Biodiesel for OTR semis

Hoofer B · Mar 3, 2012

I can get biodiesel from a new local business for $3 per gallon while diesel fuel is currently $3.89. We go through over 10,000 gallons a month in out OTR semis. I drive by the biodiesel place a lot and never see much action there. I know this topic has been covered, but can you all refresh my memory about the pros and cons of using it. Thanks in advance. Bill

John730D · Mar 3, 2012

Here in the midwest it is hard to find diesel that is not blended with biofuel. If your trucks come through here, you are already using it. It will clean out your complete fuel system, from the tank to the injectors. Always carry extra fuel filters when first using it. Some people says it gets less milage, but I haven't noticed any reduction. If you are going to travel where it gets below 0 dgrees, you have to use antigel. As far as pure biodiesel is concerned, I haven't used it yet because of availability, but I would not be afraid of it. By the way I run 75K plus per year, and never get over 100 miles from home.

Super Trucker · Mar 3, 2012

I used to run B99 all the time based off soybean. IT RAN GREAT AND PICKED UP .75MPG. Then the market ran nuts on soybeans and the price went thru the roof. If you can get it make sure it is based on soybeans or you could have trouble. I had a load delivered that was animal fat bio and the truck would not even start. I sure wish the price would come down to pump price. Also with switching you will go thru a set of fuel filters very soon after starting Bio. It strips all the poop out of the tanks.

L B · Mar 3, 2012

Good enough for Willy Nelson, says its homegrown when he is at a Farm Aid.

tomNE · Mar 3, 2012

On b20, my truck always gained over 1/2 mi per gallon. in nebraska is gets hard to find in the winter. i still run it in my farm tractors in the summer. only tractor i don't run it in is the loader tractor as it has number 1 diesel, year around.

Billy Shafer · Mar 3, 2012

Willey went belly up trying to sell the stuff.

JimEvans · Mar 3, 2012

I lost mileage when I was running 100%. That was several years ago. Now I get the same milelage with the crappy ultra low sulfer diesel.
Bio has higher cetane so your engine runs better, it has better lubrication, better emissions, and if spilled, is not a hazard.

However, it will clean the gunk out of your dirty fuel system. It gells up quicker and will go bad over time. You might get less mileage with it.

If you can get it cheaper than deisel, I would run it.

Once it is processed correctly, it shouldn't matter what it was made from. Remember, bio-diesel is not the same as waste veggie oil.l

504 · Mar 3, 2012

I was running it in the truck,7+ MPG (Freightliner)till the pumps(at the station) were too slow, I switch back to #2. I don t have 30min to fuel a truck.

L B · Mar 4, 2012

YA.Had 22 outlets tons of worthless stock.

BrianJasper co. Ia · Mar 4, 2012

Bio diesel has fewer BTU's so you will loose a little MPG. It also has higher entrained moisture and you can have rust issues in your fuel system. Ford and GM limit their endorsement to 20% bio max for this reason. Your engine will run fine on 100% BD, but I wouldn't do it for the moisture issue. Removing sulfur from diesel doesn't cause lost fuel mileage. Newer engines required to have EGR valves and particulate filters in the exhaust systems are why new diesel powered vehicles don't get the mileage of engines built pre Jan 1 '07.

paul · Mar 4, 2012

What blend, MN is at 3 or 5% blend now in all diesel. Helps make up for lack of sulfur.

Up to 20% is a good deal, typically better mpg, better lubricity. Over 20% you get into it being a different fuel, need to watch for jelling, going ranced, and so forth.

In winter it gells up a little quicker need to keep on top of that.

It is a good solvent, so it will clean out your tank and fuel system, have some new filters around, everything gets cleaned out.

Biodiesel for OTR semis

Hoofer B

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John730D

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Super Trucker

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L B

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tomNE

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Billy Shafer

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JimEvans

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504

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L B

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BrianJasper co. Ia

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paul

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