So Far So Good… My Second Tank of B20

I took a free moment out of my evening to scoot down for a fill up at the Delta Biodiesel Station which is just off Nordel Way & River Road in Delta. Officially, this will be my second full tank of B20 that I have ran in my TDI. I've pretty much had my fingers crossed as many have predicted my fuel filter to clog up. So far, I have encountered no problems or any significant changes. My TDI continues to run smoother than usual and my mileage is unaffected.

For those who are not aware, biodiesel acts like a natural solvant/degreaser. It is a fuel blend primarily made with different percentages of dino-diesel mixed with waste vegetable oils. In North America, oil from soy beans are primarily used.

The environmental benefits of biodiesel as an alternative fuel is astonishing. When using B100 grade, it is a purely renewable domestic product and contains no petroleum. It is biodegradable, non-toxic fuel which could be used in any diesel burning engine without modification. Most importantly Biodiesel of all grades results in lower emissions, which keeps our planet green. In addition, Biodiesel can potentially contribute to our independence when it comes to oil supply.

When used over a significant amount of time, it can attribute to a clogging of the fuel filter. This is primarily due to the poorly commericalized filtered/refined dino-diesel fuel which is available at any Mohawk, Husky, Shell or Esso Gas Stations. It has been proven that with the prolonged use of dino-diesel will increase the chances for contaminant build ups in your fuel system .

For instance, B5 = 5%; B10 = 10%; B20 = 20%; B50 = 50% and B99 or B100 = 100% ( X% = Soy Oil )

Running B20 is still viewed as quite environmentally friendly. It's the highest bio-diesel mixture which is most available through select commerical fuel companies. As long as I do not encounter any problems, I optimally would run a near 100% pure soy oil mixture on a consistent basis. The unfortunate part is that B100 is only available through two methods:

1. A special order is made from Cascadia Fuels and delivered in bulk amounts to a holding tank at your home,

2. B100 can be made through a quick home brewing process from used cooking oils which can be collected free of charge from your local restaurant.

The initial start up cost for a home brewing station will range from $1500 - 2000. Once your formula is perfected, bio-diesel can be produced as low as 3-10% of the current pump prices of commerical grade dino-diesel. There always is a downside to every good thing. Home brewing can be also risky. The refining quality can become inconsistent and much poorer to biodiesel available through an actual fuel company.

Currently, all commerically sold bio-diesel is made by Cascadia Fuel (http://www.cascadiabiofuels.com) and distrubuted through Autogas dealers, and Mohawk or Husky Fuel Stations are made through a high standard of refinement. Therefore the chances of contaminents is extremely low and you are more likely to have the lesser odds of running into problems.



And to think, the higher the percentage of bio-diesel you chose to run in your TDI, the less money goes into some billionaire oil barron. I rather give back my hard earned money back to those environmentally conscience soy bean farmers in the Mid-West United States or Central Canada.