Experience w/B2 biodiesel?

redgreenbluegil · #1 04/23/08, 07:11 PM

I've been researching effects of ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) on injection pumps and it doesn't sound good. Even with commercial additives it's still not the greatest.

Came across a few studies that says B2 (2% biodiesel, 98% regular diesel) is excellent for fuel lubricity. With some of the higher concentrations (B20 or higher) there is some concern about seals leaking. Most sites say B2 shouldn't be a problem with leaking or filters plugging early.

Anyone have any experience w/B2 as a fuel lubricity enhancer?

Please don't turn this into an ethanol/we shouldn't be burning our food for fuel discussion/making your own biodiesel. From what I've read, biodiesel conversion is much more efficient than ethanol.

Up North Louie · #2 04/23/08, 09:13 PM

I don't, but I am anxious to hear form those who do.

Thanks for bringing this up.

Don

Jerry in MN · #3 04/23/08, 09:47 PM

Seems I read somewhere that the improved lubricity is mostly from less-than-complete chemical conversions of organic oils and fats to fatty acid methyl esters, a.k.a. biodiesel. And the especially lubricious products of incomplete conversions are monoglycerides and diglycerides, so if you want to look for results of studies on lubricity of B2 or other biodiesel blends then you might want to try search(es) with those terms. Good luck!

Beeman · #4 04/25/08, 07:06 PM

When ULSD came out I heard about lubricity problems as a possibility. Since then we've probably put 150k-200k on a pre ULSD truck with no problems and I've not heard of anyone else with problems.

rambler · #5 04/25/08, 08:22 PM

The entire state of Minnesota has been running B2 diesel since September of 2006.

After some minor startup problems (one plant was making poor/dirty fuel is the short version) have not heard any complaints since.

Have also heard that 2% is a good lubricity additive, since we have had it ever since the ULSD came out I really don't think I've ever burned any ULSD without the 2%.

My old tractors seem real happy so far.

--->Paul

JV · #6 04/25/08, 08:33 PM

I have heard some diesel mechanics claim that the ULSD has been bad for injection pumps, but it is hard to know if they are just seeing what they expect to see.

On the ford diesel-truck forum, there is a study published where Biodiesel had by far the best lubricity of any of the additives tested. You could search and find it I am sure.

I buy B100 by the 5 gallon and use it as an additive-6 or 8 ounces to the tank. I am not really convinced I am doing anything, but it doesn't really cost any extra or take much time and my injection pump is still going strong. In the middle of winter, I use a commercial additive.

fordy · #7 04/25/08, 09:23 PM

................I started mixing Diesel Clean and 2 cycle engine oil , half and half ! I mix in a 16 oz. pyrex container and pour into my fuel tank . Try to add every tank of fuel but diesel is so expensive I'm down to buying 5 to 8 gallons at a time . I don't fillUP unless I'm taking a long trip and there won't be many of those . The great thing is , my truck is going to last me forever , or so it would seem . This f250 diesel is easily good for 250k miles and mine only has 115k . , fordy

Beeman · #8 04/25/08, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JV

I have heard some diesel mechanics claim that the ULSD has been bad for injection pumps, but it is hard to know if they are just seeing what they expect to see.

On the ford diesel-truck forum, there is a study published where Biodiesel had by far the best lubricity of any of the additives tested. You could search and find it I am sure.

I buy B100 by the 5 gallon and use it as an additive-6 or 8 ounces to the tank. I am not really convinced I am doing anything, but it doesn't really cost any extra or take much time and my injection pump is still going strong. In the middle of winter, I use a commercial additive.

What's funny is around here the "diesel mechanics" were compalining about the 10% Bio-Diesel the farmers co-op was selling. They said it was causing problems.

texican · #9 04/25/08, 10:55 PM

I want my hi sulphur diesel back... if it'll make it 20c cheaper than gasoline.

You won't find a more rabid environmentalist than myself, but hi priced diesel is killing me and a little less sulphur in the atmosphere isn't going to change anything...environment wise.

rambler · #10 04/25/08, 11:47 PM

Actually, I need to add sulpher to my soil now to grow corn. Used to get enough 'naturally'.

--->Paul