My experiences with B100...

[MORE_MPG]

Register to stop seeing this ad!

I don't yet have a diesel Subaru, so, I'll have to tell you about my experiences with two 1996 VW Passat TDI's.

For a little over two years I have run 100% biodiesel (B100) in both of these cars. I don't have much detail about them running well, what is there to say other than it works the same as petroleum diesel when outside air temperatures are above freezing. It is the slightest bit quieter and the exhaust doesn't make your eyes water. For me, power and fuel economy are the same.

There are some things to keep in mind. Some may think of these as negatives regarding biodiesel, but for the most part it just takes paying attention.

1. One must pay attention to the overnight air temperature when it gets close to freezing. One cold snap and you may be in for an inconvenient morning. The lovely thing about how this happens is that the engine will run for a little while as the filter is getting clogged up with gelled fuel, then the engine will quit due to fuel starvation. This leaves the lines between the filter and the pump essentially empty, but the rest of the system is still full. For me, it is just a matter of waiting until the temperature goes up then crank it until it starts. This may take a bit longer then a normal start, but for me, it has always started.

2. Expect to replace your fuel filter within a few months of the switch to biodiesel. The higher the blend and the older the vehicle the quicker the filter will need to be replaced. Biodiesel has an interesting affect of cleaning our your fuel system, tank and all. Sounds good, except that for, possible, years, you have been pumping crud into your tank along with the petroleum diesel that you paid for. Biodiesel will clean the tank and leave it in the fuel filter. If left to go long enough, this will keep the car from running. You will have a lot of warning. I drove a five hour trip with a nearly clogged filter, the car would climb hills at 60, then 50, then 40 mph. I got home before it got much worse than that. It wouldn't do more than idle the next day. After a fuel filter change, it was back to normal. Keep a spare with you. Most cars only require very simple tools to swap fuel filters, if you are so inclined, you may want to have those with your spare filter.

3. Biodiesel is hard to find. This is getting better, this map is a good place to start. http://biodiesel.org/buyingbiodiesel...lfuelingsites/

4. Biodiesel prices are often quite different than petroleum diesel prices. My local retailer charges a fixed mark-up on the specific batch that he is selling. So, depending on the fluctuations in the two fuel's prices, Biodiesel has been up to about $1 over or under petroleum diesel. I average this out in my head and figure it is a wash. I buy as long the weather is warm enough.

5. If your vehicle is older than about 1996, you will want to double check that you have modern materials in your fuel lines. Natural rubber will melt away to a gooey sticky mess! Also, if you replace fuel lines, don't use hose for a vintage sports car ! This will cause a problem! It would probably be OK for a couple of weeks, but don't forget! If you find your fuel lines to be sticky, use rubber gloves and replace them ASAP!

6. No. 5 goes for any natural rubber component such as suspension bushings, if you get biodiesel (maybe the same for petroleum diesel too, not sure) on them, then will fall apart.

Yes, I have been through some interesting not so good things using this fuel, but I enjoy using it and talking to people about using it.

If your warranty is out, or you think that burning sustainable, domestic fuel is a higher priority, please give this stuff a try.

I do use and recommend using a commercially produced form of biodiesel, at least to start out. One can make biodiesel and diesel engines will run on straight vegetable oil or clean waste vegetable oil that has been warmed. I have heard, from a Penn State Professor, that there are highly carcinogenic byproducts produced when burning straight or waste vegetable oils.

I am perfectly happy with it and feel good about where my money goes.

Ben