Bio Diesel

dmcclymont · Unread post by **dmcclymont** » 24 Nov 2004, 14:46

I have run a good few thousand miles in a ZX TD now using Biodiesel, I would not personally want to go back to mineral diesel now as the car start fine, runs better and certainly smells better!
Has anyone else got good or bad experiences with this.
I am reffering to proper processed BS approved bio diesel not chucking veg oil in the tank (I was told that this can damage the car)
I am also buying it duty paid before someone read this and decides to open my front door with a railway sleeper

beezer · Unread post by **beezer** » 24 Nov 2004, 14:48

I am convinced the engine runs better on it. Wish it was more freely available.

dmcclymont · Unread post by **dmcclymont** » 24 Nov 2004, 14:59

I found a supplier in Kent but they are low volume output (at the moment)
I am considering making it but do not want to run about collecting used oil so I am looking for cheap new oil before I bother trying.

caveman_si · Unread post by **caveman_si** » 24 Nov 2004, 15:08

Im about to bite the bullet on this one and try biodiesel in my car cos off all the benifits cost and performance(probably involve me making it 1st tho). I know about all the pit falls too so im going to be ready to change the fuel filter after a couple of tankfuls, which a lot sooner then it needs to be done and prepared to throw some petrodiesel into the car when it gets realy cold soon to stop it waxing/freezing up. But i also know biodiesel eats rubber for breakfasts so i would need to replace all the rubber in the fuel system. So guys does my fuel system have rubber in it and if so where abouts? (the car is a pug 405td m reg).
cheers si

dmcclymont · Unread post by **dmcclymont** » 24 Nov 2004, 15:12

Rubbers - I never gave that much thought, the guy selling the bio diesel did not seem to worry and he hasa 405 that has run on it for years apparently?? You had better check however!
I have got away with the fuel filter (to date) but I am considering changing it soon!

beezer · Unread post by **beezer** » 24 Nov 2004, 15:14

The actual biodiesel as sold at the pumps (not the 5% joke) as opposed to using straight veg oil is not harmful at all and causes no waxing problems. I live in Aberdeenshire, the coldest county in the UK, and have had no problems.

caveman_si · Unread post by **caveman_si** » 24 Nov 2004, 15:22

I know the 5% blend of biodiesel does sod all to the cars mechanics but does help smooth its running a bit. I was considering running 100% proof biodiesel which i know can cause problems well as far as rubber is concerned and does start to wax and "freeze" if you like at a much higher temperature then petro diesel (due to lack of additives). And it was just because of this i was curious what rubber is where in the fuel system, so i could change if necessary. better to fix it before its broke.

beezer · Unread post by **beezer** » 24 Nov 2004, 15:31

The rubber is in the injector pump seals. Ironically it is the organic seals that cause deterioration. Lucas CAV pumps tend to be the problematic ones. Newer pumps use synthetic seals to cope with ULSD and should not be affected. Properly refined biodiesel has most of the guff that waxes taken out and should not be a problem in cold weather - at least not UK climate.

caveman_si · Unread post by **caveman_si** » 25 Nov 2004, 00:50

im sorted then im pretty sure ive got a bosch pump, will double check in the morning tho just to be sure. MIght keep the option of a heater open tho. If i do have a go at making it i doubt it will be as refined and "Guff" less as proper comercially availble biodiesel and knowing my luck likey to wax.

bulldog7274 · Unread post by **bulldog7274** » 28 Nov 2004, 04:20

i see you all talking about this bio doesel wat is it and some of you mentioned amking it, how easy is it to make and any pit falls to making it or runing the car on it. oh yeh the car is a bx 1.9. thanking you very muchly [:D]

beezer · Unread post by **beezer** » 28 Nov 2004, 04:30

Try these sites for a crash course!
http://www.veggies.org.uk/biodies.htm
http://www.bloomingfutures.com/bio-diesel_links.html
http://www.veggiepower.org.uk/main.htm

beezer · Unread post by **beezer** » 28 Nov 2004, 05:12

Bio Diesel. Not to be confused with these similar sounding products:
Bayeaux Diesel- A special low tax (coloured red) fuel used by hauliers in the latter half of the 11th Century when carrying the yards (or metres, mon Dieu!) of thread necessary to complete a magnificent tapestry to commemorate the end of the Saxon era in England and the dawning of the baronial system whereby taxes could be levied on the peasants including the use of the actual fuel in question. Some peasants tried to revolt by using oil produced from wild nuts but they were caught and hanged for tax evasion. It is said that Harold Godwinsson, after becoming king of England, became very jealous of the French vehicles of the day and the extra torque produced by the method of combustion. His own inferior vehicle broke down on Hastings battlefield due to water from the boggy ground affecting his HT leads. He asked a passing stranger in a strange vehicle with hydraulic suspension to give him a push but the stranger swore at him and mentioned things like beef cattle and then shot him in the eye.
Bayou Diesel- A special fuel to power marine vessels in the swamplands of Louisiana, USA. Local rumour has it that some of the ingredients are gumbo and crayfish. Strangely enough, many of the inhabitants of this area speak with the same accent (or closely) as the stranger who shot King Harold in the eye.