Gas Oil (Diesel) FAME (Biodiesel) Free At Largs Marina

[AntarcticPilot]

One thing that worries me about BioDiesel is that I have a VW Polo Bluemotion. On the fuel filler it very clearly states "No BioDiesel", with a suitable red road-sign like symbol.

If a major manufacturer like VW is saying that BioDiesel is not suitable for their cars, and especially in a very environmentally friendly model like the Bluemotion, then where does that leave BioDiesel? Especially as there is a clear problem with BioDiesel as it uses land that may be required for growing food?

 

[maxi77]

One thing that worries me about BioDiesel is that I have a VW Polo Bluemotion. On the fuel filler it very clearly states "No BioDiesel", with a suitable red road-sign like symbol.

If a major manufacturer like VW is saying that BioDiesel is not suitable for their cars, and especially in a very environmentally friendly model like the Bluemotion, then where does that leave BioDiesel? Especially as there is a clear problem with BioDiesel as it uses land that may be required for growing food?

But are they saying low percentages as we now get in all road diesel is not allowed or are they saying that you should not use high percentages up to 100%. Also remember many people aer now running diesels on diluted veggie oil as it costs less than road diesel.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

But are they saying low percentages as we now get in all road diesel is not allowed or are they saying that you should not use high percentages up to 100%. Also remember many people aer now running diesels on diluted veggie oil as it costs less than road diesel.

Well, I guess the low proportions currently used don't cause a problem; I have little choice anyway! I doubt very much that diluted veggie oil would work in an engine like the one in the Bluemotion, and I wouldn't dare try. The engine is rated to give 88 mpg; it actually regularly gives well over 70 mpg on a long motorway run. I suspect that using a low grade fuel would cost me in efficiency, losing me money even if the cost per gallon was lower.

It is worth noting that the EU has backed off promoting BioFuels precisely because of the issue that growing fuel crops displaces food crops.

 

[EuanMcKenzie]

OK, Boots, we will meet you round the back of the forum, bring yer mate.

Serious question?
At lay up in October I topped up the boat fuel tank with about 20 litres of white from the filling station, (20-25%) rather than drive to the nearest dockside pump. Presuming that this can give rise to problems over a long (6 month) and very cold winter is there any remedial action worth taking after relaunch or is it just not worth worrying about? Would I have been better risking condensation instead?

FAME Does cause problems with seals in concentrated form but diluted is less likely to cause problems. You will note the Pumps at garages say may contain up to 7% Biofuels. That means they could contain none!

The refinery have the option of blending in Bioefuel or paying tickets in lieu. Effectively a tax for not putting in Biofuel. The market price for FAME at present is very high and so for the last 3 months FAME prices have been higher than ticket prices.

Where did you fill up? Not revealing commercial secrets but you may find no FAME in the fuel at all?

Its in there now anyway but it is worth noting that if you want to avoid FAME going forward stick to red Diesel (from our refinery anyway)

 

[duncanmack]

Well, I guess the low proportions currently used don't cause a problem;

Well, we've found that not to be true in the recent very cold weather.
Lots of diesel cars and vans breaking down due to the FAME waxing out and blocking filters and lines. Can be avoided (a bit) by letting the vehicle tick over until the system is warm. (T-shirt!)
Good business for us unless it is our trucks...