According to the owners manual on my 05 it states that Bio fuel can be used but at a level of no more than 5%. I have seen a lot of post on Bio fuel and seems that a lot of you are running a higher percentage. Would this affect the engine, pumps, and filters in a negative fashion? We don't have thew privilage of having Bio in this area but am curious if I am traveling I might want to try it.

 

My advice is to follow the man. instructions if you want a warantee.
But I don't know of any issues with biodiesel that cause down time.
Most likely it will last longer running it, but Bosch and Cummins don't want to fund the trials. I don't blame then since they KNOW we are going to use it anyway!!
The only issues may be in extreem cold and the Gelling.
I am sure my 02 likes it. It is quieter, smoother, and gets the same or better mpg.
Also, the term biodeisel covers a big spectrum and some include waste cooking oil without filtering it. Don't do that to an expensive motor.

 

i've run b20 [soy based] in mine with no issues...

 

B20 is what you'll see available, and there's no reason to fear it will hurt the truck. Here in Cambridge, MA all the MBTA busses that are still diesel (new ones are CNG) are running B20, as are most public works trucks and equipment. Harvard's shuttle busses appear to be running B20 as well. The stuff is slowly becoming main-stream.

I ran B20 with a double-dose of Stanadyne PF to upstate NY last weekend and the temps were down in the single digits in the morning, and no gelling. But I have to admit I was worried (especially since I don't have a fuel heater anymore).

 

I ran a tank of B2 (two) bio the other day and was pleased. I hope to try some B20 next fill.

Here's a page on the pro's and con's of bio diesel:
http://www.biodieselnow.com/

Some of the pro's is that B100 is non-toxic to the environment (french fry oil...); better lubricity for the engines and better performance. The only real negative is that its more expensive per gallon than petrol.

The only con's that they list is:

1. its not readily available
2. its use will clean the fuel lines and injectors and possibly clogging the fuel filter. But Bio does NOT bring more dirt with it.
3. it has a slightly higher gel point than petrol diesel (can be remedied with additves just like with petrol).
4. Bio has slightly higher NOx emissions over petrol, but thats minor compared to its being carbon nuetral.

I just wish I didn't have to drive 40+ miles merely to fill up with it. I'm thinking of getting an additional 5 gal jug and fill them up with B100 and spike my tanks with it to get a B20 level.

 

I think it might be a problem with the common rail injection system on your newer trucks. I'm not sure, but worth checking it out. I drive a 12 valve so never really paid attention to the info I came accross. But, I do remember them (the biodiesel forums, dieselstop, etc) talking about this as a possible problem. Kevin

 

The B5 is what Cummins supports. It has something to do with all the different type of stock biodiesel comes from and its quality. Cummins / Bosch can't test all the different mixtures so it says 5% blend. Larger blends are being used in the US by fleet customers currently, like schools and municipalities.

 

What can happen with a common rail is since the pressures are so much higher (about 7000 psi higher) that the B-D is physically altered and it's molecular structure becomes stringy. Return fuel goes back to the tank then gets pumped back out to clog filters.

When I worked in B-D research we finally gave up on trying to address this problem, it could be done but wasn't economically viable. What really hurt is we get B-D for free but have to pay for #2. Made the decision to buy a newer Cummins very difficult, did so anyway and they do fine on B5 but I know from test engines what can happen with a high concentration.
You can probably get by with B20 but don't tell 'em I said so.

Not such a big deal though, even a B1 concentration will improve viscosity by 60%.
B5 will have plenty of positive effect. B3 and B5 are commonly available in my area, most farmers use B5.

 

I run between B5 and B50 all the time I am hesitant to put much in my girlfriends 04 TDI though. Dunno how this common rail stuff will handle it.