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Thread: Biodiesel and the LB7

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    75

    Default Biodiesel and the LB7

    The place that I buy diesel from specifies 5% to 20% biodiesel. Will having higher than 5% bio have negative effects on an LB7? Engine seems to run better with a bio/diesel mix.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Ottawa, Ontario
    Posts
    786

    Default

    All good things seem to have a bad side to them. Bio-diesel is extremely susceptible to water absorption. The chemical name for bio-diesel is FAME or fatty acid methyl ester or FAEE or fatty acid ethyl ester. A major component in the processing of bio-diesel is either methanol or ethanol, both alcohols and as such will suck up any water that comes in contact with it, including air borne moisture.

    In concentrations above 5%, the entrained water has some serious ill effects on any high pressure common rail fuel systems. Having said that, there are many advantages to bio-diesel, the primary one being at 5%, no more lubricity additives are required, even when mixed with ULSD. In concentrations above 5%, the cetane rating is better than straight ULSD as is the power output (more BTUs per gallon).

    While commercial bio-diesel is getting more consistent and is being made better, in concentrations above 5%, the viscosity is higher. This may or may not have some effect on the fuel system.

    If you have the intent of using this fuel, would suggest a very comprehensive filter/water separator be installed. At least it should be able to filter down to 2 microns and preferably have a dual stage water separator. There are a number of options available including Racor or John Kennedy has a complete system including a standalone fuel transfer pump. May seem pricey, but well below the cost of a set of injectors or high pressure pump.

    Hope this helps.

    Bill
    91 Buick Roadmaster/Avant 6.2 NA conversion (gone but not forgotten)
    94 Cadillac Fleetwood (sold)
    08 Aerolight 23TT
    06 Vortec Max Silverado CC SB (sold)
    10 Avalanche (electronic quagmire but love the truck)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    75

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by convert2diesel View Post
    All good things seem to have a bad side to them. Bio-diesel is extremely susceptible to water absorption. The chemical name for bio-diesel is FAME or fatty acid methyl ester or FAEE or fatty acid ethyl ester. A major component in the processing of bio-diesel is either methanol or ethanol, both alcohols and as such will suck up any water that comes in contact with it, including air borne moisture.

    In concentrations above 5%, the entrained water has some serious ill effects on any high pressure common rail fuel systems. Having said that, there are many advantages to bio-diesel, the primary one being at 5%, no more lubricity additives are required, even when mixed with ULSD. In concentrations above 5%, the cetane rating is better than straight ULSD as is the power output (more BTUs per gallon).

    While commercial bio-diesel is getting more consistent and is being made better, in concentrations above 5%, the viscosity is higher. This may or may not have some effect on the fuel system.

    If you have the intent of using this fuel, would suggest a very comprehensive filter/water separator be installed. At least it should be able to filter down to 2 microns and preferably have a dual stage water separator. There are a number of options available including Racor or John Kennedy has a complete system including a standalone fuel transfer pump. May seem pricey, but well below the cost of a set of injectors or high pressure pump.

    Hope this helps.

    Bill
    Good information Thank you

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
    Location
    Jefferson City, MO
    Posts
    56

    Default

    I have been using 20% commercial soy Bio-diesel since 2001 in my Duramax . To date never had a problem and no injector problems. Dont drive much any more so maybe 3000 miles per year.
    Took delivery on my truck on 12-08-2000.

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