-365-3621 B2 Hampel Oil
921 N. Main
Pratt, KS 67124 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Richard Risley 620-672-3743, 877-479-3343 B2, B5 Home Oil Services, Inc
501 Main
Blue Rapids, KS 66411 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Rob 800-794-0945 B2 Public pump Kramer Oil Co
1202 11th Rd
Marysville, KS 66508 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Don Kramer 785-562-2466 B2 LeRoy Coop Association
505 E6th St
LeRoy, KS 66857 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Darren Specht 888-964-2225 B2 24 hrs Visa - Discover - MasterCard Mid Kansas Coop Assoc
2114 W Main St
Castleton, KS 67501 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Tim Leslie, Perry Stussy 620-459-6950, 620-465-2292 B2 Clear and dyed biodiesel Midland Marketing
8th & Oak
Hays, KS 67601 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Stan Maskus 785-628-3061 B2 MidTown Service
919 Morgan Ave
Downs, KS 67437 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Sam Bowles 785-454-6219 B2 Parallel Farms, Inc.
18648 286 Rd.
Whiting, KS 66552 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Bill Cochren 785-873-3246 B5 public pump Route 77 Corner Store
129 W. Main St.
Waterville, KS 66548 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Rob Hartloff 785-363-2641 B2 S & S Oil & Propane Co. Inc.
2608 W. Hwy 50
Emporia, KS 66801 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Jim Shepherd 620-342-2835 B5 24HRS CFN ONLY SITE Woodson County Coop
700 W. Rutledge
Yates Center, KS 63947 [img]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/TRICOU%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.gif[/img]Danny Karmann 620-625-2123 B2
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From: Wichita, KS
I bought the additive from Hampel Oil here in Wichita.
All the other towns range from 70 miles to 180+ miles away. I'll carry a container of additive with me when I know I'll have to fill up. It's easier than trying to find a pump with bio-diesel.
All the other towns range from 70 miles to 180+ miles away. I'll carry a container of additive with me when I know I'll have to fill up. It's easier than trying to find a pump with bio-diesel.
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From: Wichita, KS
Here's the offical update. 1.3 mpg fuel mileage improvement. Exhaust is less offensive to my wife's nose. Everyone that hears my truck comments on it being quieter and if they ride in it, smoother.
So, offically, I'm happy.
So, offically, I'm happy.
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From: Eastern & Western Merryland
1.3 mpg improvement isn't bad; over how many tankfuls?
Looking at my fuel consumption data with and without bio, I can't say that I've seen any real attributable gains/losses of mileage due to running bio. I get some really good tanks and some "not as good". For me, my right foot has the greatest effect on fuel mileage.
Maybe you said in an earlier post, but how much per quart did you pay?
Looking at my fuel consumption data with and without bio, I can't say that I've seen any real attributable gains/losses of mileage due to running bio. I get some really good tanks and some "not as good". For me, my right foot has the greatest effect on fuel mileage.
Maybe you said in an earlier post, but how much per quart did you pay?