biodiesel
Thread Starter
|
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
biodiesel
I'm looking at buying a diesel car or truck with the intent to make my own biodiesel. I realize there are a thousand different recipes, but I've read that vw's tdi supports bio. My question is what year range of Cummins 5.9 will best run 100% bio with least modifications? Some websites suggest 94-04. Any thoughts?
Diesel Bomber
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,138
Likes: 117
From: Mansfield, OH
Glad to see ya finally got around to posting there deadbeat!
While there are always exceptions to the rule, home-brewed bio-diesel and/or waste veggie oil (WVO) is best reserved for "mechanically injected" diesel engines. In other words, older diesels that don't rely on computers and super-high pressure "common-rail" fuel systems to control the fuel injection process. For a basic reference think:
GM: Any pre-Duramax engine such as the 6.2L or 6.5L V-8's. The Duramax engines debuted
in 2001 (i think) and feature a fully computer controlled "Common-Rail" injection
system that produces injection pressures of 23,000+ PSI. I've been told that as little
as a 10% concentration of bio-diesel can cause problems with these systems.
Dodge: Any 12-valve Cummins from 1989 to 1998. In 1998.5, Cummins changed to a 24- valve head and a computer-controlled injection pump, though the injectors were
still mechanically "popped". I'm not sure how bio-friendly these engines are, but I'm
sure there are some guys that will help you out.
In 2003, Cummins went to a Common-Rail injection system like the GM Duramax with
the same bio limitations.
Ford: The Ford guys will have to chime in on this one, but I'm thinking everything prior to
the 6.4L Powerstroke is pretty bio / WVO compatible as they don't use the big fuel
pressures of the later model GM's and Dodges. Especially the 6.9L IDI, 7.3L IDI, and
7.3L Powerstroke.
Imports: Don't know squat about the VW's, but the older 3.0L Mercedes diesels seem to
love both bio and WVO.
Any diesel engine built on or after January 1, 2007: These engines got kicked square in the
nuts by the EPA
. While they make the most stock horsepower and torque of any of the previous Dodge, Ford and GM diesels, they also have nightmarish exhaust after-treatments and EGR systems that require specially formulated diesel fuel and even special engine oil to keep from plugging those systems up. Plus they all use common-rail injection systems.
Oh. And welcome to Diesel Bombers!!!
While there are always exceptions to the rule, home-brewed bio-diesel and/or waste veggie oil (WVO) is best reserved for "mechanically injected" diesel engines. In other words, older diesels that don't rely on computers and super-high pressure "common-rail" fuel systems to control the fuel injection process. For a basic reference think:
GM: Any pre-Duramax engine such as the 6.2L or 6.5L V-8's. The Duramax engines debuted
in 2001 (i think) and feature a fully computer controlled "Common-Rail" injection
system that produces injection pressures of 23,000+ PSI. I've been told that as little
as a 10% concentration of bio-diesel can cause problems with these systems.
Dodge: Any 12-valve Cummins from 1989 to 1998. In 1998.5, Cummins changed to a 24- valve head and a computer-controlled injection pump, though the injectors were
still mechanically "popped". I'm not sure how bio-friendly these engines are, but I'm
sure there are some guys that will help you out.
In 2003, Cummins went to a Common-Rail injection system like the GM Duramax with
the same bio limitations.
Ford: The Ford guys will have to chime in on this one, but I'm thinking everything prior to
the 6.4L Powerstroke is pretty bio / WVO compatible as they don't use the big fuel
pressures of the later model GM's and Dodges. Especially the 6.9L IDI, 7.3L IDI, and
7.3L Powerstroke.
Imports: Don't know squat about the VW's, but the older 3.0L Mercedes diesels seem to
love both bio and WVO.
Any diesel engine built on or after January 1, 2007: These engines got kicked square in the
nuts by the EPA
. While they make the most stock horsepower and torque of any of the previous Dodge, Ford and GM diesels, they also have nightmarish exhaust after-treatments and EGR systems that require specially formulated diesel fuel and even special engine oil to keep from plugging those systems up. Plus they all use common-rail injection systems. Oh. And welcome to Diesel Bombers!!!
Site Sponsor - Mighty Diesel
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,184
Likes: 213
From: West Virginia
my 91 runs it good. my 08 with deletes run good also but it has to be properly made. washed and dried of water content of any kind. the old 12 valve would run a kinda bad mix and never miss a beat. bio has a different meaning to some people. good bio diesel is the best fuel you can get but it still will wax, gel before reg diesel in the colder weather. i dont try to run it in winter in my 08. that is where you will hurt high pressure engs.pumps
Site Sponsor - Black Cloud Diesel Performance
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,408
Likes: 146
From: Central WI
Howdy! 
Welcome to Diesel Bombers! You're Going to Like it Here! 
I'd stay away from the cummins commonrail injectors with biodiesel.
Welcome to Diesel Bombers! You're Going to Like it Here! I'd stay away from the cummins commonrail injectors with biodiesel.
Last edited by sunsetsky; Jul 20, 2009 at 09:37 AM.
