raunch
07-16-2008, 12:50
Been running various blends of biodiesel for a few tankfuls and here is a little info on how it's going. First of all, I'm running a N/A 6.2 with no mods other than I had the secondary fuel filter replaced with a Racor unit that has a primer pump (more on that later). The blends I have run are 20%, 38%, and 75%. There has not been a significant change in MPG's and I cannot tell a power difference between the blends or straight petro diesel. The MPG's are holding steady around 15.5 for mixed driving. Last weekend I pulled my pop-up trailer (2500lbs) for about 220 miles of highway driving and got 15.75 mpg.
The old fuel lines were replaced with biodiesel compatable lines, but the return lines at the injectors were not replaced, and it did not take long for them to deteriorate to the point of severely leaking. One of them went, I clipped the end and reattached, drove about 45 minutes longer, and another line went. Same temp fix and I made it home OK.
The Racor unit leaks at the seal to the housing. Tightened it and it still leaks. Called Racor and they said that their seals are good for up to 20% biodiesel. It would be about a year before they come up with something better. The Racor is my 2nd set of fuel filters before running bio. The first run of 20% stared to plug the filters after around 250 miles. This second set is begining to plug I think, as cold starts have been a little harder than normal. Although that harder starts may be caused by the filter leak allowing some air in the system (is that possible?). I'm going to change the filters again tonight and see if there is a difference.
The old fuel lines were replaced with biodiesel compatable lines, but the return lines at the injectors were not replaced, and it did not take long for them to deteriorate to the point of severely leaking. One of them went, I clipped the end and reattached, drove about 45 minutes longer, and another line went. Same temp fix and I made it home OK.
The Racor unit leaks at the seal to the housing. Tightened it and it still leaks. Called Racor and they said that their seals are good for up to 20% biodiesel. It would be about a year before they come up with something better. The Racor is my 2nd set of fuel filters before running bio. The first run of 20% stared to plug the filters after around 250 miles. This second set is begining to plug I think, as cold starts have been a little harder than normal. Although that harder starts may be caused by the filter leak allowing some air in the system (is that possible?). I'm going to change the filters again tonight and see if there is a difference.