We have a 2003 Monaco MH with a 370 Cummins ISL engine.We understood that bio diesel was not to be used in this engine.On our last trip to the Florida Keys, we noticed the stations we usually stop to fill have only Biodiesel and no longer carry the Ultra low sulphate diesel.We had no choice but to top off the tank with bio-diesel and had no problems but we only put in about 25 gallons. It appears more stations are switching to bio-diesel.We called two Cummins service centers and got two different answers.One said bio-diesel would cause many more repairs and there were no additives that would help.One said it was okay, but to not let it sit in the tank too long, He said an additive called "Fuel Prep" made by Penray was helpful.so, which is it? Any ideas?It appears that biodiesel is here to stay and ULSD is on the way out.

In Florida when I was at flying j pump, there was 15 % and 20% biodiesel...I used the 15% and then drove home and have had two tanks since then...just burn it off and fuel up with good old diesel as soon as humanly possible.

bullydogs1 wrote:In Florida when I was at flying j pump, there was 15 % and 20% biodiesel...I used the 15% and then drove home and have had two tanks since then...just burn it off and fuel up with good old diesel as soon as humanly possible.The problem with that theory is that it seems no one is carrying the ULSD anymore. We just called the Flying J that we normally use near Tampa and they now only carry biodiesel.

Biodiesel caused issues with the injectors in our 2006 F-250. Had to replace several while it was still under warranty. Part of the problem was cold temperatures in our area, but it was not fun.

Call Cummins direct, as I did and they will tell you 5% bio is all they recommend. Make sure if it is going to set for awhile, that you use a biocide to counter any algae growth from the condensation that will form.......Luckily around here they do not use bio diesel, so no problems.

Checked the Department of Energy website. If I am reading them correctly it says that the move to ULSD had the unintended consequence of causing "lubricity" problems and that bio-diesel blends solve this problem with blends as low as 1% bio diesel. But the bio-diesel had the unintended consequence of plugging fuel filters and other forms of damage, especially to older vehicles not designed to tolerate bio-diesel. They also admit that your vehicles warranty might not be any good if you use bio-diesel. What they do not admit is that this mess is all their fault. Idiots.

Bio diesel.....yes or no | Good Sam Community

42 Replies

Sez_Hoo_
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013
JRS & B wrote:
For what it's worth, changing a fuel filter on a 6.7 Cummins is a bit of a PITA to begin with. Changing this fuel filter when broke down on the side of the road would be a ROYAL PITA. Just my opinion.

I'm here to tell you that changing the fuel filters on an 8.3 ltr Cummins is no day at the beach either. And that's even if you were parked at the beach.
Mike_and_Trish
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013
Well, I can't tell you where NOT to find biodiesel, but here is a map and list of stations that sell it. It sure doesn't look like "everywhere" to me, so it should not be that hard to avoid.

Also, EPA did not give us biodiesel -- Congress did, just like ethanol. If you don't like it, blame the elected reps (and the farm lobby that bought their votes with campaign contributions), not the regulatory agencies that are required to implement the law.
RayChez
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013
I never had any problem while traveling on the east coast with biodiesel. Maybe it is because I have the 3126-E, not sure.
cbigham
Explorer III
Jul 27, 2013
Thanks Brett, good hit. I will sleep better.
wolfe10
Explorer
Jul 27, 2013
Caterpillar Corp Bio-diesel information:

Biodiesel
Use ASTM D6751 or DIN 51606 specification
Limited storage life

Less BTU content (5 – 7%) than regular diesel

Allowable Blend:
Up to 30% for engines built prior to 1/1/2007
Engines built on or after 1/1/2007:
Up to 5% for C7 and C9
Up to 20% for C13 and C15
cbigham
Explorer III
Jul 27, 2013
Interesting, but again, the C7 info would be helpful. Had to ingest some of that stuff coming up the Grapevine a week ago from Modesto.

Thanks,
wolfe10
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
leksmk wrote:
Cummins FAQ on Bio Diesel http://cumminsengines.com/every/customer/biodiesel_faq.page

Clicky
leksmk
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Cummins FAQ on Bio Diesel http://cumminsengines.com/every/customer/biodiesel_faq.page
JRS___B
Explorer
Apr 13, 2013
lfeather - I change fuel filters every 15,000 miles, or less, by the book. When I had my truck in for new brakes, I asked to get a good look at the location of the fuel filter while my truck was on the hoist. I looked up, but it still looked tough to get at. I think I remember the mechanic saying it was actually easier to climb up into the engine compartment and change the filter from the top. Like I said, under ideal conditions, it still looks like a bit of a PITA. But based on what I have read here, I am going to avoid bio diesel if I can.
lfeather
Explorer
Apr 07, 2013
JRS & B wrote:
For what it's worth, changing a fuel filter on a 6.7 Cummins is a bit of a PITA to begin with. Changing this fuel filter when broke down on the side of the road would be a ROYAL PITA. Just my opinion.

Mine are readily accessable and easy to change. Best to change them before they fail so you don't have to change them on the side of the road. If i see discoloration or stuff in the glass bowl on the filter, i change the filters at a convenient location.

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Bio diesel.....yes or no

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