[Biodiesel In Utah] Biodiesel gelling issues

[Andre Shoumatoff]

Another good source of filters is from Cummins..  Fleetguard (which is what Cummins carries) makes filters that interchange with almost anything, and all sorts of models and versions from different microns to heaters and seperators built in.  If you can get the correct part number, they work very well with bio and are very high quality filters...  But that said Cummins may have trouble if you tell them it is "for a '99 powerstroke" or something like that so if you can look up the number on the Internet, or contact Fleetgaurd direct first, then it helps tremendously..  I have been using fleetgaurd filters in a few Toyotas and all sorts of obscure diesels and they are great...    Best, Andre

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: RICH and DONNA GARRETT 
  To: graydon at utahbiodieselsupply.com ; Biodiesel in Utah 
  Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2006 3:56 PM
  Subject: Re: [Biodiesel In Utah] Biodiesel gelling issues


  Check for fuel filters on E-bay.  I generally pay $7-8 each, including shipping, as opposed to $26 at the local retailer for my 97 F250.

  I have experienced a notable loss in power when pulling my 24ft travel trailer combined with my ATV trailer.  However, I am willing to sacrifice some power (I still have plenty even over Sardine) because the price is right!!  Empty, the mileage is as good a dinofuel.  I have been running 100% biodiesel since July 4th - Independence Day!!

  Rich
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Graydon Blair 
    To: Biodiesel in Utah 
    Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2006 3:31 PM
    Subject: Re: [Biodiesel In Utah] Biodiesel gelling issues


    Correct, Correct, and...correct.

    Biodiesel does increase the gelling of the fuel. During Utah Winters I recommend not going much higher than a B20 blend during the dead of winter to avoid gelling issues. Especially in the newer diesels and especially in Fords.

    Fords have notoriously been finicky about Biodiesel. I've heard of more Ford fuel filters plug up than any other make out there. It has to do with the weave used in the fuel filter. It's more prone to promoting gelling than others out there.

    He's right, they do recommend (and so do I) changing the fuel filters more often. However, I don't know that I'd buy a FORD one though. $165.00 seems awefully steep for a fuel filter (sounds like a great way for dealerships to make some money). He may want to check around to see if he can get em cheaper (I paid all of $20.00 for one for my old Isuzu Pickup Diesel).

    The drop in power is well documented on Dyno's however, unless you're pulling boats on trailers up Parley's every day you will have a hard time noticing the difference. Fuel mileage doesn't suffer much either.

    I've written a great article on running biodiesel in vehicles. I even address the issues with Cold Weather too.

    More info here:
    http://wwwutahbiodieselsupply.com/usingbiodiesel.php

    -Graydon

    sdbandis at sorensonmedical.com wrote: 

      OK, all you biodiesel users. My friend has done some searching for
      information on using biodiesel in his 2005 F350 Powerstroke diesel. His
      concerns and comments follow. Is there anyone that has more information
      to help us understand how to overcome these issues?


      Friend's comments:

      I looked through all this information and found two problems with
      Bio-diesel.

      1) Bio diesel tends to gel more than petroleum based fuels when it gets
      cold. They recommend that you do a 50-50 mix if you live in a cold state
      such as Utah. This means you only get the benefits of B-D about 75% of
      the year.
      2) Bio diesel runs so clean that it actually cleans your system out.
      Butterfield Ford says if you run B-D that you must replace your oil
      filters every 7 thousand miles instead of every 15 thousand. These
      filters are about $165.00 in my truck. B-D gas has been linked to some
      of the injector problems that Ford is having with the new 6.0 liter.
      This is because the filter clogs and injectors are getting starved for
      fuel.

      I did hit the Sinclair station on the belt rout over the weekend. They
      had some B-D and it was only 2.29 per/gallon instead of 3.59 per/gallon.
      It was a great savings and seemed to run really nice in the truck! I
      still don't know what I think about it all. They also say you can expect
      a 7 - 10 percent drop in power.


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