B20 Biodiesel blend

[Iceni John]

When I topped up my bus today (at $6.099/gal  -  ouch!), my local gas station has gone all modern and now only sells B20 blend for its diesel customers.   Is there any downside to using B20 in 2-strokes?   I'm expecting to lose some fuel mileage, just like with E10 gasoline, but is there anything else I should know about?

(I noticed while I was there that it now also sells hydrogen.   Is it in liquid or compressed gas form for automotive use?)

Thanks, John

[tr206]

https://dieselnet.com/tech/fuel_biodiesel_comp.php

[lvmci]

My first bus was a 1966 MCI 5A, with an 8V71 non turbo. It had the original canister oil filters and fuel filters. The secondary fuel canister had a sock over the paper filter. After filling up in Barstow,CA with 20% bio fuel at the Pilot station, It had a hard time going up Baker grade to LV, only 19mph. I brought it to Clifford and he found only 6psi of fuel pressure and the sock had a line like a wave of slightly darker liquid 3/4 the way up the sock. I had just changed out all the filters before going on this trip. That was the what happened with 20% bio diesel. Clifford changed out my filters to spin on, and didn't have the problem again. lvmci...

[Lee Bradley]

Biodiesel shouldn't affect your mileage like alcohol but it is a good solvent and will clean the sludge out of your fuel tank. Lots of filters on hand until the tank is clean.

[Iceni John]

https://dieselnet.com/tech/fuel_biodiesel_comp.php

Very interesting.   Thank you for this link.

The introduction's sentence "Some cumulative effects can be also caused by prolonged operation with low biodiesel blends" may refer to the second section's sentence "Copper-containing metals (this included brass and bronze) exhibited severe corrosion when exposed to biodiesel and its blends".   Oh oh.   I've used brass fittings for the hose connections to my fuel pressure gauge and on my new Racor 900FH primary filter.   I'll check the fuel pressure more often from now on, and make sure I always have some spare filters in the bus.

I don't feel like spending $315 for a one year subscription to DieselNet, so I'll have to research any other detrimental effects elsewhere!

John 

[dtcerrato]

We always run fuel additive with every fueling of our two stroke. We used to use 1qrt. of ATF/tankful but for decades now have been using Howe's diesel treatment. Prevents gelling & more importantly lubricates valve guides.

[tr206]

I am not a subscriber either but they give enough info to get my point across. Biodiesel is not worth the risk in my humble opinion.

[chessie4905]

pull and clean tank. cost benefit long term will pay for the effort in far fewer fuel filters.

[windtrader]

I am not a subscriber either but they give enough info to get my point across. Biodiesel is not worth the risk in my humble opinion.

Just curious how that works when you need fuel and the station has a BIODIESEL label on the pump?  I base my fuel ups on price and location. The old gal gets what's served up when I pull in.

[luvrbus]

We always run fuel additive with every fueling of our two stroke. We used to use 1qrt. of ATF/tankful but for decades now have been using Howe's diesel treatment. Prevents gelling & more importantly lubricates valve guides.

I have to ask how does lubricate valve guides

[luvrbus]

When I topped up my bus today (at $6.099/gal  -  ouch!), my local gas station has gone all modern and now only sells B20 blend for its diesel customers.   Is there any downside to using B20 in 2-strokes?   I'm expecting to lose some fuel mileage, just like with E10 gasoline, but is there anything else I should know about?

(I noticed while I was there that it now also sells hydrogen.   Is it in liquid or compressed gas form for automotive use?)

You are going drop a little fuel milage and power,check the fuel hoses B20 doesn't mix good with older fuel hoses,My ISX Cummins doesn't like B20 even if the engine is approved for it's use.Cummins recommends a fuel additive when using B20 the Power Source brand with their logo on the bottle lol it adds 20 bucks to my fuel price every time I fill up probably 30 bucks now with todays price, so I look for real diesel but will use 5% when all else fails   
Thanks, John

[Lee Bradley]

I have to ask how does lubricate valve guides

I was going to suggest it lubricates the injectors. Which they need with low-sulfur fuel.

[dtcerrato]

I don't know the technical avenue but the lubricating properties are there. Wouldn't the guides catch lubrication through  exhaust gasses?

[Utahclaimjumper]

 Exhaust gasses pull oil thru the guide seals as it exits, instead of the other way around.  Its the reason for the seals to prevent oil from entering the chamber from the valve cover area ..>>>Dan

[luvrbus]

You are after the higher Centene number B20 is low Centene compared to 100% diesel it is a must on EGR engines is why Cummins wants the additive it makes the EGR much cleaner,there is no need for additives on the 2 strokes but it still helps those also  burn cleaner