Bio Diesel

Hi all
any one using bio diesel from a pump (not home made stuff) to run 300 tdi if so any probs .many thanks .

Nope...

no problems encountered with my 300tdi, just more miles to the gallon and more power.

I tried it in my 200tdi and found I was getting a bit less power if anything but almost nothing in it. Mpg was about the same too.

I'm using normal diesel but would go back to bio if it was a bit cheaper and as easy to get as the normal stuff.

stig said:

no problems encountered with my 300tdi, just more miles to the gallon and more power.

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This is what I've heard from a few sources - higher cetane rating, better lubricity, better performance (both mpg and power) when IP correctly timed.

Funny how only LRO magazine seems to be consistently saying the opposite - their info comes from the SMMT apparently. I used to work for the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), they're the trade association for the motor industry and as such are there to look after the 'best interests' of their members - i.e. car and car component manufacturers and traders.

However, I personally believe that the motor industry as a whole, and thereby the SMMT indirectly, is hand in glove with the oil companies in suppressing bio fuels as a ready, able, cheap and eco friendly alternative to mineral fuels - all the anecdotal evidence points towards nothing but plusses from bio diesel, all the 'quasi-official' information says the dressed up equivalent of : "Oohh I would't do that if I were you, it's damaging, not eco friendly and it will break your car and invalidate your warranty!"

Funny old World innit?

Adz said:

This is what I've heard from a few sources - higher cetane rating...

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No its got a LOWER cetane rating, but has more calories to the pound of fuel.


Cetane rating is essentially how easy a fuel is at igniting, which bio is NOT good at. Kero for example has a HIGH cetane rating, thus put a match to it, and it will soon light on the spot, diesel is not great at lighting, and bio might as well be water.

Regarding more or less MPG its about the timing of the engine. If the engine is PERFECT for DERV then it will take bio without much bother, if its slightly out the wrong way for DERV then it will not go so well on bio.

Been running on 50/50 mix ,so far all ok .Went to my local independent LR parts dealer for fuel filter just in case, so i asked them on there opinion .They have run a 200 tdi no probs just smoked a bit ,many run 300tdi on 100% bio but a heater element that fits on at fuel filter is recomended for colder days cost about £60 & they run a TD5 on 50/50 mix with no problems.And its Good night from me.

dont use it clogs fuel tank fuel line fuel pump not worth the hassle turns into a live bacteria in fuel tank ok for a few weeks but no no had a few cars jeeps in problems had to empty tank full of gunge turns into jelly if you want to save a few quid just buy cheap veg oil from supermarket its cheaper asda 3 litres just over a pound pure veg oil not bio fit in line heater to thin down before it gets to fuel pump and if you want get form from post office and pay tax on it.

Diesel algae will grow in DERV anyway, it can happen but the bacteria needs to get into the tank in the first place.

I can vouch for 1000's of litres of this stuff in our own and friends engines (including standing engines that sit for months at a time) and never had any problems.

Besides its easily tackled with some Algae-X.

WHere can i get ALGEE X and is it something you put in every fill or just once in a while.
P.S THANKS TO ALL FOR IMPUT.