Hey guys, I'm sorry if this has already been asked/answered by I didn't see anything on it. I've heard that biodiesel puts out less BTUs than #2 diesel does, therefore leading to less power output. Is this true? It doesn't really matter to me, I don't notice a difference in my 2500 which I run bio in and my 3500 which I am running #2 in until I can get some filters to put in after a short while of running bio in her.

Thanks,
DFO

 

Biodiesel is pretty widely accepted as having less BTU's than #2.
According to most accounts, SVO is even supposed to have less BTU's than #2.


In reality, I believe that BTU's on #2 can fluctuate up to 10% and BTU's on bio or SVO can probably fluctuate 20%, so at times they're probably pretty close together. And winter fuel is always lower in BTU's as well.

It's perfectly normal to loose power; power gains are rare and usually attributed to improved lubricity, not BTU increases.

 

Ya the bio has a little less , something like bio 138,000 , dino 145,000 .
But on the other hand bio has higher centain on average , some like bio 45-50 , dino 40-45 , I've seen some claims as high as 85 centain for bio .
My self & some others are running about 35% bio , 65% dino in warmer weather [ MN down to -10* fer. so far this yr. ] and most that are doing that blend are stating they get more power and millage , up to 2.5 mpg .
For winter blend its between 0% [ my source has a above ground tank so none in cold weather ] , some are running 20% bio in winter , then your useall additives for anti gell [ I use Amsoil cold flow ] .

 

B100 has about 10% less BTUs. But it has higher cetane and lubricity which partly makes up for that. If you run a B20 blend, the most common, that means 2% less. You would probably never notice any change in power or mileage. Here is a good article from NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab) which talks about that and many other things about biodiesel.

 

Less btu's translate to less egt's. Higher cetane will "even" the difference. I run 100% homebrew, and I like the characteristics better. (quieter, same power, no shudder upon shutdown,etc...)

 

I can feel a noticeable difference running bio. Not complaining cuz I like the price, but I sure can feel a difference. KD

 

I don't notice a difference in power, only in engine noise and overall smooth operation. My truck has a Banks setup in it. I wonder if any of the airflow mods make a difference. I naver did run the truck on bio before I put the stuff on.

 

I've been running B20-50 for almost five years.
Only time I notice any difference now is when I'm on the road and can't find BD. Gotten so used to the BD that the engine sounds like it's going to fall apart on straight diesel.