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http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg What does this all mean for backyard biodiesel makers? Well, we can no longer brag that B100 will run in any diesel engine: VW, Mercedes, Nissan, Renault, Jeep, Ford Power Stroke, Ford E-series vans, (http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4311498.html?series=19)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Biodiesel.jpgDave Hubbard - POPULARMECHANICS (http://www.popularmechanics.com) - April 29, 2009

I have been experimenting with making biodiesel for a few years now, and I am constantly watching what others in this field do as well. I monitor a forum for biodiesel users such as myself, and it's full of practical advice as well as troubleshooting for the problems that sometimes arise. Biodiesel appeals to us because it can be made from plants grown locally and burns far cleaner then ordinary diesel fuel. It results in 67 percent less unburned hydrocarbons (helping to reduce smog and ozone), 48 percent less carbon monoxide and 47 percent less particulate matter, according to an analysis of heavy-duty engines by the Environmental Protection Agency. Only nitrogen oxides, or NOX, slightly increase. It can also be blended with regular diesel in any percentage from B2 (98 percent diesel, 2 percent biodiesel) to B100, which is pure biodiesel. One of the biggest problems we biodiesel makers have experienced recently has nothing to do with the conversion process—it has to do with diesel engines.

Until two years ago, all diesel engines were B100-compatible (biodiesel cannot run in gasoline engines because it needs an engine that ignites by compression). Then standards set by both the Environment Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board, phased in for 2007, required all passenger vehicles to meet the same, stricter emissions. That meant diesel manufacturers had to reduce emissions of NOX and particulate matter to meet those of gas-powered cars. These standards were created with good intentions—to look out for our health by improving the air that we breath. (After all, particulate matter is a known carcinogen.) But the way most manufacturers did this created a setback for those of us trying to use biofuels. ... http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4311498.html?series=19

I think that in a couple of years, when the warranties start to run out on these cars, there will be scores of people hacking their cars ecu to remove the extra injection pulse thats causing this oil dilution. Some may not even wait that long!

ollie

It will be interesting to see if the biodiesel standard (ASTM D6751) is modified to try to address this problem.

They recently added a cold soak test (to control clogging problems?) that I've read is hard to meet using red meat animal fat feedstocks.

Well I've wondered why people kept saying the new tdi's don't work with biodiesel, now i know. So now I gotta ask, what level do they work with? Is B5 the highest they can go?

Ollie, I can definitely see people trying to do what you say about removing the post injection and DPF. Not only for biodiesel compatibility, but performance as well.

B5 is the highest that the warranty allows. Next generation biofuels like Bio-GTL are said to be more compatible, but they are still a long way off, and who knows if manufacturers will actually distinguish between different biofuels when the time comes.