First tank of Biodiesel

monton · 01-18-08, 10:59 AM

Filled up for the first time with B20 biodiesel the other day. My truck feels like it is running a lot smoother. I'm not sure if it is in my head but feels like there is more power too. Anyway, nice to see that there is a filling station in Vancouver now (4th and Main) as before you had to be part of a co-op.

I have read that I don't need to do any mods to my truck but I know that it will break down rubber seals. What should I be looking for and what can I do now to prevent any damage?

Cheers

M John Galt · 01-18-08, 01:44 PM

Don't worry, Toyota seals shouldn't have a problem with B20, they don't use rubber. Only those using B100 have reported any signs of hose or seal deterioration.

Smoother and quieter running is common, and up to B20 you may notice an increase in power since BD or VO helps the diesel fuel burn more completely. Above B20 or V20, there will be a power loss.

Glenn-BJ74 · 01-19-08, 05:34 PM

Remember to change your fuel filters more frequently for awhile as the biodiesel has a detergent action in the the fuel system. The fact that biodiesel contains oxygen promotes better combustion of the associated diesel fuel. This reduces air toxics associated with the partially burned HC and PM emissions. Also soya-based B20 (currently available in the Lower Mainland) has 15 less greenhouse gas emissions (with upstream emissions) than regular diesel and between 10% to 20% less CO, HC and PM, although NOx can be slightly elevated Several US states are legislating minimum B2 throughout their state.

gbcruiser · 01-20-08, 09:01 PM

I've been running with Columbia fuels (Van Isle card lock) bio-diesel for a while now (8 mos) and noticed my engine getting much smoother after the first few tanks. I drive a 2H, which is a smooth engine already (ya gotta love inline 6's) but it's now silky smooth...

Of course, I'm not sure if it's B5 or B10...the pumps don't say which.

ohrly? · 01-22-08, 08:57 PM

Would I be able to find bio at my local Columbia Fuels outlet? Or, how about some furnace oil?

Tofudebeest · 01-24-08, 07:42 AM

It's in your head. It will take a little while for the solvent properties in biodiesel, especially only a 20% blend, to remove carbon build-up and gunk at the bottom of your tank. You also will not get more power, but slightly (probably imperceptably) less, fuel-to-fuel comparison. But, if you did have significant coking and it was not running particularly well, a nice clean fuel system might end up giving you more net power. Before my build project, I ran Sheila (8/81 HJ60, RHD) on B100. No issues other than my fuel pump diaphragm and seal needed to be replaced. The diaphragm is made of leather, (yes, leather!) the bio had nothing to do with it leaking. My soft fuel lines (such as those running from the tank to the breather and the filler neck hose) have no signs of gumminess, weepage or other deterioration.

01-18-08, 10:59 AM	#1
monton IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 174	First tank of Biodiesel Filled up for the first time with B20 biodiesel the other day. My truck feels like it is running a lot smoother. I'm not sure if it is in my head but feels like there is more power too. Anyway, nice to see that there is a filling station in Vancouver now (4th and Main) as before you had to be part of a co-op. I have read that I don't need to do any mods to my truck but I know that it will break down rubber seals. What should I be looking for and what can I do now to prevent any damage? Cheers __________________ '89 HJ61 OME heavy heavy, 33x12.5 BFG muds, black beadlocks, blackout tint, 24 - 12 volt converter, Alpine stereo, alarmed, camping kit, custom rack... keep on keepin on.

01-18-08, 01:44 PM	#2
M John Galt IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Possum Lake, Ontario CA Posts: 516	Don't worry, Toyota seals shouldn't have a problem with B20, they don't use rubber. Only those using B100 have reported any signs of hose or seal deterioration. Smoother and quieter running is common, and up to B20 you may notice an increase in power since BD or VO helps the diesel fuel burn more completely. Above B20 or V20, there will be a power loss. __________________ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

01-19-08, 05:34 PM	#3
Glenn-BJ74 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: Victoria, BC TLCA# 17759 Posts: 233	Fuel Filters Remember to change your fuel filters more frequently for awhile as the biodiesel has a detergent action in the the fuel system. The fact that biodiesel contains oxygen promotes better combustion of the associated diesel fuel. This reduces air toxics associated with the partially burned HC and PM emissions. Also soya-based B20 (currently available in the Lower Mainland) has 15 less greenhouse gas emissions (with upstream emissions) than regular diesel and between 10% to 20% less CO, HC and PM, although NOx can be slightly elevated Several US states are legislating minimum B2 throughout their state. __________________ 89BJ74, OME lift, air lockers, 12V and 120v power, Garmin 60 SCx, Redarc 24-12V trailer light converter, 33X12.5 Truxus, CB, MP3/CD radio, ARB fridge, sliders/pyro/ boost, big ass rear bumber, 2 X 20 litre Nato fuel carrier (under construction), major bush rash.TLCA 17759

01-20-08, 09:01 PM	#4
gbcruiser IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 301	I've been running with Columbia fuels (Van Isle card lock) bio-diesel for a while now (8 mos) and noticed my engine getting much smoother after the first few tanks. I drive a 2H, which is a smooth engine already (ya gotta love inline 6's) but it's now silky smooth... Of course, I'm not sure if it's B5 or B10...the pumps don't say which. __________________ http://www.4wdtraveller.com/ 4x4 travel, adventure, news, and reviews.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-22-08, 08:57 PM	#5
ohrly? IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 267	Would I be able to find bio at my local Columbia Fuels outlet? Or, how about some furnace oil?

01-24-08, 07:42 AM	#6
Tofudebeest IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Here I am, stuck in the Muddle with you... Posts: 1,025	It's in your head. It will take a little while for the solvent properties in biodiesel, especially only a 20% blend, to remove carbon build-up and gunk at the bottom of your tank. You also will not get more power, but slightly (probably imperceptably) less, fuel-to-fuel comparison. But, if you did have significant coking and it was not running particularly well, a nice clean fuel system might end up giving you more net power. Before my build project, I ran Sheila (8/81 HJ60, RHD) on B100. No issues other than my fuel pump diaphragm and seal needed to be replaced. The diaphragm is made of leather, (yes, leather!) the bio had nothing to do with it leaking. My soft fuel lines (such as those running from the tank to the breather and the filler neck hose) have no signs of gumminess, weepage or other deterioration.