Bio vs ULSD what are the pros and cons

[hpj]

With the introduction of ultra low sulfer diesel just around the corner, what are the pros and cons of both fuels (bio vs ulsd). And at what temps does bio operate best, can it handle sub zero temps? Thanks to whom ever cares to answer.

[ak_cowboy]

Ok. first the benefit of bio... lower total air pollution, if you make it, cost and your vehicle runs better on it due to higher lubricity. The conns. It is more expensive than dino unless you make it...if you make it then well you have to take the time to make it..I am reaching I know and the biggest problems are that it hates cold weather. I live in Alaska and I can only run 20% mixed with #1 diesel to about 0-5 degrees below and 10-15 degrees above 0 with #2 diesel...found this out the hard way...do you know that it is quite handy to carry a propane torch with you up here to stop every mile to put the flame to your fuel filter. no joke! The last problem is that if you run a high enough concentration of it(above 50/50) any rubber parts in the fuel system will start to deteriate. Not a problem for cars made after about 1993. They are made with something else... I can't remeber the name. The only advantage to ulsd is in the name... ultra low sulfur for pollution concerns... oh yeah and you don't have to carry a propane torch with you in the winter!! Hope it helps.

[OMCUSNR]

I think bio will be a great benifit to ULSD. It'll easily replace the lost lubrication properties, and keep the cetane high.

[FTG-05]

Why do they always have to inject their Anti-American liberal BS into an otherwise interesting article???

".....combined with the occasional need to use military might to protect and secure oil reserves our economy depends on just makes matters worse (and using military might for that purpose just adds to the anti-American sentiment that gives rise to terrorism)."

[350 long rod]

You need to add a coolant heater to your filter Bio does not care if it is heated you could also heat your tank.In as cold of temps you are at the diesel may not matter also.

[drcampbell]

What's anti-American about developing a home-grown fuel and increasing America's independence?
Sounds like practical Yankee ingenuity to me.

[ramblin_wreck]

I believe he was calling this statement biased...

"...use military might to protect and secure oil reserves..."

[dkenna]

I think he was refering to this:

[ QUOTE ]
(and using military might for that purpose just adds to the anti-American sentiment that gives rise to terrorism)."



[/ QUOTE ]

A common trait among lefties is their inability to leave their politics out of a discussion!

[SFT]

[ QUOTE ]
...The conns. It is more expensive than dino unless you make it...

[/ QUOTE ]

Expense of Biodiesel varies on location, well really more the laws of your location.

Here in IL, if you run 11% bio the 11% that is bio (or the first 11% of bio) is not taxed. This makes is very competitive in today's fuel market. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/depressed.gif[/img] My last tank (I buy bulk) of B11 (winterized) was $2.62; most of the local pumps are supplying "winterized" #2 were running between $2.70 and $2.80.

A gallon of methyl soya (biodiesel) is about $2.25 a gallon to produce prior to any taxes as applicable. So if your "Ag" fuel cost is above $2.25 biodiesel is a cheaper alternative. Illinois tax laws just help it. And since we are a big producer of soybeans, I like it.

[Spencnaz]

A 1% addition of biodiesel to ULSD will increase the fuel's lubricating qualities by 65%.