Dodge vs Biodiesel- what are the real problems

arcoen · 01-09-2008, 06:59 PM

I own a 2001 and presently building to home brew bio. Who has run bio and what are the affects if any- and what possible problems ? I installed a low fuel pressure alarm and I am replacing the lift pump to protect the injection pump. Who has some real high mile stories about bio diesel and this model (98.5-2002) with success. I see all the stories about the first batch- and at 20,000 mile- but I want some extended stories to push me to making the switch without destroying my pride and joy. Thank you for your help.

***Camotanker*** · 01-09-2008, 07:01 PM

not only did my filter get clogged all the time from the stuff....

but i had a set of injectors that had the holes enlarged from running it. i sent the injectors back for inspection, and i was told they flowed more than when they were sent to me. i stopped using it.

__________________
Monster Rig - (Website Click Here)
2003 CTD - 667hp / 1350+tq

canadiancarguy · 01-09-2008, 07:17 PM

You must have been running poor quality biodiesel for it to give you that many problems. Also you are not really supposed to run b100 in common rails unless you thin it out a little. I've been running biodiesel for nearly 3 years trouble free with the exception of partially gelled fuel once in awhile during cold weather.

bigrattlerdiesel · 01-09-2008, 07:17 PM

hey camo tank u say you stopped using biodiesel? why?

__________________
2001 5 speed 2wd short bed silencer ring MIA , BHAF custom intake and heat shield,5" bullhaullers!! Step 4 Bullyboosters, Quadzilla Adrenaline,Airdog 150!!

wjbell · 01-09-2008, 07:37 PM

When I first got my truck I inquired with a local biodiesel co-op. There's a couple of places in town that make it available for members of the group. I thought, cool, I can get biodiesel cheaper than regular diesel. Not the case, it was at least 10 cents a gallon more than regular diesel. So I thought, well, at least I'll get better mileage with bio.... Uh, no. you get worse mpg.

I was like, what?! You want me to pay $50/year to join a group where I have limited access to fuel, pay more at the pump, get worse mpg AND risk clogging injectors?!

Sorry... but I just don't understand why the people supporting this environmentally friendly product are making it difficult to adapt

Now you can make it yourself but I understand ONCE you pay for and get a home lab set up you can expect about 10hrs of labor per tank of fuel.

__________________
2001.5 2WD, Auto, MBRP 4", Edge EZ, Stock.

***Camotanker*** · 01-09-2008, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigrattlerdiesel

hey camo tank u say you stopped using biodiesel? why?

i have nothing scientific to prove it....

when i got my injectors made... the flowed 'X'... i ran nothing but B20 for 20,000 miles or so. when i sent the injectors back because i was doing some changes... the injectors flowed 'y'.

we found that they were flowing alot more than when origonally put in. the only thing we could figure out was that it was the bio doing it. never had the problem since going back to normal #2.

__________________
Monster Rig - (Website Click Here)
2003 CTD - 667hp / 1350+tq

canadiancarguy · 01-09-2008, 09:04 PM

I was selling biodiesel for 75 cents per litre or 2.83 per gallon. I don't see why big commercial biodiesel guys sell their fuel for more than #2. If it get 15% less mileage, it should cost at least 15% less than #2.

arcoen · 01-11-2008, 06:25 AM

Everywhere on the internet you see only the stories of how great it is- but I never heard of injector problems- I think this is helping me want to aviod bio- diesel. I was hoping for a large majority of no problems or at the most injector pump after lift pump failure- then x00000 miles with no problems. Canadian guy - what % do you run with- and how many miles in 3 years ? Anymore inputs would be valuable and appreciated.

jefff929 · 01-11-2008, 06:44 AM

Hey Camo that isn't really fair to throw that out there. Gezzus, Scott create a little drama.

You have a HPCR (03+) and the OP is talking about a 98.5-02. Yes, the HPCR is known to have that happen on the injectors. With a 01, is that an issue? I say no.

I have been running different %s of BioD for the last 4+ (over 60k) years without a problem. I run commercially available B99 that I mix at the recommendation of the local BioD coop with #2 to B50 or less in the winter. I seriously doubt my injector size or flow has changed from running it. Good quality BioD that has been properly washed and given time to settle shouldn't have the water content to erode the injector tips on an 01 era truck. I have run everything from B99 to B20 without issue, currently there is mostly b20 with a little #2 so it is probably about B10 right now.

