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Okay, I'm switching to BioDiesel! - READ ONLY

24 messages,  Last post on Jan 29, 2005 at 8:14 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz 300-Class, Fuel System, Engine, Biodiesel, Diesel, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Car Warranties, Truck, Sedan, Wagon

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#15 of 24 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 15, 2004 (12:50 pm)
I have mixed feelings about it. The "pump biodiesel" works well if you change out the filters but it is expensive and I have no idea about any long term effects.   Using restaurant oils, etc, is a whole other matter. A great concept but not so easy. You need to study up on the modifications you need to do this, and of course you have to be willing to go through the hassles of collecting, storing and filtering this stuff.   I think for the young and energetic types who have time on their hands to play with this, it's great, but for me, paying $3 a gallon for pump biodiesel doesn't make a lot of sense. Replies to this message: bhill2 (Apr 15, 2004 4:18 pm)
#16 of 24 Re: [Mr_Shiftright #15] by bhill2 Apr 15, 2004 (4:18 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 15, 2004 12:50 pm) Thanks, Mr. Shiftright. I am neither especially energetic nor (unfortunately) young. I am assuming that the fuel filter swap only needs to be done once, or at most a couple of times, and then all will be well. Is that right? Is there any buzz about whether biodiesel has enough visibility as a domestic substitute for imported oil or as a low-emission alternative that the price might somehow be moderated? As may be becoming obvious, I am not young or energetic, but I am persistent.
#17 of 24 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 16, 2004 (4:05 pm)
Well the US uses so much of the world's oil supply that quite frankly, doing the math makes me realize that no amount of "conservation" could possibly get us off the oil teat or even seriously dent the addiction.   so I don't see biodiesel as a solution to anything, but I think using it puts people in a certain frame of mind which is a good thing. There is something very satisfying about converting someone else's garbage into your mode of transport.   I think if I read correctly that there is a third alternative to a) restuarant waste oil and c) pump biodiesel, and that would be buying bulk commercial clean cooking oil and using that. But I think you still have to treat it chemically to break down the large molecules so that it will flow in colder temperatures.
#18 of 24 B100 Be careful! by moparbad May 19, 2004 (7:54 am)
Biodiesel quality varies considerably and is not regulated for fuel quality. It can cause substantial problems with injection pump. VWOA will invalidate warranty for any damage due to biodiesel. Good quality biodiesel will not cause problems with older or modern diesels. Cloudy color and off odor are easy indicators of poor quality biodiesel. Know the risks and how to evaluate biodiesel prior to use. Replies to this message: gagrice (Aug 13, 2004 4:32 pm)
#19 of 24 Re: B100 Be careful! [moparbad] by gagrice Aug 13, 2004 (4:32 pm)
Replying to: moparbad (May 19, 2004 7:54 am) I think this is a good outfit to contact with questions. They are making Biodiesel and selling it at a profit. Proves it can be done.   http://www.biodiesel.com/
#20 of 24 Gelling by blackstone3 Sep 05, 2004 (3:51 am)
I found that the 100% BioDiesel that I was using gelled at cold temperatures. I think it was below 20F. I was using Bio for a forced hot air heater and it all gelled up. So if it gelled in the heater why wouldn't it gel in a car?   Jim
#21 of 24 by Mr_Shiftright HOST Sep 05, 2004 (1:21 pm)
That's about the gel point for biodiesel, around 23F. Biodiesel is not as tolerant to cold weather as petroleum based diesel, the latter capable of working okay down to about 5F or zero.   You have two alternatives. One is to add 30% regular petro diesel fuel to your clean biodiesel, and another is to buy an antigel agent made for biodiesel, such as is shown here:   http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_winter.html   Your biodiesel get point is also determined by the formulation of your biodiese--whether it is from "virgin" oil or recycled stuff. The purer the better, but also the more costly. Replies to this message: gagrice (Sep 05, 2004 1:51 pm) ahous (Sep 15, 2004 3:55 pm)
#22 of 24 Re: [Mr_Shiftright] by gagrice Sep 05, 2004 (1:51 pm)
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 05, 2004 1:21 pm) That was an informative article on Biodiesel. Another good solution is to go South for the winter, just kidding. I think where I work in the Arctic they just keep mixing more # 1 diesel in the tanks as the winter gets colder. I know #2 will gel at about -20F. I have never had a problem with number one diesel even at -50F for an extended period of time. It seems like a lot of work to be a good environmentalist and use Biodiesel. Maybe when ULSD is mandated we can mix in the winter and keep a clear conscience. Replies to this message: ahous (Sep 15, 2004 3:55 pm)
#23 of 24 Cold weather biodiesel by ahous Sep 15, 2004 (3:55 pm)
Replying to: gagrice (Sep 05, 2004 1:51 pm) gagrice, I personally haven't paid too much attention to the cold weather issue, but there's a whole section on it in the discussion at www.biodieselnow.com
#24 of 24 New Yorkers to heat with biodiesel by gagrice Jan 29, 2005 (8:14 am)
ALBANY, NY -- (01/28/2005; 1630)(EIS) -- Two New York metropolitan area oil heat dealers are introducing "Biofuel," (B-20) a blend of 80 percent low-sulfur fuel oil and 20 percent biodiesel, that is refined from soybean oil. The heating market introduction is funded by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and is aimed at reducing air pollution and petroleum dependence among oil-heated homes in the metropolitan New York area.   http://www.eisinc.com/release/storiesh/NYSERD.154.html

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