I have noticed the Flying J and Pilot stations I patronized in AZ and CA have switched to B20 diesel. Is this a national trend? I also noticed the selling price is the same as nearby competitors selling regular diesel. Based on a quick internet check, it seems the cost of B20 diesel is cheaper so retailers like Flying J and Pilot are making more money selling the stuff. The switch to B20 by some of these stations have created a bit of a problem for me when traveling since I have a Mercedes Sprinter moho and I can only use B5 diesel. Instead of seeking the aforementioned brands when I travel, I now look for regular gas stations since all of them seem to sell regular diesel. A side benefit of not using the truck stops next to the interstate highways, the price of diesel is usually cheaper when buying a short distance from the interstate highways.

Most of the major truck stops are headed towards B20. PFJ have a fuel price list with bio-diesel rating on their fuel. I have found it to be somewhat accurate, as some say they have <=B5, but when you get to the pumps, check the labels. Often they're higher than what the website says...https://pilotflyingj.com/fuel-prices/Yes, it's all about the money. Some get State tax breaks for selling it, some just sell it because it's cheaper and the profit margin is greater. Also, at the local gas stations, check the diesel pumps for labels describing the source of the fuel. I've seen a few pumps marked with signage like "This fuel is not a Shell/Exxon/BP/??? product". Huh??? Buyer beware.

Thanks for posting the list. As I suspected, all but one of the stations in CA now sell B20. In AZ, only 3 stations show B5 and the rest don't say the type of diesel being sold.

Actually straight Diesel is getting harder and harder to find. Stations can sell up to 5% Bio and don't have to have a label on the pump. So while you may think you're getting Grade A #2 Diesel you may well be getting 5% Bio.

$4000.00, that's how much it cost me to fix everything bio screwed up on my vehicle so when everything goes to bio, I guess I'll have to quit driving my vehicle. In case you're wondering, 2005 6.0 Ford motor in a van...delaminated the fuel tank which took out the fuel pump and several injectors also, NOT supposed to run any bio of any percentage in the system (or so Ford tells me).

gemsworld wrote:Thanks for posting the list. As I suspected, all but one of the stations in CA now sell B20. In AZ, only 3 stations show B5 and the rest don't say the type of diesel being sold.No problem. You know you can use up to B20 in the MB V6 as long as you keep an eye on the oil level, and some owners have said they shorten the oil/fuel filter and oil change intervals. MB lays it out in the OM under (go figure) "B20 fuels with bio-diesel content" fuel. In my 2017 Sprinter manual it's a short blerb on/near page 275."B20 fuels with bio-diesel content! Continuous use of B20 fuel can lead to fuelfilter clogging and injector deposits. This cancause engine performance degradation.Injector deposits can cause the engine oillevel to rise due to unburned fuel washing intothe oil pan. This can cause engine mechanicaldamage.To avoid damages and performance degradation:- Fill up with ULSD (B5 or less) wheneverpossible.- Regularly monitor your engine oil level ifyou use B20 fuel on a regular basis.- Strictly follow the oil change intervals quotedin the instrument cluster and withinyour maintenance booklet.- Use only engine oils and filters approved foruse in your vehicle.- If you do not plan to drive your vehicle forseveral weeks, fill your vehicle’s fuel tank inadvance with ULSD fuel.For more information, consult the gas stationstaff. The fatty acid methyl ester B5 or B20 labelon the fuel pump must clearly state that thestandard for ULSD is complied with. If the markingdoes not make this clear, do not refuel fromthat pump.Do not refuel with any fuels that have not beenapproved for your vehicle.For more information about refueling(> page 125)."

Flying J and Pilot moving toward B20 diesel? | Good Sam Community

down_home
Explorer II
Dec 28, 2019
97chevor wrote:
I think this is more state regulations than fuel station choice. Personally, traveling across the country I have encountered regen problems from buying fuel in western states. I think it is not only the high amount of bio but what the bio is made from.

Dig it out on the Internet. Teh administration increased the mandatory amount of ethanol that must be incorporated into gasoline. I don't remember the amount. Biodiesel for Soy etc also,I think but don't quote me.
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2019
Mike Poorman wrote:
theoldwizard1 wrote:
starlord wrote:
...NOT supposed to run any bio of any percentage in the system (or so Ford tells me).

Never Ford diesels are certified for up B20.

Just checked the manual for my 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 HD and that

on page 47 of the 2019 Duramax Diesel Supplement they state

"Do not use a diesel blend containing more than 20% biodiesel by volume"

So it appears that B20 is acceptable.

I will stop by my local GMC dealer and check with a real person to make sure that the truck can actually run on B20 with out issues.
I spent years working at Gm dealerships. I can assure you that most people working there don't know squat. Call GM Customer Service if you want the correct answer.
B.O.
Mike_Poorman
Explorer
Dec 27, 2019
theoldwizard1 wrote:
starlord wrote:
...NOT supposed to run any bio of any percentage in the system (or so Ford tells me).

Never Ford diesels are certified for up B20.

Just checked the manual for my 2019 GMC Sierra 3500 HD and that

on page 47 of the 2019 Duramax Diesel Supplement they state

"Do not use a diesel blend containing more than 20% biodiesel by volume"

So it appears that B20 is acceptable.

