Hi Darren I don't think any recent-model diesels still have rubber parts in the fuel system, not since the early 90s for European (and Japanese) cars, and, I'm told, not since the mid-90s for US models. At the latest, I should think. So it's really only old models that might be affected. No doubt it happens, but I've only heard of very few cases in all this time. People might have trouble if they make their own biodiesel and don't wash it, but that would be caused by the free methanol, not by the biodiesel. So comparing it with the change to unleaded is a bit exaggerated, IMO.
>Filter blocking in early use due to the cleaning effect on the fuel >tank, whereby the biodiesel lifts dirt from the tank that was left >undisturbed by the diesel fuel ... deposited by the diesel fuel I think. Re blends/microemulsions, is there any real information available other than very small mileages and optimism? There is some information on e-diesel or diesohol, but it only applies to the extent that unheated SVO is similar to petro-diesel - ie, not very. If the combustion characteristics of a fuel are to be considered as well as just its viscosity, and surely it ought to be in view of the complexity of modern diesels, then there should maybe be more concerns than just possible alcohol damage to fuel system components. I only know of the ACREVO study, which said this: >It has been established that an addition of 9 % of ethyl alcohol (95 >%) bring a great benefit regarding the pre-heating oil temperature. >In fact, the presence of alcohol allows a reduction in the inlet oil >temperature from 150 ¡C to 80 ¡C. All it's really saying is that the ethanol makes a heated two-tank system suitable for a TDI, not just chuck it in and go. Regards Keith >A number of recent events and discussions along with my own plans have >led me to put my thoughts down. > >Vegetable oil fuels > >The choice of what vegetable oil fuel to use/promote/produce. >As I see it each has their own advantages and disadvantages. > >Bio diesel >Well researched and developed fuel in widespread use. Will run in any >diesel engine. >Possible problems reported: >Filter blocking in early use due to the cleaning effect on the fuel >tank, whereby the biodiesel lifts dirt from the tank that was left >undisturbed by the diesel fuel >The fuel eats at rubber components in the fuel system causing possible >leaks/malfunction. Possible components can include fuel lines, seal on >filters and injector pumps (even internal IP components) >Extreme cold weather fuel gelling. As with diesel fuel but at higher >temperatures. Additives can be utilised to reduce the gel point. Fuel >heating devices can be utilised > >SVO/WVO >Good multifuel engines exist that will run SVO/WVO. Elsbett have to be >the world leaders with these technologies. They no longer offer their >multifuel engine but can convert other engines. Mainly IDI engines >although some TDI engines are converted. DIY kits are available for IDI >engines, DIY IDI kits will be available soon (for give the acronyms) >Possible problems reported: >With a good multifuel equipped engine only cold weather fuel gelling >addition of diesel fuel up to 20% recommended (maybe bio-d) > >Fuel Blends / Microemulsions >Less research. Will run in any diesel engine. Here I'm talking SVO with >(preferably bio) alcohols and other (pref bio) additives. I do have >some more info on these that I plan to add to the report at >www.vegburner.co.uk/report. More info in the public domain (on the >web?) would be good. >Possible reported problems: >Alcohol in fuel blends can damage unsuitable plastics/resins in fuel >system. >Cold weather fuel gelling. Additives can be utilised to reduce the gel >point. Fuel heating devices can be utilised. > >So as has been said before (although blends/microemulsions are not often >discussed) each fuel has it's own pros and cons and in turn each could >be suited to an individual application. > >Blends/microemulsions could well be a potential solution or part >solution in some situations. More information would help to asses >potential. A recent IP failure due to a sensor being damaged most >probably by the alcohol within the fuel is one of the few 'real life' >'bad' experiences I am aware of, although reported usage is low (if >diesel/SVO blends are discounted). A (very)good fuel producer would >identify engines, in which, the fuel was unsuitable, or make sure the >user was aware of this potential problem. The same as should be done by >biodiesel producers/distributors, although despite biodiesels widespread >use I am unaware of any specific details of lists of rubber parts which >need replacing on -this- model of vehicle, due to growing usage vehicle >manufacturers are specifying accepted biodiesel/diesel blend levels with >new European vehicles > >The possible effect on consumers of these 'problems' with >biodiesel/blends always makes me think of the introduction of unleaded >petrol (gasoline) in the UK. Fuel stations had lists of common vehicles >and their suitability. Mechanics often modified (and still do) engines >to allow the use, if I remember correctly anything from a change of >spark plugs to a new head. Consumers were often ready to pay out for >this work to allow their vehicle to be run on this slightly cheaper, >more environmentally friendly fuel. Sometimes it was no doubt economics >other cases environmental concerns. If the taxation of biofuels can be >made to reflect their large benefits, I think consumer acceptance would >be widespread (even if there were additional costs) without fuel price >benefits I think acceptance would also be quite impressive. > >SVO/WVO (in multifuel equipped engines) is no doubt the way to go (I >feel a song coming along there) where possible. Elsbetts' (and others) >work needs encouraging, studying and building upon. Short to mid term >biodiesel and, potentially, blends are usable in existing engines with >little or no modification and will (are) play(ing) a very big part in >biofuel development. > >Darren Hill >www.vegburner.co.uk > > > >Biofuel at Journey to Forever: >http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html > >Biofuels list archives: >http://archive.nnytech.net/ > >Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. >To unsubscribe, send an email to: >[EMAIL PROTECTED] > >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ Biofuels at Journey to Forever http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuel at WebConX http://webconx.green-trust.org/2000/biofuel/biofuel.htm List messages are archived at the Info-Archive at NNYTech: http://archive.nnytech.net/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
