I'm new to running Bio, but I've done some reading and still have a few questions. I don't yet want to try making my own, mostly due to lack of space to do so. However, I have found a station in my area that sells B5 and I've got a few questions about it.

1) Is there even a point to running a blend of only 5% Bio?

2) I've read that Bio will "de-slime" the insides of the fuel tank and lines. How concerned shoud I be with this if I run only B5? Or, how quickly do you think the fuel filters will clog up and require changing from B5?

3) I regularly use an additive (usually DK or Stanadyne) when filling up with regular #2 diesel. Is is suggested that I run an additive with the Bio, like the B5?

Thanks in advance for the help. I've got a lot to learn about Bio.

JT

 

1. Absolutely. As little as 2% bio is enough to replace the lubrication properties lost to low sulfer fuel. I also have a sustainable 1.5 MPG fuel economy improvement from B2

2. I guess it was about my third tank of B2 that I noticed the milage downa tick....replaced primary and stock filters and all good.

3. You'll no longer have a need for additives. The Dk and bio do about the same thing, but the bio is far better at it. You will notice a change in the way the engine sounds within minutes of filling it with bio...it's really quite amazing how much of a difference such a small amount makes.

 

Thank you Scott!! I was beginning to think that I wasn't going to get any responses. I don't know the price of the B5 yet, just found out today that a local station has it. But, I'll be sure to check it out and get some more filters on order. Mine are basically brand new, so I'm hoping they'll filter pretty good for a while. If I start to use the B5, I guess I'll just have to hold on to the additive for when I'm traveling and Bio may not be available.

 

This is a pretty small forum....sometimes it can take a day or two to get a reply, but I almost never see one go unanswered.

 

I'm currently running B-50.
Next fillup will be B-99.

 

Is there any to verify what grade the fuel is. No where on the pump does it say B5. The only indication that it is Bio is there is a big round sticker on the bottom of the pump that says Bio. Up by the gallon counter, it still says Low Sulfur #2.

 

Where I fuel up at Laurelhurst oil it says B-99 right on the pump.

 

From what I have read and seen you won't have a huge problem with filters until you start running B20 and higher, and if you already are running additives like stanydyne your tank may already be cleaned out enough that it may not cause you much of a problem even at that. I know once it's been cleaned out it should stay clean if you continue to run it.

 

Here are the stickers on the pump. Not a mention of B5 anywhere, just that it's Bio.




I felt a little relieved when I saw the receipt though. It has a "5" after the Diesel:

 

So how's it run?

 

Haven't been able to tell much of a difference so far. But, I haven't been able to put many miles on it since I filled up with the B5. I'm headed back home (140 miles to Bolivar, MO) on Saturday, so I should have a good chance to check it then. What changes should I be looking for anyway?

 

My engine runs quieter on BD. So much so that I notice it within a few miles of switching from straight #2. I also get better fuel economy on the stuff.

I wish it was closer and cheaper....I'd use it more. Unfortunately it's 40 miles (round trip) out of the way, and $.30 per gallon more expensive, so I don't run it that often.

 

wow! only 2.53 for diesel. it is all 3.05 and up to 3.65here.

 

Yeah. It's been hovering around 2.50 here for a while now, with dips down into the 2.40 range sometimes, then up the mid 2.50's. Luckily, the Bio is the same price as regular #2, and the pump isn't but just a trip across town. Our local MFA gas stations sell any type of Bio fuel at regular fuel prices or lower fuel prices. For example, 89 octane at an MFA is the same price as the 87 because it's blended with 10% ethanol made from Missouri crops. E85 has been about 40 cents cheaper than 87, but you get lower MPG with the E85 so the cost savings are offset somewhat. And of course, the B5 is the same price as regular #2 diesel.

I'll listen to see if it's any quieter, but my truck is pretty quiet at idle as it is. I didn't realize it until I was fueling up with the Bio and there was a Powerstroke ambulance fueling up next to me. They had the thing running at idle, and it was loud. Makes me reazile how much the mods like pre-pump and HPX line have helped it out.

I'll check the MPG, but it will be hard to compare it to anything I've had in the past. This will be the first trip of any significant length since I've done most of the stuff to the truck, like chip, turbo, pre-pump mods, reg fuel system, new wheels & tires, etc. All things that could effect the MPG. But, I'll top off before I leave on Saturday and keep track of what I get.

 

You guys in the mid west and south are lucky! Our fuel prices here on the west coast are killing us.