B-20 questions, pros-cons - Diesel Forum

Jeff_Labombard1 · 06-10-2006, 03:38 PM

Hi folks;

I'm a millwright for a good sized machine shop here in MA. We have a 24' 2k Int. 4600 which we haul and pick up product with. Most of our runs are 2 to 3 hrs away, except for a few down to NY and NJ.

The other day the owner approched me about using B-20 in the truck... the supplier of course told him it would run wonderfull and with no problems. Apon calling our service man his concern was mostly fuel filter clog and a few other thing mentioned in other posts.

I'm all for saving money on lower cost fuel, but my trouble is that my driver has trouble changing a tailight bulb, let alone a fuel filter if he gets stuck, and I don't need a tow charge on a loaded vehicle. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

Any comments, suggestions,truck adjustments are appreciated.

Jeff

StorminNorman · 06-10-2006, 04:20 PM

Throw a filter and a wrench behind the seat and show him where the fuel filter is. My 8 year old nephew can change the filters on my truck, including the oil filter, and we all know it is in the frame rail. If he is not smart enough to accomplish that, you need a truck driver, not some guy who knows how to drive a truck.

That said, I have been running B100 over 10,000 miles and have yet to change a filter. Truck had 8 years and 190,000 miles of dino crud in the fuel system when I started. At least in my case, it is a non issue. Usually if it is going to have problems you will notice a slow degredation of power, not a die and coast to the side of the road problem.

SLO_TAO · 06-10-2006, 09:50 PM

Did you change out any of the fuel lines or are they all stock. I'd like to run B100 (B99) as my start/purge fuel on my WVO conversion.

Rich

StorminNorman · 06-10-2006, 11:38 PM

97 Stock is Bio compatible.

Jeff_Labombard1 · 06-11-2006, 09:29 AM

Thanks guys.......I certainly agree with the ease of changing the filter......sometimes I wonder about both of the skills of this guy......we've already done a tranny plus I've unbent, rebuilt, and welded more stuff than you shake a stick at on that truck.....too bad...it really is a nice ride.

maloney · 06-13-2006, 05:27 PM

i just recently took a 14 hour road trip. when i saw a sign for B-20 i almost locked'em up trying to pull over. everything about biodiesel is great to me. the smell of the fuel was sweet, it looked clear, and the exhaust didnt stink. i only wish there was a place around me that sold bio.