I have just found a local source for Bio-Diesel here in Portland and am thinking of giving it a try both for the environmental benefit(it smells like a bbq or french fries Im told, and causes no harm to the environment if spilled, even in the water! The price is in the $1.30/ gallon range and the guy is even offering the first 10 gallons free! It's even bio-degradable!What do any of you know about how the stuff actually behaves in the tank, how it grows bugs or degrades, how long it is stable, how it flows when cold etc. What's wrong with it??????? TALK TO ME!!!!!!!!!! Ron
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I'd check with the engine manufacturer...
before I used anything like that. Although with the price of diesel these days $1.30 per gallon sounds pretty good!
before I used anything like that. Although with the price of diesel these days $1.30 per gallon sounds pretty good!
I wouldn't worry about the cost...
...unless we know if our engines could handle it. The cost of regular diesel for the amount we use in sailboats is negligible compared to the potential for problems and what it could do to engine warranties. Regular diesel fuel also contains additives to help engine components and seals. I burn .5 gal/hr in my L37 and think I'll stay with the reaf stuff.
...unless we know if our engines could handle it. The cost of regular diesel for the amount we use in sailboats is negligible compared to the potential for problems and what it could do to engine warranties. Regular diesel fuel also contains additives to help engine components and seals. I burn .5 gal/hr in my L37 and think I'll stay with the reaf stuff.
Phil, Bio-Diesel is a good topic, help me out here
We need to expand our horizons, Phil. Please help me get the folks to talk about this one. Ron
We need to expand our horizons, Phil. Please help me get the folks to talk about this one. Ron
Might make a good quiz
I agree, it's an important topic, and I'll try to fold it into a coming quiz.
I agree, it's an important topic, and I'll try to fold it into a coming quiz.
French Fries
At a Yanmar seminar, the Rep refused to consider any endorsement, saying that while generally fuel quality is the owner's responsibility, they have specifically indicated the use of synthetic fuel as a warranty violation. That was a couple of years ago. I would suspect that anything not fully tested by them wouldn't be endorsed. Guess it depends on your risk tolerance. Good luck and keep a detailed log. Rick D.
At a Yanmar seminar, the Rep refused to consider any endorsement, saying that while generally fuel quality is the owner's responsibility, they have specifically indicated the use of synthetic fuel as a warranty violation. That was a couple of years ago. I would suspect that anything not fully tested by them wouldn't be endorsed. Guess it depends on your risk tolerance. Good luck and keep a detailed log. Rick D.
Been using for last 3 years.
Hey Ron... I have been using bio-diesel on our 37.5 for the last three years. The first year I had 20 gals shipped and would mix 80/20. Last year they had a tank installed at Elliott Bay Marina. The cost at Elliott is somewhat over $4 so I would be curious if your price is accurate. The overall cost when mixed isn't too bad. One advantage to us is that with the dodger we would end up getting back-winded with the smell of diesel, which was kind of sickening. With bio-diesel it is a light popcorn smell. Another advantage is in handling. Cleans up better than diesel. I use it when changing the filter to refill the bowl. It is noticible that it dissipates much quicker when spilled in the water. We carry 10 gallons as a spare when traveling since you can use it straight if required. Probably don't want to do this regularly since I understand it can cause the rubber tubes to weep. As to lubricity, I understand that it actually increases it over the standard diesel fuel. Let me know about the price and who the manufacturer is.
Hey Ron... I have been using bio-diesel on our 37.5 for the last three years. The first year I had 20 gals shipped and would mix 80/20. Last year they had a tank installed at Elliott Bay Marina. The cost at Elliott is somewhat over $4 so I would be curious if your price is accurate. The overall cost when mixed isn't too bad. One advantage to us is that with the dodger we would end up getting back-winded with the smell of diesel, which was kind of sickening. With bio-diesel it is a light popcorn smell. Another advantage is in handling. Cleans up better than diesel. I use it when changing the filter to refill the bowl. It is noticible that it dissipates much quicker when spilled in the water. We carry 10 gallons as a spare when traveling since you can use it straight if required. Probably don't want to do this regularly since I understand it can cause the rubber tubes to weep. As to lubricity, I understand that it actually increases it over the standard diesel fuel. Let me know about the price and who the manufacturer is.
