Running Unwashed Bio?

[jmargerum]

There seems to be a lot of discussions around this topic.

So, to get a feel for the resons why, I ask folks to share some of their data:

1) how many miles driven on unwashed bio?
2) anyone with a Blackstone Labs oil report?
3) anyone with a failure due to unwashed fuel?
4) most important reason why you run unwashed fuel, I.E. shortest time from oil to tank, waste water disposial issues, etc...

Thanks
JayM

[OMCUSNR]

Jay,

Alot depends on how old your engine is. If its older technology, like a 6.9 or IDI 7.3, they are much more tolerant of impuritites in the fuel.

With a newer high pressure injection system, you do NOT WANT ANY water in the fuel. Alcohol of any form in the fuel of these newer injection systems will cause major injector failure in short order, because it is hydroscopic. It bonds water to it at the molecular level, and gets it past the water seperators in the filtration system. When this water hits the pressures & temps at the injectors, it flashes into high pressure steam, and thats what kills injectors. HPS is one of the most corrosive things known to man and not good at the injectors. Its not the oil you need to worry about, its water in the fuel.

Another problem w/ unwahsed fuel, is any glycerin left in it will tend to coke / clog the injector systems. Its also responsible for polyermization of the fuel, if it oxidizes.

Washing & DRYING is NECESSARRY if you have a newer diesel engine, and QC is the major reason that injector manufacturers (& thus the engine manufacturer) are so leary of biodiesel, and will not cover repairs if over B-5 is used. If its good quality, washed, dried, and stored properly, BD is great. But if you don't want to take the time to properly QC check, use it only in an engine you don't mind repairing.

Proper storage is another thing that gets overlooked. If you are not going to burn your fuel in the next 2 weeks, and need to store it, make sure the storage container has a dessicant vent attached to help keep any moisture out. A biocide is not a bad idea too, if it looks like it'll be stored over a month.

I can't comment on your repair info, as I only purchase BD, not make it.

[jmargerum]

OMCUSNR_RET

Thanks for your data, but the data requested was from those who use unwashed fuel. I am asking those who do run the unwashed bio for their input. All of your concerns, and comments have been covered in many other forums.( check out http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve. I am looking for data from those who use it why they use it and their experiences with it.

Thanks for givin us boys a ride in your boats....
Jay USMC

BTW what does One MC stand for?

[Spencnaz]

I sometimes run unwashed biod in the Powersmoke when I'm in a hurry and haven't the time to make a wash batch.

One thing I've noticed is that the longer I let the unwashed biod settle the less exhaust smoke I will have. This is of course to be expected as glycerin will continue to settle out of the fuel if left alone.

As for your 1MC question here's a definition.

1MC is the term for the shipboard public address circuits on Naval vessels.

This provides a means of transmitting general information and orders to all internal ship spaces and topside areas, and is loud enough that all embarked personnel are able to (normally) hear it.

It is used to put out general information to the ship’s crew on a regular basis each day. The system consists of an amplifier-oscillator group which is located in the IC/gyro room, a microphone control station, portable microphones at each control station and loudspeakers located throughout the ship.

Control stations for the 1MC announcing system are located at the pilot house, OOD stations on the quarterdecks, after steering and Damage Control Central area.

The term "MC" is an acronym for Main Circuit.

[Monte1]

Spence...

I think his handle is OMC, not one MC. My google search for the term yielded "optical man chief". I never did know why they called the intercom system the 1MC.

[ak_cowboy]

I use unwashed in both my former 93 f350 and now my 06 Dodge. You have to let it settle though. I wait until it is completely clear to where I can read through it. I have also done quality test on mine periodically and it is good stuff. I have to brew outside and it is too cold to wash right now. I only have indoor room to store in the corner of my garage. I will probably wash in the spring/summer when it is warmer.

[OMCUSNR]

[ QUOTE ]
Spence...

I think his handle is OMC, not one MC. My google search for the term yielded "optical man chief". I never did know why they called the intercom system the 1MC.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm pretty sure Jay was asking about the 1MC (he just spelled out the 1). He'd hear all that stuff over it, as its for general shipboard announcements (like General Quarters). Spence's reply was pretty good!

& Yes, I am a retired Chief OpticalMan. No longer a Navy rate, it was one of the smallest. We worked on periscopes, gunsights, rangefinders, NVE, & optical Nav aids. It was a great job. Civilians do it all now.

[jmargerum]

OMCUSNR_RET

You are correct sir, Sounds like a great rate. I was a 5954, Air Traffic control Communications Technician USMC. I am one to support that all men should serve at least one enlistment. Great training. Great experiences. I would like to Thank you for serving. Did not mean to jump on you in that previous post, just looking for a different data set. I don't use a water wash, but I do remove all the meth, and soap, throught filtration. My specific Gravity is .83, with a PH of 7.2, so I think that I am ok.

Jay

[Spencnaz]

Filtration will not remove the molecules of methanol and soap completely, but your spec gravity and pH levels are very good.

Washing and drying the fuel is best, but if you let the fuel sit for a couple of weeks in sealed containers, most of the stray glycerol will precipitate out further.

[jmargerum]

Forgot to mention, I use heat to evaporate the meth, and collect the meth with a condensor. Just bought a new drum of meth today, man the price has jumped. Last drum was 2.39/gal, this one 3.67/gal. This will really put an increase in my bio price per gal.

[ak_cowboy]

Just for the record. I took a 8 oz sample that had been sitting for 1 week and a half and tried to wash it. The water was almost as clear as it was from the tap. I had to violantly shake it in a jar to get the water to change color and where if you tried that on your first washing it would emulsify almost completely, I got a total of 3 drops of emulsion from that 8 oz sample and I was violantly shaking it. SO the moral of my story is settle settle settle. At least a couple of weeks if you don't wash it.