Issues with running B-99

[The Warden]

Hello!

As some of you may know, I've been putting B-99 in my 300D ever since mid September. Now, in that time, I've noticed a somewhat considerable power decrease, along with a slight loss in fuel economy and some extra smoke.

My first thought on the power decrease was clogged fuel filters (as that's apparently a common thing with switching to Bio-D), but when I go back to dino-diesel, the power immediately comes back...that shouldn't happen with clogged fuel filters, correct?

Does this all sound normal? I had been under the impression that Bio-D would generally make the car run better, not worse. Between the power difference and the fact that Bio-D is now $0.45/gallon more expensive than dino-diesel, I may be forced to switch back to dino-diesel

Thanks!

 

[smokin_stroker00]

What is the outside temp in your area? Yesterday it was around 30's and the fuel was gelling maybe that is causing you some problems

 

[The Warden]

I don't think I've ever driven the car on Bio-D at a temp lower than 55°, and we haven't had a "cold spell" below 45° yet this season. It's been up into the high 80's and low 90's, with the same problems...so, I don't think it's the temperature

 

[bct]

where are you getting the b99? is it the same batch youve noticed the problem with or over multipul fillups from multipul dealers?

 

[The Warden]

It's all been from the same dealer (the only one in the area who sells Bio-D in any mix ), but over the course of time, I think there have been 3 or 4 different batches (the price changes each time they refill the underground tank). That IS a possibility, except I know someone else who's been using the same fuel from the same dealer, and has seen his power and mileage increase.

BTW, I did a bit of an Italian tune-up on the car yesterday, and power seems to have come up a bit. I'm not sure how it compares to dino-diesel, and I haven't driven the car enough to see if there'll be any change in mileage either way...but this may be an indication that my mufflers wer ejust clogged up? I suppose we'll see...

Thanks again

 

[Full Monte]

I attended a mercedes wvo conversion demo yesterday, so I know enough to be dangerous. The mechanic running it says two main reasons for reduced performance are plugged fuel filters and air leaks.