Read all about it. *Soy beans cause gas*
http://www.soygold.com/ Here is the site where you can read all about Soy/Bio Diesel
http://www.soygold.com/ Here is the site where you can read all about Soy/Bio Diesel
BioDiesel on the Bay
About three to four years ago, Biodiesel became available on Chesapeake Bay. Three years ago, I started using it in the recommended mix - 80/20. The product was made by NOPEC of Lakeland, FL. At some marinas is was available in bulk and in 5 gal buckets. The last bucket I purchased two years ago cost $25. It was great stuff. It burned very clean - no stain on the transom and a popcorn-like odor. The Yanmar 2GM ran great. Now unfortunately, it is no longer available on the Bay. Maybe somebody has a source. I suspect that they did not sell enough.
About three to four years ago, Biodiesel became available on Chesapeake Bay. Three years ago, I started using it in the recommended mix - 80/20. The product was made by NOPEC of Lakeland, FL. At some marinas is was available in bulk and in 5 gal buckets. The last bucket I purchased two years ago cost $25. It was great stuff. It burned very clean - no stain on the transom and a popcorn-like odor. The Yanmar 2GM ran great. Now unfortunately, it is no longer available on the Bay. Maybe somebody has a source. I suspect that they did not sell enough.
Expensive!
It's no wonder it's no longer available on the Bay. At $5 a gallon, why would anyone buy it when diesel fuel costs $1.50? Last season we paid $.92 a gallon to fill up one time.
It's no wonder it's no longer available on the Bay. At $5 a gallon, why would anyone buy it when diesel fuel costs $1.50? Last season we paid $.92 a gallon to fill up one time.
Expensive yes but
Tom: Yes Soy/Bio diesel is expensive but you only mix it in a 80/20 mixture. Now consider that you paid .92 for your diesel and you pay $5 a gal for the Soy the price is not that bad about $1.75 a gal. Now consider that it is better for your engine, keeps your stern clean and is better for the environment, does not stink and the price is getting cheaper. Now consider how much fuel most of us use each season and who cares about the cost if it really does some good. This stuff can actually be run as 100% mixture. One of the drawbacks is that is that is actually cleans the entire fuel system. This can mean that someone with a dirty system will have problems with plugged filters etc. They also experience some other minor problems with leaking hoses on older fuel system. If you need to clean up your system consider running this at a higher mixture to clean out the tank, lines, injectors etc. It is really a great product. I would use it all the time if it were easier to get. Steve Dion
Tom: Yes Soy/Bio diesel is expensive but you only mix it in a 80/20 mixture. Now consider that you paid .92 for your diesel and you pay $5 a gal for the Soy the price is not that bad about $1.75 a gal. Now consider that it is better for your engine, keeps your stern clean and is better for the environment, does not stink and the price is getting cheaper. Now consider how much fuel most of us use each season and who cares about the cost if it really does some good. This stuff can actually be run as 100% mixture. One of the drawbacks is that is that is actually cleans the entire fuel system. This can mean that someone with a dirty system will have problems with plugged filters etc. They also experience some other minor problems with leaking hoses on older fuel system. If you need to clean up your system consider running this at a higher mixture to clean out the tank, lines, injectors etc. It is really a great product. I would use it all the time if it were easier to get. Steve Dion
Have used it for 3 seasons
I use a 60/40 or so mixture on a 1981 Yanmar 2GM. Eliminates soot on the transom and my fiance finds the odor much less objectionable. It has higher lubricity but there are warnings about using it on 20+ year old motors and their rubber seals. I'd buy it all the time but the availability isn't great; I have to mail order it. I'm guessing the $1.30/gallon is pre-mix at 80/20 ratio. As far as cost, are you guys kidding? This is an extra <$20 for the *SEASON*. I spend that on stuff I accidentally drop in the water. I recommend it. Incidentally, if you use a diesel heater, this stuff is a great idea.
I use a 60/40 or so mixture on a 1981 Yanmar 2GM. Eliminates soot on the transom and my fiance finds the odor much less objectionable. It has higher lubricity but there are warnings about using it on 20+ year old motors and their rubber seals. I'd buy it all the time but the availability isn't great; I have to mail order it. I'm guessing the $1.30/gallon is pre-mix at 80/20 ratio. As far as cost, are you guys kidding? This is an extra <$20 for the *SEASON*. I spend that on stuff I accidentally drop in the water. I recommend it. Incidentally, if you use a diesel heater, this stuff is a great idea.
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