Biodiesel: Yes or No?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 319
Likes: 2
From: near mm217 off I-70 in MO
Consider? Yes. I made my own Bio-D (used in my 05 6.0L) for a while and even ran it straight (B100) for a while. It is quieter, not as good of mpg, but it was a LOT cheaper. Now, prepare for frequent filter changes initially as the Bio-D will clean the fuel tank of the debris left from the regular filling stations.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Consider? Yes. I made my own Bio-D (used in my 05 6.0L) for a while and even ran it straight (B100) for a while. It is quieter, not as good of mpg, but it was a LOT cheaper. Now, prepare for frequent filter changes initially as the Bio-D will clean the fuel tank of the debris left from the regular filling stations.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
The analogy doesn't quite fit. If you make your own Biodiesel its just a matter of calculating your amortization. Depending on availability of source material and miles driven that amortization can be quite quick, especially now that diesel has hit $4 again.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Well, the way I look at it, I count labor times too. Basically, what would it cost someone to do all that work? All the way from buying the chemicals to storage space, etc, etc. I calculate it as though I were setting up a business. So if I use my whole garage, for instance, what would it cost me to rent such a space.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
Well, the way I look at it, I count labor times too. Basically, what would it cost someone to do all that work? All the way from buying the chemicals to storage space, etc, etc. I calculate it as though I were setting up a business. So if I use my whole garage, for instance, what would it cost me to rent such a space.
Do you do this for food and such as well? Like how much electricity the stove will use how much time it will take you (labor) how many dishes and pans you dirty and will have to wash wasting water and electricity for the dish washer, dish washer soap and even more for your time to load and unload the dish washer, wear and tear on the stove and dish washer. How much cleaner will have to be used to clean the stove and even more labor time then cost of paper towel for cleaning which in turn you will have to replace so a run to the store is in order so you have to factor in gas cost and wear and tear on the vehicle plus again more of your time.
All that can be avoided if you just went to McDonalds and got a McChicken off the dollar menu.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
Do you do this for food and such as well? Like how much electricity the stove will use how much time it will take you (labor) how many dishes and pans you dirty and will have to wash wasting water and electricity for the dish washer, dish washer soap and even more for your time to load and unload the dish washer, wear and tear on the stove and dish washer. How much cleaner will have to be used to clean the stove and even more labor time then cost of paper towel for cleaning which in turn you will have to replace so a run to the store is in order so you have to factor in gas cost and wear and tear on the vehicle plus again more of your time.
All that can be avoided if you just went to McDonalds and got a McChicken off the dollar menu.
All that can be avoided if you just went to McDonalds and got a McChicken off the dollar menu.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,484
Likes: 42
From: Stevens Point, WI
I don't think labor should be included. No matter what you do around the house or in the shop for yourself you never get paid for. Making bio would have to be like one of those "things" you just do and call it a hobby or what have you. If you are so absolutely pressed for time in your life that you have to consider if everything you are doing is worth 'your' time then I am sure making bio isn't for you. On the record I have never and probably never will make bio just inputting another point of view.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SE Pennsyltucky
If its cheaper why WOULDN'T you use biodiesel? Its got higher cetane, biodegradable fuel and is made from a sustainable source. My buddy has over 50K miles on his 2005 6.0 PSD with B100 and so far I've got about 7K on my 2003 7.3L PSD.
Just be careful in colder weather, and be prepared with new fuel filter as the biodiesel will clean out all the dirt from petroleum thats in your tank.
Just be careful in colder weather, and be prepared with new fuel filter as the biodiesel will clean out all the dirt from petroleum thats in your tank.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
From: SE Pennsyltucky
seriously it depends- on how much crud is in your tank, and how much biodiesel you use.
be aware of one side-effect: your exhaust will smell much better
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 26,337
Likes: 12
From: Paradise Found!
FYI, we have a great bio forum right here on FTE! Bio-diesel, Propane & Alternative Diesel Engine Fuels - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums