Author Topic: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?  (Read 3780 times)

Rocky Healey

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20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« on: September 23, 2020, 06:27:15 PM »
I have seen some listings at diesel fuel stops for 20% BIO diesel fuel also ULS.  I am wondering is this good for my Cat C-13?  I am planning my winter trip and finding fuel stops along my route that only have the 20% Bio.  What are the facts and the ramifications of BIO fuel on the Cat engines.  Thanks in advance.

Rocky Healey
45' PT 2008
C-13
Rocky & Suzi Healey
2008 Patroit Thunder
C-13
45ft

Mike Shumack

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Re: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2020, 07:15:32 PM »
Cat says up to B30 is safe for on-highway engines up to 2006, and B20 for 2007 (no mention of 2008-10 engines which would have the DPF).
Your 2008 Coach probably has an engine year of 2006 or 2007. Usually the engine is one or two years older than the Coach model year.


« Last Edit: September 23, 2020, 07:21:37 PM by Mike Shumack »

Rocky Healey

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Re: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2020, 07:53:01 PM »
Thanks Mike, I have a 2007 engine.  It sounds like the B20% is ok for Cat engines, however is anyone who has used it had any problems after long term use.  My PT has been good to me and the C-13 has been very good , so I don't want to start to create a problem for the future... Thanks again Mike.
Rocky & Suzi Healey
2008 Patroit Thunder
C-13
45ft

David T. Richelderfer

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Re: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2020, 01:04:47 AM »
The B20 will likely be okay for our engines but I read somewhere sometime ago that it packs less energy so will probably adversely affect our mileage.  But it should be 20c to 30c cheaper per gallon to offset the mileage reduction.  Many states now have requirements that diesel fuel sold at retail must be 10% to 20% bio.  Another downside to high percentages of bio in diesel is it will gel at higher temperatures... so in late Fall through early Spring, it should be thinned with stove oil.  In Montana, for example, Winter blends of retail diesel are common.  And, of course, stove oil in Winter blends will add to the cost.  Yet another issue is with higher bio percentages, the fuel filters will probably need changing more often.
2004 Beaver Marquis Sapphire

I had a dream... then I lived it!

Bill Sprague

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Re: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2020, 03:27:47 AM »
Our current rig has a Mercedes engine.  Mercedes forbids anything higher than B5.   Then they waffle and say, maybe it's OK if you have to use the occasional tank or two.  Then, even better, in states that mandate B20 they have localized brochures saying everything will be OK if you buy a Mercedes and "have to" use B20.  If you do use all B20 you are advised to keep an eye on engine oil level because it could increase!   And, they say to change fuel filters frequently.   Frequent fuel filters wouldn't be bad but they are very difficult to access and cost about $70!

Rocky Healey

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Re: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2020, 04:41:22 AM »
Thank you all for the information about B20.  It sounds like I would be better off to stay with regular diesel fuel. 

Rocky Healey
Rocky & Suzi Healey
2008 Patroit Thunder
C-13
45ft

William Jordan

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Re: 20% BIO diesel fuel ?
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2020, 07:44:41 PM »
For 6 years and 45,000 miles I’ve run a lot of B20. I think you’ll have trouble trying to NOT run it especially if your on the west coast. Almost all truck stops and stations pump it . I’ve had no issues other than a tenth or three off my fuel mileage which I don’t notice. As noted cat diesels are approved for bio blends. The Mercedes that Bill talks about is a special well documented case due to the way their class b van engine is designed. The c13 or in my case a c12 is a different animal. Keep in mind Every commercial truck on the highway is and has been using bio blends for years.
 
« Last Edit: September 24, 2020, 07:49:55 PM by William Jordan »

Joel Ashley

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Joel and Lee Rae Ashley
Clackamas, Oregon
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C9 400HP Cat