Murphy's USA Fuel

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Mar 25, 2016 | 11:38 PM

#31

CampSpringsJohn

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From: Melbourne, Ky

That was one of the sources that came up on my web search. When asked for a source, that's what I did. The question was asked about bio being lower in BTU's and they are. You said so yourself. Although very slight, but it is lower. That said, I think the benefits of having some bio in the diesel fuel far out way any possible negative.

Mar 26, 2016 | 07:12 AM

#32

finn

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From: Upper penninsula

Then we more or less agree.

I'm not a strong advocate of biodiesel, but I do think it has a place in the market, at least if the mix is limited to 10-20%.

One has to look at the historical context. Bio became popular when fuel costs were high and we were being drawn into unwinable conflicts to secure an oil supply. Things changed over time with emerging oil field technology, and now there is an oil surplus, and prices are low, at least temporarily.

Don't forget the past, and stay prepared for the future.

Mar 26, 2016 | 07:15 AM

#33

CampSpringsJohn

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From: Melbourne, Ky

Yes we do basically agree. I found this article about Biodiesel too.

Biodiesel FAQs - AMERIgreen Energy

Mar 26, 2016 | 03:55 PM

#34

DJRAAL

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What benefits?
So far we got more engine sludge.
More frequent oil changes.
More wear on the engine.
Less milage.
So what benefit is there by using bio-crap.

Mar 26, 2016 | 06:38 PM

#35

CampSpringsJohn

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From: Melbourne, Ky

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJRAAL

What benefits?
So far we got more engine sludge.
More frequent oil changes.
More wear on the engine.
Less milage.
So what benefit is there by using bio-crap.

Actually, for wear in the fuel system, Biodiesel is better than anything out there. As for sludge and engine wear, that may be an issue with the oil being used. Just did a 12,000 mile oil change in my 08, and sent a sample off for analysis. They said it didn't need to be changed. While the mileage may have dropped a little, I notice a drop when they switch from summer to winter blend around here.

Mar 28, 2016 | 12:40 AM

#36

2016PowerStroke

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From: Hawaii

Quote:

Originally Posted by finn

I misspoke (?) in my earlier post: Minimum legal cetane number in most states is 40, with 42-45 TYPICAL at the pump from the major producers. California minimum is 53, and most of Europe is 51.

The Diesel Engine industry was pushing for 45 minimum when I was involved several years ago, but the oil industry successfully resisted (except in California).

Diesels really like high cetane.

Is the California minimum actually 53? Since I am a new diesel burner in Ca, I have been looking to confirm. I also question that a couple of weeks ago they changed gasoline to the summer blend and prices increased by 20 cents per gallon. I didn't expect diesel would have changed, but diesel prices increased the same. It seems like another way to gain profits on the unsuspecting. Ca fuel prices are already the highest in the country.

Mar 28, 2016 | 10:39 AM

#37

DJRAAL

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That's a given for CA.
When I first bought my truck 2006 the diesel was tracking the same price as Regular gas, then they started adding that bio-crap it was tracking Premium gas. for years. now it is around the same as regular again, so times a little lower.
They gouge you no matter where you live.

Mar 28, 2016 | 08:20 PM

#38

CampSpringsJohn

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From: Melbourne, Ky

It is my understanding that biodiesel didn't come along until they lowered the sulfur from 500ppm to 15ppm. That's what originally elevated diesel prices. Then bio came along because it was economically feasible, and, it added back lubricity that removing the sulfur took out. BTW, the sulfur itself was not the lubricating element in the fuel, but to get it out, the refining process stripped some of the lubricating principles out of the diesel fuel. Sulfur itself is dirt in my opinion.