biodiesel in common rail diesels

[Ivan]

Here and there, I hear suggestions that biodiesel should NOT be used on common rail injection vehicles. I semi-understand the problem with particulate filters, but many smaller cars don't have these, so you'd think they should be ok, but some people are suggesting diluting the biodiesel 50/50 with diesel, others saying don't do it at all.

Anyone care to give further informed opinnion?


Ivan

[tris1331]

Hi Ivan,

I've been pondering over the same problem but unfortunately, as you have found out, information on this topic is very limited.  I found this link which provides some info but it still doesn't properly answer the question.

http://www.biofuelsforum.com/using_biodiesel/1569-common_rail_diesel_injection.html

I've also heard that biofuels lead to a dilution of the engine oil but to what degree and over what period is not provided.  Vauxhall have been testing a fleet of Vivaro vans fitted with Euro-4 common rail engines.  It appears that they are about to offer certification for use with a B30 blend.  I have asked for confirmation from them and also asked why higher blends are not acceptible.  Not surprisingly I've still not heard from them.  If I do I'll let you know.

Tris.

[stephen]

Hi Ivan,
I am running a freelander on 70 diesel / 30 veg and have done this now for 2300 miles as i keep a log of whats gone in the car.  The book says dont put biodiesel in and i know veg oil is not quite biodiesel but the point is nothing has gone wrong yet.  I also ran a Kia Sportage for some 20k-30k  + miles in the same way.
I have looked everywhere on the net but as you have found i have not found one person saying this is what it did to my engine / pump etc. 
The car cost me over 6k and the kia was 18k so both were a risk.  I know i have not answered your question but maybe it helps.

Stephen

[Ivan]

Hi Stephen,

Yes, it's very interesting data. Every mile you go without problems gives further confidence. I've been running biodiesel in my 2007 Clio Campus Sport for a few weeks now, so far, almost 200litres of Biodiesel (around 2400 miles).

At the moment, I'm able to produce about 50% of my requirements, but if I can get enough to go 100%, then I'll look at putting any excess into the Golf. The more I read, the more it seems that the manufacturers are covering their backs in case of bad fuel batch issues.

[billi]

hi

here  is a  list of cars using  vegetable oil


http://rapsdb.rapsinfo.de/index.php?marke=&sort=-LastTouched


PÖL = pureplantoil


click on the makes to find , most of them are just adding oil to the diesel , some are on 100 % with one tank idea and modification




regards billi

[stephen]

Thanks for that billi, someone else on 30%.  I have considered making Biodiesel but looking on the internet there is loads of ways to do it so I have kept away.
Ivan,List,  Is it easy to make bio and if so where did you get your info from to make it.  I would tend to go higher with the bio than with veg making it much cheaper. 
I got the green light to start the Listergen project so some veg / bio will have to go that way soon. I may follow after Frotter and go after the solid stuff..

Stephen

[Ivan]

Stephen,

Making biodiesel is pretty straightforward, but it's quite an involved process. It sounds a lot harder written down than it actually is in practice. Also, as there are various methods for the various stages of the conversion process, this tends to over-complicate things.

I really enjoy doing it, but I'm limited by my supply of oil, which isn't enough to go 100% biodiesel

[JamesTrike]

Hi List,
I have been producing Bio-diesel now for nearly 2 years. I found the following site to be indispensable.

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/frm/f/719605551

And the process I use is based on the GL 1 day process (no water wash)

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/719605551/m/9921000191

James

[stephen]

OK went to the Eco show today at Earls court 340miles round trip running 70% veg cos
1, It was only one on / off not start stop and
2, I am tight and dont want to pay £1.20 per ltr at the m/way services.

All went well so 30% is going to 40% when the weather is a bit warmer.

Freelander TD4..

Stephen

[stephen]

Thanks James,
Thats the best I have seen it explained

[Ivan]

70% veg oil in the winter with common rail? It gets better! Incidentally, I chucked 20% SVO into my common rail Clio yesterday, and ran 300miles today without any trouble.

[stephen]

I would not do it Ivan if I had to stop the engine several times.  I think on some common rail engines there is a fuel cooler so by naturally running the car the fuel is warmer than it was when you get in it in the morning. Mine has.