GoPackGo wrote:
Here's the 2 things that I wonder as regards the older diesels -
1. ULSD. Will those older engines have problems over the long term because of this stuff ? Will ULSD have a nasty effect on the fuel pumps ? I have not heard of any new requirements but what if there's a new and even more stringent requirement in the works ?
Earlier when ULSD first came out, there were lubricity issues. But the suppliers have long fixed that and now have the proper lubricity needed for those older motors. Heck, some states require using biodiesel blends which as a side effects helps that lubricity.
2. I just noticed a sticker on the pump at my local Murphy that stated they are now pumping B20 biodiesel. While my truck can take up to 20% biodiesel, what happens WHEN you run B20 in the older diesels.
I'm not for or against older diesels as regards the original question. I would just want to know the answers to the above questions before I got too serious.
Tim
The only thing you have to be careful about on the older vehicles in regards to biodiesel is seal compatibility. Anything made with Butyl style rubber that comes into contact with biodiesel will eventually corrode or break down. Biodiesel has some solvent properties and with older vehicles (even if it has compatible hoses and such), it will clean out the tank and fuel system and you'll probably clog your fuel filters a few times. We ran into this with our bus fleet at work. Once all that gunk is cleaned out though and you have the proper hoses and seals, you should be good to go. In fact, once the proper hoses and gaskets are used, old diesels can tolerate on running 100% blends of biodiesel since they're more tolerant with fuel contamination and such. I'm talking pre-common rail motors from the manufacturers. And 7.3 or older for the Ford powerstrokes.