Diesel vs Biodiesel.. What a difference! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

300SD81 · #1 05-05-2007, 10:55 PM

Ran out of bio before my next batch was ready today.. Filled up on 4 gallons of diesel, estimating about 4 gallons of bio was still in the tank. The difference in power is amazing! I usually cruise on the highway at 80-90mph, I find myself going 105 without noticing it... I'm gonna hate being back on biodiesel again..

Question tho.. Since biodiesel contains less energy per unit volume, can I turn up the full load screw on my IP while burning it, without an intercooler? Less energy = lower EGT, right?

John Schroader · #2 05-07-2007, 12:32 PM

Interesting! I find my 300 runs better, smells better, and rattles a lot less on bio.

patbob · #3 05-07-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 300SD81

Question tho.. Since biodiesel contains less energy per unit volume, can I turn up the full load screw on my IP while burning it, without an intercooler? Less energy = lower EGT, right?

If you do that, what are you going to put in the tank the next time you don't get your bioD batch made up in time?

#4 05-07-2007, 12:42 PM

Bio will generally make your car run smoother and much quieter, at the expense of less power and slightly fewer miles per gallon of brew.

The choice is yours. I tend to find myself running bio (when I can get it) more often in summer as my 617 shakes a little more when it's very hot and the A/C is running. Bio helps smooth things out a little bit, but the power difference is noticeable.

SwampYankee · #5 05-07-2007, 12:53 PM

Biodiesel noob question-Would a bottle of cetane boost help compensate for the power loss? Is it expensive?

I'm hoping to run biod as soon as I can get it within a reasonable distance. The power loss isn't important to me, just wondering.

aklim · #6 05-07-2007, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SwampYankee

Biodiesel noob question-Would a bottle of cetane boost help compensate for the power loss? Is it expensive?

I'm hoping to run biod as soon as I can get it within a reasonable distance. The power loss isn't important to me, just wondering.

You can crank up the cetane but I thought that it already has higher cetane. If that is so, it explains why we get different engine charistics. However, if you have lower BTUs per unit volume, I doubt cetane is going to make any difference to that.

Loss of power and mileage is about the reason I don't run Biodiesel, besides the price difference. Now, if it were cheaper, I would run it since that picks up for the mileage loss. I noticed mileage loss at B40 levels and above. before that, I noticed some loss but it wasn't conclusive. When I put biodiesel, I keep the diesel part of the fuel constant by buying from the same source. Add some B100 into the tank and then top up with the appropriate amount of D2.

When I drive the car or truck, I get in and turn the key. I don't smell the exhaust so I don't care that it smells better. The E300 is smooth enough that it doesn't make a difference. The Wife-O-Meter cannot tell the difference. On the Powerstroke, the Wife-O-Meter felt it was a tad quieter on B20. However, that doesn't bother me enough to switch to Biodiesel since the cost is usually higher.

WINGAS · #7 05-07-2007, 02:48 PM

Wife-o-meter, thats funny!

Dyin' to run it myself, dont care much if tis slower, getting weaned off the Shieks' oil is key.

rrgrassi · #8 05-07-2007, 03:00 PM

I run B-100 also. I buy it from a local source for $2.00 per gallon. D2 is $2.75 to $2.99, so the savings is what helps me justify the power and slight mpg loss.

Jadavis · #9 05-07-2007, 03:17 PM

I make my own so I have a really hard time pumping $3+/gallon fuel into my car when I can run it for <$1/gallon. I have not really noticed a power loss. Maybe running it down low and then filling up with ULSD would let me see what I am missing, but why bother.
I now have a full tank of B100 in my car and two 55 gallon barrels full of homebrew... (Yes, the barrels are in secondary containment.)
Brew it while it is hot, use it year round from here on out...hopefully!

-Jim

aklim · #10 05-07-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 427L88

Wife-o-meter, thats funny!

Dyin' to run it myself, dont care much if tis slower, getting weaned off the Shieks' oil is key.

Well, the wife doesn't have a clue about the car or truck so she is the best judge. You know how those kids talk of the power gains they had by putting on a muffler with a 6 in exit while the pipe going into the muffler is only 1 inch. I just ask her if she feels any difference and what it is. Sometimes she hits it on the head, other times she doesn't feel a thing.

Yes, but most of the oil is NOT from the Sheiks area. Also, the arabic oil taint could be on most any product you own since many items are oil based. So, you will never know which area your products came from.

aklim · #11 05-07-2007, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrgrassi

I run B-100 also. I buy it from a local source for $2.00 per gallon. D2 is $2.75 to $2.99, so the savings is what helps me justify the power and slight mpg loss.

If I could have it at that price, I'd be running it all day long myself.