Biodiesel

[bartonwood]

I read with interest the article on making biodiesel from vegetable oil. The article mentions that you can use it in just about any car engine produced in the last 15-20 years.

However, I've read that it is not compatible with common rail diesel engines. Many of the modern marine diesel engines are common rail. In fact I think most if not all of the Volvo Penta D series are common rail. Does anyone know what the correct situation is?

 

[rubberduck]

We have a Merc sprinter van with a common rail running on 100% bio with no problems, probably doing 1500 miles a week. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Chris_d]

It depends on the mix, if its processed its then called BD100 and ok, its using unprocessed vegatable oil thats bad for common rail diesels. Although Volvo say they will ony accept BD5, 5% bio.

 

[sealine]

Hi
has anyone asked Volvo about using biodiesel, like the "D" or Kad engines, would be interesting to get a comment from them direct, but they will most likely try and put off the idea of using it for volvo engines.

 

[bowthrustermick]

will pure new vegetable oil, which i can get really cheaply work ok in my ford sabre 6ds with out adding other chemicals

 

[bartonwood]

Yes, I was thinking of biodiesel made from vegetable oil, not unprocessed vegetable oil. I found a comment on the Volvo Penta www, but it was rather vague!

 

[Wiggo]

Not sure about the D series engines, but the 'fence' engines are all out of warranty, so Volvo couldn't really care, I suspect. I'm prepared to give our KAD43's a go on it if I could get the supply side sorted out.

 

[neale]

Yes, when writing the feature we spoke to Volvo and their policy is that they will only accept a BD5 mix. This doesn't mean that it won't work, it just means they are protecting themselves against possible warranty claims.

The issue, as far as I could make out, is that it is all down to the quality of the product. Well made Biodiesel should be ok in just about all modern diesels. The exception seems to be cars with an exhaust particulate, which doesn't like it. In these cases the Bio needs mixing with dino diesel.

Some engine manufacturers are offering warranties on some car engines run on BD100. This includes Volvo cars!!!! As far as marine engines, the only company I could find that would accept BD100 is Styer.

It's a bit of a gamble really. If you make it yourself, you can be sure of the quality. If you buy it ready made, you need to find a reliable source selling a quality product.

When it comes down to it, it will take a few brave boaters to be the guinea pigs. I volunteered for LPG and wished I hadn't, so I might take a back seat on this one /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Chris_d]

Don't think I will be bothering either, it just all sounds like too much hassle, driving around trying to do deals with chip shop owners and you'll be competing with the local mafia for the supply no doubt.
Also for me being river based the saving is not great, if I go up and down the river all year it costs me maybe £250, so even if Red doubles its not much. If I go round the coast, ok I get my first tankful cheap, but then how do I get my Bio to Ramsgate and Brighton whilst on route. I'm afraid unless its avaliable by the water at the reduced rate its not going to work, for me anyway.