I have a local Phillips 76 station whose owner sends out regular email newsletters. Yesterday came one that explained how Phillips refuses to supply B20, which is just as well since he won't have anything to do with B20 anyway. His competitors across the street (Damascus, OR) and in the area are going to B20 because it is tax-free in Oregon, so they can sell it 30 cents cheaper. Thankfully, I frequent only Pacific Pride outlets for coach fuel.
In Oregon, diesel is mandated to be at least 5%. The City of Portland has flirted with mandating B10. Minnesota I guess has gone to a B10 mandate. Almost all Oregon Pacific Pride stations sell B5 only; one in North Portland sells only B20. A brief perusal of the Directory reveals that Washington, Idaho, Montana, and California Pacific Prides virtually all sell good old unadulterated #2 diesel.
An online search indicates that engine mfrs., including CAT, okay up to B20, but from there up they advise regular engine fluids analysis. It would seem that the higher the biodiesel content, the greater the tendency to attract water, and the greater chance of contaminants. As Tom mentions, filters may require more frequent changes. It seems kinda dumb since biodiesel at B20 is like 8% less efficient, or thereabouts, so what are we really gaining ecologically when all parameters are considered?
Is the 20-30 cent tax savings worth the extra effort and cost of more frequent oil analysis and filter changes, and additional algicide additive? That's gonna be an individual call.
-Joel