The fuel filter thing. I really recommend that you get a fp gauge, to each his own. When i see the fp start to drop off I change the filter. with the light thingy you are waiting for the fp to get dangerously low, the Fn light is not set up to come on until you are dangerously low on fp and possibly causing damage to the vp44 IMO. Cary a spare ff under the seat at all times and if that light even flickers change it.

__________________
sic-and-Fk'n tired of Trolls, CF included.

Good luck all

Last edited by jefff929 : 01-11-2008 at 06:51 AM. Reason: boob at keyboard.

rufushusky · 01-11-2008, 06:50 AM

Well I ran B20 in my common rail and I had no problems. I really could not tell the difference between running bio vs. dino diesel. I am currently in the same boat getting stuff together to make my own biodiesel. If you are serious about running it picking up an extra fuel filter, like the remote kit from vulcan diesel would not be a bad idea.

__________________
Dennis
04.5 Ram 2500 Reg Cab 4x4 5.9, 48re, AEM, Smarty, TS Ramifier, Banks High Ram,FASS HPFP, Boost/pyro/trans/FP/RP gauges, 5" Exhaust, Cat 2 micron fuel filter, Amsoil Bypass

Check out: Rig of the Month!

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/rig-month/

Sparks280zt · 01-11-2008, 06:57 AM

8,000 mies for me running atleast homemade b50 and usually b75or higher. Make quality fuel and you will get quality results. And I acutally get about 1 mpg better with the bio. In most cases its an internet myth that resturants pay to get their dirty fryer oil picked up. Be prepared to offer around $.50 a gallon to get used cooking oil.

a2gsx · 01-11-2008, 09:04 AM

Well I don't have any internal or long term results to chime in with, but I do have this to offer:
A station near me sells B-20 for usually $.05(ish)/gal cheaper than the other guys around sell Dino Diesel. I have filled up there countless times, with no mechanical issues yet in the past year I've been using their fuel. I do however keep highly accurate (factoring in odometer error as well) track of my fuel economy. Not a single time have I got even the same mileage with B-20 as I have with #2 dino fuel. It has been consistantly 1-3 MPG better with B-20.
Comforting to me, is this particular station also serves as a mid sized truck stop. I see rig after rig filling up with the same stuff. Also countless other pick ups of all brands, as I live in a rural area with lots of farming with lots of Diesels. That's what I know... for whatever that's worth...
Ryan

01-09-2008, 06:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
arcoen Cummins Fan Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 53 arcoen's Truck Pics	Dodge vs Biodiesel- what are the real problems I own a 2001 and presently building to home brew bio. Who has run bio and what are the affects if any- and what possible problems ? I installed a low fuel pressure alarm and I am replacing the lift pump to protect the injection pump. Who has some real high mile stories about bio diesel and this model (98.5-2002) with success. I see all the stories about the first batch- and at 20,000 mile- but I want some extended stories to push me to making the switch without destroying my pride and joy. Thank you for your help.

01-11-2008, 06:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
arcoen Cummins Fan Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 53 arcoen's Truck Pics	This is not what I expected Everywhere on the internet you see only the stories of how great it is- but I never heard of injector problems- I think this is helping me want to aviod bio- diesel. I was hoping for a large majority of no problems or at the most injector pump after lift pump failure- then x00000 miles with no problems. Canadian guy - what % do you run with- and how many miles in 3 years ? Anymore inputs would be valuable and appreciated.

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01-09-2008, 07:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
*Camotanker* Cummins Nut Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 379 Camotanker's Truck Pics	not only did my filter get clogged all the time from the stuff.... but i had a set of injectors that had the holes enlarged from running it. i sent the injectors back for inspection, and i was told they flowed more than when they were sent to me. i stopped using it. __________________ Monster Rig - (Website Click Here) 2003 CTD - 667hp / 1350+tq

01-09-2008, 07:17 PM	#3 (permalink)
canadiancarguy Cummins Fan Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 66 canadiancarguy's Truck Pics	You must have been running poor quality biodiesel for it to give you that many problems. Also you are not really supposed to run b100 in common rails unless you thin it out a little. I've been running biodiesel for nearly 3 years trouble free with the exception of partially gelled fuel once in awhile during cold weather.

01-09-2008, 07:17 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigrattlerdiesel Cummins Nut Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 391 bigrattlerdiesel's Truck Pics	hey camo tank u say you stopped using biodiesel? why? __________________ 2001 5 speed 2wd short bed silencer ring MIA , BHAF custom intake and heat shield,5" bullhaullers!! Step 4 Bullyboosters, Quadzilla Adrenaline,Airdog 150!!

