Is there any comments on using bio diesel in our F50 trucks as it is less expensive here in Houston than normal diesel. Are the fuel systems OK handling this fuel type?

Dealer has said no but the price has gotten to the point where we need to consider it if the trucks can handle.

Any thoughts or uses out there on how it has effected your trucks performance?

Thanks . . .

 

Check out this forum:
Bio-diesel, Propane and Alternative Diesel Engine Fuels - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

 

Thanks I have reviewed this forum but it is more about making your own than results from using commercial offerings in the market. We have 5 or so locations selling biodiesel and I was looking for anyones feedback on how it effects the fuel/engine systems negitively.

thanks again.

 

Ford corporate states that no more than 5% Bio is acceptable. More importantly, they state that your fuel must meet ASTM-D975. That's a Fuel quality standard, and anything higher than B-5 does NOT meet the standard. The major failing point is that when you get higher than B-5, the cold-filter-plug-point starts raising fast, and as such you have to worry about clogged filters; sometimes even in above-freezing temps.

The other "problem" point with retail biodiesel blends is that biodiesel is a pretty strong cleaning agent, and will work loose any sludge or varnish on the inside of old diesel storage tanks. Thus if you get bio from an old tank, you may unwittingly get a fuel filter full of garbage. You might consider keeping an extra HFCM filter in the glove box, just in case.

Note that just recently (6/20/08), ASTM has FINALLY released a Biodiesel quality standard that should loosen up the requirements from the manufacturers.

http://nbb.grassroots.com/08Releases/ASTM_final/

In practice, biodiesel as high as B20 shouldn't effect your truck, in Houston, at all. The major "problem" (cold weather gelling) shouldn't EVER be a problem. The engine will run quieter, and smoother. Power and mileage may or may not be decreased, depending on the mix.

One thing you DO need to carefully consider is the source of the bio-part of the fuel. Some suppliers are more reputable than others. It might be worth your effort to go to the manager of the retail outlet, and track down the paper trail for the bio-supplier, and then go inspect the bio-production facilities.

If you're buying bio-fuel from a truckstop (Pilot is selling biofuel in TX during the warmer months) you shouldn't need to worry about quality at all -- their volume is such that any problems should have worked their way out of the system after the first week of sales.

The problems start to arise when you're buying from small-volume producers, who may have quality-control issues in their conversion process, or producers who mix un-reacted WVO/SVO into straight #2 diesel. Stick to high-volume outlets and you shouldn't have any problems at all.

You can get more info at

National Biodiesel Board - www.biodiesel.org - www.nbb.org

-blaine

 

We've got a great climate here for running B100 almost all year round. Quality biodiesel will work great in your truck. My only input would be to grab a couple sets of fuel filters (both the rail filter and the engine compartment filter) and replace the first set after the first tank, and then hang on to the second set.

Whereabout in town are you finding it? I'm only aware of Houston Biodiesel.

tnx,
TX

 

These sites offer it as posted on Gasbuddy.com

<TABLE class=PriceTable cellSpacing=0 width="98%"><TBODY><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PColLow rowSpan=2></TD><TD class=PStation align=left>F & L Biodiesel </TD><TD class=PFind vAlign=top rowSpan=2> </TD><TD class=PList width=75 rowSpan=2>Richmond</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2>Thu
4:28 PM</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2></TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PAddress>16530 Boss Gaston Rd </TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PColLow rowSpan=2></TD><TD class=PStation align=left>Houston Biodiesel </TD><TD class=PFind vAlign=top rowSpan=2> </TD><TD class=PList width=75 rowSpan=2>Houston - Central</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2>Fri
7:17 AM</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2></TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PAddress>723 Drennan </TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PColLow rowSpan=2></TD><TD class=PStation align=left>American Greenfuels </TD><TD class=PFind vAlign=top rowSpan=2> </TD><TD class=PList width=75 rowSpan=2>Houston - Central</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2>Fri
8:58 AM</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2></TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PAddress>6421 eppes st </TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PColLow rowSpan=2></TD><TD class=PStation align=left>houston biodiesel </TD><TD class=PFind vAlign=top rowSpan=2> </TD><TD class=PList width=75 rowSpan=2>Houston - Central</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2>Fri
8:50 AM</TD><TD class=PList rowSpan=2></TD></TR><TR class=PTableRow><TD class=PAddress>723 North Drennan St near Navigation Blvd </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

Frankenbiker summed it really well. I have been using Bio in my 05 6.0 psd for about 8-9 months. What I did to be safe was start at a very low %. B5 and the slowly worked up to b50. I would add around 5% more Bio in each tank. I changed the fuel filters after every 4 tanks just to be safe. During the winter I ran B50 with the temps getting down to mid to lower 20's in the AM. When it started to warm up I ran B80. Starting mid April I have been running B100. I have had a few times during this processes that I needed to do an emergency filter change. What I do is keep an extra set of filters and tools in the truck. These engines are very sensitive to fuel pressure so, When there is any loss of power or the engine sounds different I change the filters. The engine runs so much smoother and quieter on Bio. I have now become addicted to Bio. The one big drawback is you just might get a bit hungry when starting up the truck. My fumes smell like fried chicken.

 

Are you changing both the underside frame mounted filter and the engine compartment filters at the same time?

tnx!
TX

 

Yes. The only one that seemed to be dirty was the frame mounted filter. But since they are sold as a kit with both filters I change them both. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

I ran b5 all winter here in boston and had no problems, I did change my filters earlier than normal when I felt a little power loss one day but othe than that I have had no issues. I am runnig b-20 now that the weather is warmer, truck runs great, I buy my bio commercialy. I buy b100 and mix accordingly.

 

You live in Texas man. Go for it. I run B20 here in Washington in the summer and my rig runs great. A lot quieter and it just seems to run smooooother. All you need is a few fuel filters because the bio will kick up a little of the sediment in your tank. If it's cheaper, go for it. You don't need any type of conversion kits or anything.

 

if its cheaper definitely run it. i try to use bio as much as i can and it usually costs more than dino diesel.

 

i ran B100 for the whole month of may while i was visiting my parents. my brother makes it and gave it to me for free dollars. they live just north of las vegas and he runs it year round in all three of his cummins. i have to admit i did notice my truck running a lot quieter than with dino. i didn't notice any economy increases or decreases. and to agree with tazo with it making you hungry...haha only mine smelt more like Long John Silvers! prepare to gain weight

 

hey Slow

Where do you buy your bio?

 

matt, I get it in acton at bursaw gas and oil, I think its on rte 2A.... right off the rotary where the prison is. its like 5 minutes from my house, the pump is around back, I have been running it since dec. with no problems, I was running b-5 all winter but im running about b-20 now, but the price is killin me!!!$5.29 a gal. for b-100 I just mix accordingly.