Which is better? B20 or ULSD for older JD's
- Thread starter davefr
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tomd999
Platinum Member
Hiya,
Any of the bio-blends have a higher tendency to clean everything out of the fuel system, as long as you've maintained it well over the years you shouldn't have an issue with that "feature". A side benefit to the bio-blends is that they have a very high lubricity factor so in theory, you should have less wear on moving components. I have heard that the bio-blends tend to be more sensitive to low temps however, I haven't run any in the wintertime so I can't say for sure.
My rule of thumb is to buy from the place that turns over the fuel the fastest and treat as needed for your equipment and temps.
Tom
Any of the bio-blends have a higher tendency to clean everything out of the fuel system, as long as you've maintained it well over the years you shouldn't have an issue with that "feature". A side benefit to the bio-blends is that they have a very high lubricity factor so in theory, you should have less wear on moving components. I have heard that the bio-blends tend to be more sensitive to low temps however, I haven't run any in the wintertime so I can't say for sure.
My rule of thumb is to buy from the place that turns over the fuel the fastest and treat as needed for your equipment and temps.
Tom
Diamondpilot
Super Star Member
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- Jinma 254/284 Ford 861 Powermaster at work
My experience with Bio was not good. It ate up fuel lines from the inside out creating a gummy substance. It also gelled easily.
My supplier said the max he would recommend is 2% bio for anthing. It does add lubrication to the mix but in my eyes at a cost.
I had 300 gallons of the stuff that caused all kinds of issues. Never again!
Chris
My supplier said the max he would recommend is 2% bio for anthing. It does add lubrication to the mix but in my eyes at a cost.
I had 300 gallons of the stuff that caused all kinds of issues. Never again!
Chris
Copperhead
Veteran Member
Yeah, it is a mixed bag. Biodiesel will clean out a fuel system and cause some issues on older stuff, especially frequent fuel filter changes, until the system gets totally over to biodiesel. It does have a higher cloud and gel point than typical #2. But for that, proper use of #1 blended at around 25% during winter months solves most of those issues. And using a good anti gel is icing on the cake. And a simple 2% bio blend will ad d more lubricity back into diesel than anything off the shelf. A 5% blend, and the lubricity of a ULSD fuel will match the old diesel of the 1990's. I have been using biodiesel blends of between 5% and 15% year round in the upper tier of the country for well over 6 years. I go thru 21,000 gallons of diesel a year. I have yet to have any issues with biodiesel. Probably because I made myself aware of the issues and use proper fuel management.
ModMech
Platinum Member
Biodiesel is the original ULSD, there is literally almost no sulfur in neat biodiesel, such that B20 mixed with "regular" 500ppm sulfur diesel nets you about 400ppm sulfur diesel.
BioD has a tendency to carbonize on the injector tips and remove the deposits from everything inside the fuel delivery system, this is a good thing! It also "gels" at MUCH warmer temperatures than #2ULSD, so if you live where temperatures are below 20*F when you need your diesel equipment, other options would be best.
BioD has a tendency to carbonize on the injector tips and remove the deposits from everything inside the fuel delivery system, this is a good thing! It also "gels" at MUCH warmer temperatures than #2ULSD, so if you live where temperatures are below 20*F when you need your diesel equipment, other options would be best.
Jkott
Silver Member
You don't get a choice in Minnesota. All ULSD by state law is between 2 (or is it 5) and 20% at the pump depending on the time of year. They don't care that most manufacturers warranties are void over 10%. It doesn't matter on the labeling at the pump. ULSD is required to be a bio blend and I'm not aware of any exceptions. Both of those stations are probably from the same fuel depot, with possibly a different additive package, but they are probably the same base fuel.
Maybe I have been lucky, but my only casualty come summer, when the blend goes higher, is that the seal in the fuel cap on my LS/New Holland swells and blows out of the cap.
There are many seal and gasket materials that are incompatible with bio diesel, but the government doesn't care. It isn't their problem, it's the modern manufacturers fault for using materials incompatible with modern fuels. I really feel for the owners of vintage tractors because the solvents used to make fuel back then simply were not used and not designed for. Shame on a 4 year old design (like the LS/New Holland boomer 30/35/45/50 series not being compatible)
Maybe I have been lucky, but my only casualty come summer, when the blend goes higher, is that the seal in the fuel cap on my LS/New Holland swells and blows out of the cap.
There are many seal and gasket materials that are incompatible with bio diesel, but the government doesn't care. It isn't their problem, it's the modern manufacturers fault for using materials incompatible with modern fuels. I really feel for the owners of vintage tractors because the solvents used to make fuel back then simply were not used and not designed for. Shame on a 4 year old design (like the LS/New Holland boomer 30/35/45/50 series not being compatible)
Jkott
Silver Member
Unless it gels on you, if your tractor supports B20, and it doesn't cost more, I would use the B20.
The Bio has better solvent qualities and if used regularly will keep you fuel system cleaner. I could be wrong, but I don't believe the bio is as long term stable without conditioners, such as for Algea. Bio has a higher cloud point unless treated (which is why MN is allowed a lower concentration in cold weather) n
The Bio has better solvent qualities and if used regularly will keep you fuel system cleaner. I could be wrong, but I don't believe the bio is as long term stable without conditioners, such as for Algea. Bio has a higher cloud point unless treated (which is why MN is allowed a lower concentration in cold weather) n
buickanddeere
Super Member
You can find 500ppm sulphur diesel for sale ?
