Bio diesel - Good or Bad?

[scottshere]

Hi all,

This has probably been discussed many times before, but i cannot find any threads (noob)

Would you use it? Whats the down sides?
I hear you have to change fuel filter more often but is it actually bad for the engine?
I've heard mixed feedback on this and totally confused

 

[k9audi]

I might be wrong but as far as talking to various mechanics it knackers your injectors

 

[mikeh126]

FWIW, I wouldn't even consider using it in my car. As k9audi says, it will probably harm your injectors and other parts of the fuel system. As well as that, there aren't any of the various additives used by fuel companies in it - anti-wear, cetane booster, anti-sludge etc etc
In short - tractor - yes, car - NO WAY!!
BUT, I might be wrong as well!!

 

[ScottD3]

If the bio fuel Is made correctly, filtered and processed right. its fine on most cars.
If its just oil, then no.
I've been running it on my B5 TDI for years with no issues. I change the fuel filter more cause the bio diesel also acts as a cleaning agent and remove all the sludge and builds up. That's one reason why you need to change the filter more.

Get it from a good source and you should you'll be fine.

But be warn of low temps, bio diesel can waxed up when approaching 0 degrees.

 

[marktdisport]

ive seen it used on our fleet of trucks and it eventually fooooooked every injector seal in sight.... i think the recovery service went up around 85% on breakdown's

they soon learned there lesson and now don't bother with the crap..... we was told if the vehicle had electronic fuel pumps then dont use it and if its mechanical type then it should run half decent.....
id say buy a moped if fuel bills killing ya that much lol

 

[benjie]

It depends on what the biodiesel is made with, but Audi say that bio-diesel is not compatible with PD engines (other than the 5% RME that you already get in the pumps nowadays), unless you have specified it as an option from the factory.

Source for the above info: Audi Customer Service.

 

[scottshere]

Thanks all... I think i might give it a miss
Some interesting sides to this one, both bad and good. So hard to judge
I would love the savings made on the fuel as i do get through a few miles and like to get the turbo spinning
(Not abusive though - as there is a difference)
I have been warned off of it by my mechanic who stated 'its going to cost you more in the long run'
90k on the clock and would like to keep the old girl running as best i can, so a no go i think to keep her well...
Maybe a remap instead or a PD box

 

[marktdisport]

look after the oil and filter change and a pd will see 300k with ease m8........ now remap what i like to hear

 

[Turkster]

the savings are great but id not get it for my Audi as i know how much it costs to fix a V6!

 

[Bioman1966]

Been running a BKD engine for two years on 90/100 % Bio diesel. never had any trouble, my mechanic said he has never seen a cleaner EGR valve when taken off to clean it. Bioman1966

 

[mattyboyc]

I

In short - tractor - yes, car - NO WAY!!
BUT, I might be wrong as well!!

I guess you would mean vintage tractor, I used to work in plant and the price of a modern tractor is well over 100k and works harder than any motor vehicle, so if it's good for that I would put it in my car!!