Biofuels

[Sam from WA]

While i was at the local gas station today, I started wondering what you all thought of these new "Biofuels". I once tried some B20 in my repowered Dodge, and it hated that B20, made it leak all over and it didn't seem to make that old Detroit 6V-71TA run quite right. I've tried biodiesel once, and I don't think I'll try it again.

So, what's your opinion on Biofuels (enthanol, biodiesel,etc.)?

 

[Anonymous-0]

Biofuels OK for engines designed to run on them- otherwise older designs seem to have aggravating, sometimes dangerous- problems. Ethanol mixes have ruined carburators, eaten fuel injector seals and castings, clogged fuel filters. Biodiesels reported to have gumming problems. Newest engines designed to handle them sometimes don't- and cost more than straight old fuel running engines. Perhaps it's a conspiracy to ruin the old engines so people need to purchase new vehicle? My old Goldwing had to have new fuel pump and carb clean this spring- repair shop said Ethanol mixes big problem. RN

 

[JT]

I know in lawn mowers and chains saws, they give us fits in the repair business.

 

[Stan in Oly, WA]

Hi Sam,

I used to use a 50/50 blend of ethanol and water on a pretty regular basis, but I gave it up when I realized that it was gumming up my life. I'm not sure I ever thought of it as biofuel, though.

All the best, Stan

 

[DurangoCase]

Not a big fan of B20. I did just get my distillers permit. I"m going to try E100 as it just takes a carb made for it bolted to a gas engine. I"ve heard of running diesel on E95 by boosting compression. Ethanol can be made from any fruit or vegatable, not just corn.

 

[RayP(MI)]

My car - (00 Blazer) hates E85, runs OK on E10. (Not designed for E85.) No difference in fuel economy on E10. My old diesel truck runs fine on bio-diesel mix. Same with my diesel tractor.

 

[DJM75]

The thing with biodiesel is it will clean everything so when you first use it you better have some filters on hand. It will also swell and eat up most rubber and becarefull it will peal paint like there is no tomorrow.

 

[Anonymous-0]

In the area of Lima, Ohio there's a new ethanol plant. The news this week said after only 5 months of production it's in chapter 11 bankrupcy. The news also said other plants on the drawing board are on hold.

 

[crosswinds farm]

my chevy hates bio you need to treat it and keep plenty of filters handy