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#1
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10 to 20 percent biodiesel
85 300TDT (120K miles) - As for the usage of (say) 10 to 20 percent biodiesel and 90 to 80 percent regular diesel - do I need to worry about rubber parts/seals? Just read an article about a guy using straight diesel (82 240) - (unless I missed something) he changed filters at first - but nothing else?
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#2
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Nope, nothing to worry about with B20 or so. I used B100 for a couple of months last summer with no problems. they sell B20 retail because there are no problems with the rubber parts.
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Michael Roth 1982 300TDT Wagon 1982 240D Euro!, 4spd manual-Parts car now, dead engine 88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer-fixing up for offroading 1989 Ford F150 (rust bucket) For Sale! 1953 Dodge B-4F, 1 1/2 ton Stake Bed (new restoration project) |
#3
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biodiesel, even at 10% or 20% concentrations, will eventually break down all of our old rubber fuel system parts. not to mention the solvent action of biodiesel will release any old crud in your tank and send it on down to the fuel filters...
at a minimum, look into Viton fuel lines, monitor other seals and gaskets, and replace your fuel filters often (not sure of interval) after running biodiesel. check my collection of biodiesel links for further information. |
#4
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Quote:
"Biodiesel, being an organic substance, tends to be absorbed by natural rubber -- after a month or so exposure, the rubber swells and rots. This applies to all ratios of biodiesel additive to petrodiesel. A tank or two to try it out will do no harm, if ULSD or standard diesel fuel is used thereafter." |
#5
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This is from a fact sheef from the National Biodiesel Board:
"The school district has used B20 since 1998 in half of its fleet. Bus drivers have found that the use of B20 is transparent, requiring no engine modifications, no special infrastructure, and no fuel-related maintenance problems. DOE and the State of New Jersey provided funding to install a B20 fueling tank. “Expanding the use of biodiesel to a portion of the state’s diesel-powered fleet is consistent with New Jersey’s overall efforts to promote advanced fuel technology” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Chairman James Weinstein." http://www.afdc.doe.gov/pdfs/Biodiesel_fs.pdf Here's another one from the NBB: "Myth: Biodiesel causes filters to plug. Fact: Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Pure biodiesel (B100) has a solvent effect, which may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel use. With high blends of biodiesel, the release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken to replace fuel filters until the petroleum build-up is eliminated. This issue is less prevalent with B20 blends, and there is no evidence that lower-blend levels such as B2 have caused filters to plug." http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/Myths_Facts.PDF From the same article: "Myth: Biodiesel causes degradation of engine gaskets and seals. Fact: The recent switch to low-sulfur diesel fuel has caused most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to switch to components that are also suitable for use with biodiesel. In general, biodiesel used in pure form can soften and degrade certain types of elastomers and natural rubber compounds over time. Using high percent blends can impact fuel system components (primarily fuel hoses and fuel pump seals) that contain elastomer compounds incompatible with biodiesel, although the effect is lessened as the biodiesel blend level is decreased. Experience during the last seven years with B20 has found that no changes to gaskets or hoses are necessary."
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Michael Roth 1982 300TDT Wagon 1982 240D Euro!, 4spd manual-Parts car now, dead engine 88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer-fixing up for offroading 1989 Ford F150 (rust bucket) For Sale! 1953 Dodge B-4F, 1 1/2 ton Stake Bed (new restoration project) |
#6
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I've read about breakdown of rubber components with biodiesel, but what specifically, besides fuel lines, are likely to fail? How extensive is rubber used in the fuel system?
Michael, What do you estimate it is costing you per gallon when you brew your own?
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'87 300SDL '96 F250 Crewcab PowerStroke '00 Kubota L2600 '66 Malibu ragtop (SOLD, sob) '01 BMW M3 ragtop |
#7
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If you don't count my time, it costs me about $.30/gal.
I don't think there are any other rubber parts in the fuel system, but I don't know for sure.
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Michael Roth 1982 300TDT Wagon 1982 240D Euro!, 4spd manual-Parts car now, dead engine 88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer-fixing up for offroading 1989 Ford F150 (rust bucket) For Sale! 1953 Dodge B-4F, 1 1/2 ton Stake Bed (new restoration project) |
#8
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Based on what I've read, the alcohol is far and away the most expensive ingredient. Are you recovering the un-reacted alcohol? What should I expect to pay for alcohol?
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'87 300SDL '96 F250 Crewcab PowerStroke '00 Kubota L2600 '66 Malibu ragtop (SOLD, sob) '01 BMW M3 ragtop |
#9
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I'm not recovering yet. I designed a recovery reactor, but haven't made it yet. I pay 1.22/gal for methanol, but I get it from where I work in 55 gallon drums, a paint factory. Some people get it from race tracks for $2-3/gallon. you might be able to find a chemical supplier to sell it to you for cheaper if you buy drums of it.
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Michael Roth 1982 300TDT Wagon 1982 240D Euro!, 4spd manual-Parts car now, dead engine 88 Jeep Grand Wagoneer-fixing up for offroading 1989 Ford F150 (rust bucket) For Sale! 1953 Dodge B-4F, 1 1/2 ton Stake Bed (new restoration project) |
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