I will stop by my local GMC dealer and check with a real person to make sure that the truck can actually run on B20 with out issues.
97chevor
Explorer
Dec 25, 2019
I think this is more state regulations than fuel station choice. Personally, traveling across the country I have encountered regen problems from buying fuel in western states. I think it is not only the high amount of bio but what the bio is made from.
pigman1
Explorer
Dec 24, 2019
down home wrote:
pigman1 wrote:
You get a double hit when using the B20. As mentioned, you're paying for a less expensive fuel that the dealer sells at the more expensive price, and then you get the second hit where your fuel mileage drops because there's less BTU's (energy) in a gallon of B20 than in a gallon of straight #2 diesel. 139,000BTU in #2 diesel vs 126,700BTU in a B20 diesel. Welcome to the "how do we screw the consumer again?" game.

Don't forget we subsidize BioDiesel production with our taxes
Yep, thanks for reminding me of that one. We pay our taxes so they can subsidize the alcohol industry and sell you a less efficient fuel, give you less mileage, and make you think you're "saving the environment" On the last issue, If the brewer's grain (What's left after the alcohol is distilled) can't be disposed of very closely to the alcohol plant, there is a net cost that has to be added to the cost of production, which it seldom, if ever, is shown. Another way the government hides the cost of alcohol is by generous carbon credits that can sold to other high pollution producing industries. So not only are alcohol producers getting direct tax advantages, the drivers are subsidizing other high pollution industries. So much for environmentally friendly fuel. Politics at it's worst.
jolvi
Explorer
Dec 23, 2019
We have a diesel car and it says #2 diesel or B5 only. I believe that every time I have stopped at a station it says #2 or B5 specifically. That being said at least in the state we live in B5 to B20 just have to state it is between B5 and B20. Checked with state and it is true and a federal law so it can be anywhere between the points. By the way called company that has the guess ratio sign and they cannot tell you ratio depends on bobber of the day.
down_home
Explorer II
Dec 23, 2019
pigman1 wrote:
You get a double hit when using the B20. As mentioned, you're paying for a less expensive fuel that the dealer sells at the more expensive price, and then you get the second hit where your fuel mileage drops because there's less BTU's (energy) in a gallon of B20 than in a gallon of straight #2 diesel. 139,000BTU in #2 diesel vs 126,700BTU in a B20 diesel. Welcome to the "how do we screw the consumer again?" game.

Don't forget we subsidize BioDiesel production with oru taxes
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Dec 22, 2019
starlord wrote:
...NOT supposed to run any bio of any percentage in the system (or so Ford tells me).

Never Ford diesels are certified for up B20.
MDKMDK
Explorer
Dec 22, 2019
MDKMDK wrote:
gemsworld wrote:
Thanks for posting the list. As I suspected, all but one of the stations in CA now sell B20. In AZ, only 3 stations show B5 and the rest don't say the type of diesel being sold.

No problem.
You know you can use up to B20 in the MB V6 as long as you keep an eye on the oil level, and some owners have said they shorten the oil/fuel filter and oil change intervals.

MB lays it out in the OM under (go figure) "B20 fuels with bio-diesel content" fuel.
In my 2017 Sprinter manual it's a short blerb on/near page 275.

"B20 fuels with bio-diesel content
! Continuous use of B20 fuel can lead to fuel
filter clogging and injector deposits. This can
cause engine performance degradation.
Injector deposits can cause the engine oil
level to rise due to unburned fuel washing into
the oil pan. This can cause engine mechanical
damage.

To avoid damages and performance degradation:
- Fill up with ULSD (B5 or less) whenever
possible.
- Regularly monitor your engine oil level if
you use B20 fuel on a regular basis.
- Strictly follow the oil change intervals quoted
in the instrument cluster and within
your maintenance booklet.
- Use only engine oils and filters approved for
use in your vehicle.
- If you do not plan to drive your vehicle for
several weeks, fill your vehicle’s fuel tank in
advance with ULSD fuel.

For more information, consult the gas station
staff. The fatty acid methyl ester B5 or B20 label
on the fuel pump must clearly state that the
standard for ULSD is complied with. If the marking
does not make this clear, do not refuel from
that pump.
Do not refuel with any fuels that have not been
approved for your vehicle.
For more information about refueling
(> page 125)."

I should have added that I use PFJ and the other truck stops for their DEF at the truck lane pumps, but rarely for diesel any more, unless I can be sure it's B5 (maybe B10?) or less. Since they're all heading for B5 to B20 at all their pumps, I'll just use them for the amenities, but not the fuel, unless I have no choice. When I drove gas engined motorhomes, I used truck stops all the time. Too bad, because they've lost most of my $$$ business, and they do have some nice loyalty perks for regular fuel users. The coffee is usually great, and the other amenities are still worth stopping once in a while.
otrfun
Explorer II
Dec 22, 2019
When we had our 5th wheel we typically got fuel at FlyingJ/Loves/TA truck stops due to the lack of maneuverability at smaller stations. Unfortunately (like the OP mentioned), it seems most truck stops these days sell B20. Now that we have an in-bed camper we can now fuel up anywhere. We use Gasbuddy and try to stick with major retailers like Shell. Rarely use B20 anymore.

It's my understanding that suppliers can mix as much as 5% bio without any reference to bio on the pump.