How to deal with 20% biodiesel in diesel fuel?

[belfert]

The state of Minnesota is now requiring 20% biodiesel in diesel fuel.  I don't think my Series 60 is certified to work with 20% biodiesel.

I can easily just not buy fuel in Minnesota since my tank is plenty big.  How do I deal with winter storage?  The recommendation is to have the tank full to avoid condensation, but that would mean buying fuel with 20% biodiesel in it. 

[luvrbus]

Agencies don't care about people with engines that were designed to use the 5% bio mix, get ready to buy a lot of hoses and filters because at the end of 2017 all you will buy is the 20% bio mix across the US, keep it warm in the winter and it will last

[brmax]

The fleet i took care of had the biodiesel requirement until about September - October. This is when all the fill tanks were loading with standard winter blended diesel.  I sure tried to get all construction and agriculture equipment ran down and refilled with the non bio. In this it worked out about the best i could ask for. If it was looking bad weatherwise i have used the pump to transfer it to a useable truck that was putting some miles on regularly.  I agree its a serious maintenance to be ready for.  It is something to check on as mentioned if replacing hoses as they are rated different with it.

Good day there
Floyd

[Iceni John]

Which types of fuel hoses may need to be replaced?   I have some older fabric-covered "rubber" fuel hoses (that look similar to hydraulic hoses), some original plastic fuel hoses (that look similar to PEX), and a new stainless-braided PTFE hose.   I'm assuming the new hose is OK with biodiesel, but which of the others is more likely to need replacement?   Would it also be prudent to keep spare filters for my Racor 900 and secondary fuel filter?

John

[windtrader]

Agencies don't care about people with engines that were designed to use the 5% bio mix, get ready to buy a lot of hoses and filters because at the end of 2017 all you will buy is the 20% bio mix across the US, keep it warm in the winter and it will last

What do you mean about buying lots of hoses and filters? Is this something to worry about if bus is in warmer climates?

[j.m.jackson]

Biodiesel has more of a solvent quality than straight diesel, so it may dislodge some stuff in the system and in the tank. It can also attack natural rubber things in the fuel system, like o-rings and fuel lines. It also can gel at a higher temp than #1 or #2, so there's another issue. May have to invest in fuel heaters in cold climates.

[busfan]

Get a large pre -filter setup so you dont have to change the main that often.

[windtrader]

OK.
http://www.californiabiodieselalliance.org/page7/code-3/index.html

In California, it seems a new additive has been approved for B20 blends.
http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2017/07/26/carb-certifies-additive-that-will-make-b20-the-cleanest-fuel-nationwide/

I could not find any reference that states B20 is required starting 2018. I can't see why blenders and retailers are going to go to B20 given they have to pay for the new additive, meaning higher pump prices, unless mandated and that does not seem the case in CA.

[brmax]

Guys i couldnt say which hose is most vulnerble on your vehicles. I will say some of the quality parts personell you normaly use, could offer some tech on the hose they offer for bio-diesel.
I and most of you here seen plenty names on hose in past repairs we have done. With that i like to look at products having certain checks or requirements. Trident marine is just one available and does have additional qualifications. USCG approval and being a person that has an interest in boating its a requirement. I have seen several offerings in goodyear that fit the bio-diesel specs.
http://tridentmarine.com/?s=Bio+diesel+hose

Floyd