TD5 and Bio Diesel

[Simon_CSK]

Has anybody tried to run a TD5 engine on Bio Diesel from recycled veg oil? I would be very interested in results.

[GBMUD]

Mine runs fine on 50% bio diesel made from recycled veg oil. I think SimonR has used higher concentrations. My brother runs a Td6 Range Rover on 100% - a much more 'advanced' engine.

Chris

[Aragorn]

Most diesel engines will run perfectly happily on PROPER biodiesel, ie veg oil thats been chemically processed and turned into fatty acid esters. Theres occasionally issues with pipework/rubber hoses and suchlike but these are rare on modern engines, and most engines are happy to run it. The main issue is when the fuel hasnt been processed correctly and residues remain which can cause damage to various components.

However, many people use the term "biodiesel" to mean using actual veg oil, be it fresh, or recycled filtered/cleaned used stuff. This isnt actually biodiesel, and while older engines would run on streight or waste veg oil, its ill advised to run a modern PD or CR engine on it.

[GBMUD]

To clarify, I refer above to 'proper' home processed mono-ester bio-diesel made from waste vegetable oil from a fryer.

Chris

[TheRecklessEngineer]

The short answer is yes.

But be prepared for problems. Stock up on spare fuel filters and carry one with you.

[Phil Hancock]

But what do Landrover themselves say about using bio as they must have run extensive trials. JCB recomend against using bio after their trials.

[ajh]

The only new vehicles with issues are those with DPF regen cycles; particularly those that inject into the cylinder vs into the exhaust directly. If it will run 20% it will run 100%; if it says 5% only then you need to make sure. On many a DPF delete is the way to go. I produce about 1000L/week of B100 here.

[Aragorn]

yeh, the problem is the manufacturers just want to cover their arses.

For instance VW say some of their models can, and some(most) cant, run biodiesel depending on things like the DPF as mentioned above. However in Illinois in the USA, they happily sell their models there and say they can all use the B20 fuel just fine due to diesel in that state all being ~B20. The only caveat they provide, is that if the car is fitted with a DPF the owner should keep a close eye on the oil level, and if they see it RISING, they should have it changed.

Heres an interesting letter from VW USA to an Illinois TDI owner:

http://pics.tdiclub.com/showphoto.php?photo=94579&title=vw10&cat=500

The stupid part of the above, is if you happen to live in the next state over, they wont honor your warranty for B20...

[reb78]

However, many people use the term "biodiesel" to mean using actual veg oil, be it fresh, or recycled filtered/cleaned used stuff. This isnt actually biodiesel, and while older engines would run on streight or waste veg oil, its ill advised to run a modern PD or CR engine on it.

I think this is the crux of it.