Carsy

MB says that their modern diesels should not run on greater than 5% bio diesel fuel.

I have the choice of buying either.

I have a couple of questions:-

Is B5 easier on fuel pumps /injectors compared to straight diesel therefore prolonging their life ?.

What is the effect of B5 on MPG?

Are their any advantages buying B5

Thank you,

Carsy.

oldsinner111

B5 has higher ceatane,good for injectors,and I.P.,same mileage, but a nicer smell.

lkchris

B5 makes one feel 5% more righteous.

listerone

There's not a person on earth who cares less than me about "the environment" or "global warming' except,perhaps,the head of China's "Ministry of Climate Change".But if biodiesel that's priced no higher than full diesel can be safely used in my car giving me the same performance and fuel economy as full diesel does than I'm all for it....because it means that much less petroleum we must import from dangerous countries like Iran,Venezuela and Russia.I just bought my first tank of biodiesel (B5,according to the pump) at a local Sunoco station the other day.It was 15-30 cents cheaper than any other diesel I've seen in the area (including off-brand stations) and in the 50 miles I've driven so far all seems to be OK.The way things look now I just might frequent that station regularly in the future.

NevadaNick

I ran B5 in my 2010 Dodge Cummins and it was noticably quieter. The benefits are supposed to be better lubricity and less regens. I now have a 2011 GMC and run B20 in it and with current petroleum prices its cheaper than reg dsl. When the GL350 shows up (if it ever does) it will get bio in it. The only drawback to bio is it does not do well in cold weather.

Carsy

It's is no cheaper here in Australia .

No cold whether problems either.

I thankfully do not have a particulate filter to regen.

5% extra self righteousness is immeasurable !.

Making the fuel system last longer is worthwhile!!

Thanks all for your comments.

Carsy.

lkchris

I always like to ask those concerned about "foreign oil" whether they used a "made in USA" computer to post to this forum.

Or whether they ever shop at WalMart.

It's a bogus issue.

listerone

Nope...wrong,wrong,WRONG! Every Dollar,Euro,Yen,Franc,Pound,etc that goes to outlaw countries (and major oil producers) like Iran,Venezuela and Russia threatens the civilized world both militarily and economically.

jctevere

5% Biodiesel shouldn't present any "negative" side effects vs conventional diesel that would be statistically measurable and accountable due to the fuel difference. However, high concentrations of Biodiesel fuels (over 20%) have shown poor oxidation stability, which can result in long-term storage problems. When biodiesel fuels are used at low ambient temperatures, filters may plug and the fuel in the tank may thicken to the point where it will not flow sufficiently.

On the subject of domestic vs foreign oil, we import a bit more than half of all the oil we consume (estimates around 52%). Of this imported oil, only 21.69% of America's oil imports come from the Persian Gulf region. Per the DoE, the Persian Gulf includes Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates; however, Iran and Qatar export no oil to the United States.

At least with WalMart, they are a U.S. corporation, and even though most sources for their goods come from overseas, the profit still remains here in the U.S. and is taxed.

Most foreign oil companies barely pay any taxes to the U.S. and what's worse, is the profits are sent back overseas. Every physical dollar sent overseas means that we lose much more from our GDP, due to the Keynesian multiplier. In other words, if I have one less dollar to spend on U.S. soil at your business, because it was sent overseas, you have 1 less dollar to spend on U.S. soil at someone else's business, and now they have one less dollar to spend at my business. When we are only talking about $1, it doesn't seem like much, but when you look at bigger scale operations, it becomes a big problem. Almost like a domino effect. If you think that this recession is over with, think again, we are in for some BIG TIME trouble, unless we can get a huge movement to retain funds within U.S. borders and increase the amount of times our money changes hands per year.

Carsy

Good news for USA is that they are close to exporting shale gas. It is only a year or two ago there were huge quantities being imported.

ImInPA

Biodiesel has very good lubricity and hs excellent cleaning properties. I ran B20 in a passat diesel I had. Personally, I found it to have a bit less mpg than dino-diesel, but, it did run quieter. When I first started using it, it clean so much crap off of the inside of my tank, I had to replace a fuel filter, but, after that I had no issues at all. I wish the US government would set up acceptable standards for Biodiesel. This is the main reason MB limits us to only B5. There is a broad range of Biofuel quality in the US.

harkgar

What is the mechanism of the cleaning effect of bio-diesel that you noticed?

ImInPA

Not sure. I was surprised and found a lot of good niformation at Freds TDI site. It is chemically much different than dino-diesel. Apparently, this is a very common occurence. I would gladly run B100 if MB would certify it.

freesoul

WRONG http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/fuel...el_blends.html

Carsy

I like the idea of "significantly increase fuel lubricity". It might make the fuel p/p & injectors last longer, especially the seals.

Carsy

G'day 240 D . I see you are back !! You haven't changed .

edwinwalke

???????

dougiebear

Bio can screw up your diesel particulate filter. B5 is MAX
DPF $$$$$$$ not worth it

NevadaNick

[QUOTEBio can screw up your diesel particulate filter. B5 is MAX
DPF $$$$$$$ not worth it ][/QUOTE]

Then why is B20 allowed in my GMC with DPF? I dont believe its a problem.

edwinwalke

Show me something other than your opinion that you base this statement on.

dougiebear

Nick maybe different filter or want ur cleaning maintenance?

ED read the blog on here there are maybe 1000 filter cleaners in North America about 8 in Toronto Niagara region. So not my opinion at all. I'm a freak about knowing EVERYTHING possible to know before I buy and DPF scared the hell out of me. But if you don't like my answers the dealer WILL like ur money.
Hope you are lucky and have no problems.
Google DPF problems open ur eyes learn that's my best opinion and leave us intelligent people who are genuinely trying to help.

Carsy

MB recommend only B5 in Australia.

DPF's must be sensitive as only special low ash crankcase lube oils should be used.