Biodiesel question.

Submitted: Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:03
ThreadID: 30534 Views:2025 Replies:5 FollowUps:7
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Hi Guys,

A friend of mine has started using Biodiesel in his 3lt Surf, he is on his second tank and is telling me his fuel economy has dropped off by 100km a tank (60lt tank so quite a lot).
Anyone had a similar result?
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Reply By: Member - David 0- Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:10

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:10
Should be better, as it is generally higher octane and better lubricity.
Sometimes causes blockages of filters and such but I've not noticed reduced econmomy
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Follow Up By: desert - Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:28

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:28
Just a technicality, but diesel fuel has a cetane rating, not octane.
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Follow Up By: Member - David 0- Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:32

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:32
Yeah I couldn;t think of the word, and I'm a flamin chemist....brain dead. :-)
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Reply By: Vivid Adventures - Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:12

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:12
If he hasn't replaced his fuel filter, I'd suggest his fuel filter is clogged with the rubbish that has collected in his fuel system over years of dinosaur diesel.

I did replace my fuel filter after the first tank, and the collected deposits are quite evident. Now my economy seems better - but I don't have too much scientific data to go on.

Would strongly recommend he do that if he has not already?

Ciao for now
Andrew.
AnswerID: 153718

Follow Up By: 1KZ-Mick - Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:33

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 21:33
Thanks, I'll suggest that to him.

Mick.
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Reply By: Footloose - Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 22:56

Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006 at 22:56
AFAIK this is fairly normal, but it should be more than offset by the cheaper price of biodiesel. Is is cheaper isn't it ? Or is this just another example of having to go into the red to be green ?
AnswerID: 153748

Follow Up By: Michael ( Moss Vale NSW) - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 07:20

Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 07:20
Its about 10cents a litre cheaper, but as diesel prices climb, watch the biodiesel prices climb,,,, funny about that..
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Reply By: Snowy 3.0iTD - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 08:37

Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 08:37
Mick

Although Biodiesel has higher lubricity and is better for the environment I recall reading somewhere that it actually has a lower energy value than ordinary diesel. This makes sense to me, as every time I have tried it, I get poorer fuel consumption figures, and noticeably less power under the right foot.

Regards

Snowy
AnswerID: 153789

Follow Up By: Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 08:40

Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 08:40
perhaps you are cleaning out your fuel system with it too?

Get your fuel filter replaced next service!

Ciao for now
Andrew.
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Follow Up By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 09:01

Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 09:01
The cetane rating of the biodiesel depends on the oirginal type of vegetable oil used. Some give a lower and some give a higher cetane rating than petroleum based diesel. But there is an assie standard coming in which will solve the problem.
So doubt it is cetane rating, try your filters.
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Follow Up By: Snowy 3.0iTD - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 09:02

Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 09:02
Andrew

I did all the reccommended stuff including replacing fuel filters, have used it on multiple occasions, and I would have thought that a blocked fuel filter would lead to fuel starvation and lack of power, but can not see how it would increase fuel consumption.

Snowy
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Reply By: viz - Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 20:49

Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006 at 20:49
Wonder how they go with common rail diesels - which use much finer nozzles. Filtration is a much greater issue with this type of injection system...

/viz
AnswerID: 153929

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