[fepeddler]

Which year models of Dodge 3500 with the cummins is best suited for Biodiesel? And by that I mean: Which requires the least amount of modification? Which can burn straight vegetable oil? What is the affect on the fuel pump? I am looking at buying a Dodge 3500 cummins and planning on making my own fuel. so any input to the motor that is best suited is greatly appreciated.

 

[BlueDog Ram]

From what I hear the 1st gens and 2nd gens (94-98.5 12v) are the best for that. Something to do with the vp44 pump. Someone else should chime in, as Im not the best with diesels yet.

 

[terminaltsi]

a lot of people are running bio in 98 to 02 trucks as well. i haven't had any problems yet with mine, even the fuel filter is still clean.

 

[fepeddler]

gen 1

some years ago (10) a friend had a gen 1, and would put half a tank or more of straight waste oil (motor oil, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid etc.) from the shops waste oil tank and the top off with pump diesel. That thing ran forever, it smoked quite a bit, and he had to run several cheap in-line filters. But considering that, I don't see why a 12v of gen. 2 will have a problem?...if I can find one.

 

[iowacummins]

well if you go over 50/50 mix or bio diesel with a 1st gen you may start to have problems with the seals in the IP but if it is a replacement pump that doesnt have rubber seals your fine. i think teh best trucks are 94-98 just becasue if you do fry up the IP( but prlly wont) it is not as expensive as a 24v pump. if a first gen has a new IP i think that would be the best cause fairly cheap to work on and the most mechanical cummins out there.

 

[smkstk]

12v can handle a higher mix of bio/regular diesel i.e 80/20, where as the computerized ones can handle more like 50/50, that's just what i've been reading mainly.