01-09-2008, 07:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
wjbell Cummins Nut Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 385 wjbell's Truck Pics	When I first got my truck I inquired with a local biodiesel co-op. There's a couple of places in town that make it available for members of the group. I thought, cool, I can get biodiesel cheaper than regular diesel. Not the case, it was at least 10 cents a gallon more than regular diesel. So I thought, well, at least I'll get better mileage with bio.... Uh, no. you get worse mpg. I was like, what?! You want me to pay $50/year to join a group where I have limited access to fuel, pay more at the pump, get worse mpg AND risk clogging injectors?! Sorry... but I just don't understand why the people supporting this environmentally friendly product are making it difficult to adapt Now you can make it yourself but I understand ONCE you pay for and get a home lab set up you can expect about 10hrs of labor per tank of fuel. __________________ 2001.5 2WD, Auto, MBRP 4", Edge EZ, Stock.

01-09-2008, 09:04 PM	#7 (permalink)
canadiancarguy Cummins Fan Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 66 canadiancarguy's Truck Pics	I was selling biodiesel for 75 cents per litre or 2.83 per gallon. I don't see why big commercial biodiesel guys sell their fuel for more than #2. If it get 15% less mileage, it should cost at least 15% less than #2.

01-11-2008, 06:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
jefff929 Diesel Freak Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 869 jefff929's Truck Pics	Hey Camo that isn't really fair to throw that out there. Gezzus, Scott create a little drama. You have a HPCR (03+) and the OP is talking about a 98.5-02. Yes, the HPCR is known to have that happen on the injectors. With a 01, is that an issue? I say no. I have been running different %s of BioD for the last 4+ (over 60k) years without a problem. I run commercially available B99 that I mix at the recommendation of the local BioD coop with #2 to B50 or less in the winter. I seriously doubt my injector size or flow has changed from running it. Good quality BioD that has been properly washed and given time to settle shouldn't have the water content to erode the injector tips on an 01 era truck. I have run everything from B99 to B20 without issue, currently there is mostly b20 with a little #2 so it is probably about B10 right now. The fuel filter thing. I really recommend that you get a fp gauge, to each his own. When i see the fp start to drop off I change the filter. with the light thingy you are waiting for the fp to get dangerously low, the Fn light is not set up to come on until you are dangerously low on fp and possibly causing damage to the vp44 IMO. Cary a spare ff under the seat at all times and if that light even flickers change it. __________________ sic-and-Fk'n tired of Trolls, CF included. Good luck all Last edited by jefff929 : 01-11-2008 at 06:51 AM. Reason: boob at keyboard.

01-11-2008, 06:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
rufushusky Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The People's republic of Massachusetts Posts: 3,769 rufushusky's Truck Pics	Well I ran B20 in my common rail and I had no problems. I really could not tell the difference between running bio vs. dino diesel. I am currently in the same boat getting stuff together to make my own biodiesel. If you are serious about running it picking up an extra fuel filter, like the remote kit from vulcan diesel would not be a bad idea. __________________ Dennis 04.5 Ram 2500 Reg Cab 4x4 5.9, 48re, AEM, Smarty, TS Ramifier, Banks High Ram,FASS HPFP, Boost/pyro/trans/FP/RP gauges, 5" Exhaust, Cat 2 micron fuel filter, Amsoil Bypass Check out: Rig of the Month! http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/rig-month/

01-11-2008, 06:57 AM	#11 (permalink)
Sparks280zt Cummins Fan Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 89 Sparks280zt's Truck Pics	8,000 mies for me running atleast homemade b50 and usually b75or higher. Make quality fuel and you will get quality results. And I acutally get about 1 mpg better with the bio. In most cases its an internet myth that resturants pay to get their dirty fryer oil picked up. Be prepared to offer around $.50 a gallon to get used cooking oil.

01-11-2008, 09:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
a2gsx Cummins Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 152 a2gsx's Truck Pics	Well I don't have any internal or long term results to chime in with, but I do have this to offer: A station near me sells B-20 for usually $.05(ish)/gal cheaper than the other guys around sell Dino Diesel. I have filled up there countless times, with no mechanical issues yet in the past year I've been using their fuel. I do however keep highly accurate (factoring in odometer error as well) track of my fuel economy. Not a single time have I got even the same mileage with B-20 as I have with #2 dino fuel. It has been consistantly 1-3 MPG better with B-20. Comforting to me, is this particular station also serves as a mid sized truck stop. I see rig after rig filling up with the same stuff. Also countless other pick ups of all brands, as I live in a rural area with lots of farming with lots of Diesels. That's what I know... for whatever that's worth... Ryan