BioDiesel sold in HERE in Raleigh now. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Peyton300TD · #1 11-23-2003, 11:40 PM

BioDiesel is becoming a part of several BP's and Amoco's as a part of Triangle Clean Cities Coalition. Isn't that great!?

http://www.trianglecleancities.org/fs-biod.htm

TomJ · #2 11-23-2003, 11:52 PM

Yes, that is great. Have been involved with the movement a bit here, am working on a processor myself that will be a turn-key unit that might bring things a little more mainstream.

We just opened the country's largest comc'l/retail BD fueling station a few weeks ago in Commerce City (just north east of Denver).

I'd like to see it's use increase in this country so that's good news to see it at a retailer there.

But..., that TD. One nice car. Did you HAVE to post a pic of your ride??? I've been lusting after a wagon for a while. Then you go and....., Arggg!!!!

P.E.Haiges · #3 11-24-2003, 10:08 AM

TomJ,

Most important to me: How much does it cost?

If its not economically competetive with dino Diesel fuel, it won't sell.

P E H

djugurba · #4 11-24-2003, 10:44 AM

Dinodiesel is priced artificially low to keep the trucking industry operational. Gas is similarly subsidised.
Biodiesel is typically around $2 to $2.25/gallon for b100 at a retail pump.
if 'cost' is only the immediate wallet expense to the buyer, then dinodiesel will be cheaper every time.
if 'cost' is a little more forward thinking, including reductions in emissions, lower dependence on foreign oil, growth of a new domestic industry, support of local farmers, and recycling of used vegetable oil, then biodiesel is a bargain at that price.

Also, congress has a biodiesel tax credit in the energy bill under debate right now. Last I heard, it would permit a tax credit of 1% of the cost of fuel for each 1% of biodiesel in the blend, up to 20%. So, that would bring the 'cost' to the pump consumer way down, though you'd have to claim it on your taxes. I'm not sure of the current status of this bill... Unfortunately, there are a bunch of other things in there too that are not so good...

cheers,
Kevin

TomJ · #5 11-24-2003, 11:50 AM

djugurba is right on the money!

Yes, currently BD is more costly than dino, BUT..., BD is LOCALLY produced and keeps the $'s in the local economy.

For the miniscule amount of BD that is produced compared to the ENORMOUS volume of petro diesel that's produced, the cost is EXTREMELY low (for the volume of BD that's produced and sold, it "should" be $20/gal instead of $2.25 for 100%).

B20 here in Colorado is about $0.20/gal more than petro, no reason NOT to use it.

Using B20 will clean the fuel system (to the point of needing new filter soon after), it's a higher cetane and stinks less than 100% petro (B100 has a nice smell to me - I use a little blendzall in my B100, miss that smell of the track!). Also will effectively extend the stores of petro diesel 20% AND decrease the amount of $'s going overseas by 20%. Keeping $'s here is good, keeping $'s locally is better.

Also, B100 has a ZERO net carbon output (no greenhouse gas emissions). It does have emissions, but we're slowly learning that Nox is NOT the principle problem with smog, the problem is the hydrocarbons.

R Leo · #6 11-24-2003, 12:20 PM

Or, dispense with all this BD nonsense, drive an IDI MBZ and mainline straight WFO!!

Gotta love it!

TomJ · #7 11-24-2003, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R Leo
Or, dispense with all this BD nonsense, drive an IDI MBZ and mainline straight WFO!!

Gotta love it!

Yep! Am working on a SVO system that is less intrusive than most, still have to start/stop on BD or petro though.

BTW, did you get the mount??

R Leo · #8 11-24-2003, 02:09 PM

Yes, the mount arrived OK. Thanks!...I thought I sent a confirming e-mail. Must be my EOA (early onset altzheimers)

97dieseldriver · #9 11-26-2003, 09:00 AM

On my next trip north I plan to try this stuff. Anyone know if the BD would effect the pollution equipment (catalytic can and ssensors) on my car? I doubt that ex McDonalds french fry grease will do any damage but who knows?

If it works, I plan to also try the home grown version of BD. From what I have seen on the net you can make it yourself for really cheap, provided you have the facility to process grunge.

djugurba · #10 11-26-2003, 09:12 AM

You shouldn't have any problems, provided the vehicle already drives fine on regular petro diesel. If you are going to use 100% biodiesel, and you are going on a long trip, take along some fuel filters, because the biodiesel will strip the dinodiesel residue out of your tank/lines/injectors/etc. and deposit it in your fuel filters. I've only had to change mine once, after about 4 tanks in an '85 mercedes 300D that had 240k on dinodiesel prior to the switch. I didn't notice any major change in performance, but lots less smoke and a more pleasant smell. You might not feel a difference at all, but the filters will be getting more clogged, so it's a good idea to have them on hand.
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc is the right place to look for the best info.
There are a few places in FLA that sell biodiesel- notably one in Tampa. close to you?
Good luck!
Kevin

Rick Miley · #11 11-26-2003, 10:01 AM

Ward Oil Company in Tampa is probably a couple hours away from Clermont. And they're only open Monday through Friday something like 9 to 5. Makes it really tough to get the to pick up biodiesel.

The stuff is wonderful, though. PEH, are you still watching this? I know how frugal you are, and what your feeling is about additives, but this stuff really makes a difference and doesn't cost very much if you use it right. I buy biodesel for $2.40 a gallon from Ward and use it at about a 15% mix with plain old number 2 at $1.45 or so. So I spend a dollar or two extra per tank. Claimed benefit is a cleaner fuel system, but I'm sure you would debate that. But the absolutely undeniable benefit is a smoother, quieter running engine. In fact, I started thinking something was wrong with my 240D on the way home yesterday as I could feel some vibration at speed and it had somewhat of a rough idle. Then I remembered that this tank doesn't have any bio in it (I ran out) so the engine is running like a "normal" diesel. The difference is readily apparent.

When my OM606 is running on a bio mix, you really cannot tell from inside the car that it isn't a gasoline engine. It was always quiet, but with the bio its amazing.

And the smell is cool too. The stuff from Ward makes the exhaust smell like someone is cooking steaks on the grill. It makes me hungry every time I smell it!

TomJ · #12 11-26-2003, 01:23 PM

Mine smells like donuts, but I'm working on a major breakthrough that will combine aromatherapy oil with the BD and make everyone behind you peacefull and forget how slow and smoky you are.

The Friday night blend will guarantee to have women following you home from work (or men I guess, whatever your preference).

Donut sales will increase exponentially to the point we'll have to import flour to keep up demand, Americans in all major cities will become so overweight it'll be a national emergency. Life spans will decrease by 48%. We'll sink the eastern and pacific plates for all the grossly overweight people. Hmmm...., OK, maybe not such a great idea.

Remember..., you heard the idea here first, and make sure I get the royalties!

97dieseldriver · #13 11-26-2003, 05:41 PM

Thanks for all your input. I have got to get to Tampa and check it out.

P.E.Haiges · #14 11-26-2003, 05:55 PM

Does anyone know the cetane rating of bioDiesel or SVO?

P E H

Rick Miley · #15 11-26-2003, 08:10 PM

From www.veggievan.org , "Biodiesel generally has a cetane rating of between 50-60 whereas diesel fuel generally has a cetane rating of between 40-50. Biodiesel’s higher cetane rating is due to its higher oxygen content and superior combustion properties."

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