running B5 biofuel and noticing absence of black smoke

[OB_WAN]

I've been running B5 in my tanks(cheaper than diesel) for the last few tank fulls. I posted on another thread asking if the B5 is retarding the timing at all and initial thoughts were that it should be minimal.

Well, my reduction of black smoke on heavy throttle has been reduced to no black smoke @ heavy throttle. I can floor it from a stop and now just get a bit of grey coming out the tailpipe. I'm not sure why this is the case. Possible thoughts are:
1. dying IP
2. clogged fuel filter(because I've been cleaning the tank and lines with B5)
3. timing somehow messed itself up

Any thoughts/suggestions on this? I'm on the verge of replacing the fuel filter and turning up the IP but wanted to check with the pros first.

 

[david85]

Biodiesel does run slightly cleaner/quieter. Unless you are noticing a significant power drop or starting/idling problems, I don't think you have anything to worry about. Having a fuel filter clog about 2 weeks after intially running bio can happen though. It all depends on how dirty your tank and lines were before running the bio. Usually once you change the filter once after this period, you should be ok.

Slight power/MPG drops can happen but usually the drop is within the margin of error for economy calculations. Some actually claim better MPGs but I've never tried it yet.

The local cardlock now has a sticker on the pump saying "may contain up to 5% biofuel", but I don't think they are actually mixing it in yet. The truth is there isn't enough supply to satisfy a continent wide mandate for all fuels to be 5% bio. At least not yet, so it might be a little while before guys like me can try it out.

 

[jim_22]

My experience with WVO is that even a little bit tames the black smoke and also gives the characteristic smell (just chemistry, I think), if you want to check for sure go back to straight D2 and watch it smoke again.

 

[crashnzuk]

I've been burning B5 in my Dodge lately too. I've been trying to cut back the smoke, though it seems about like it typically is on straight #2. The engine does run smoother on B5, which in turn makes it sound slightly different (quieter).
Travis..

 

[dave186]

Bio is cheaper there? Around here B20 is usually 15-20 cents more per gallon. I am close to the OR border and a local fuel supplier that delivers over there has to add 2% bio to all diesel they deliver across that state line. They are currently buying B100 from a local supplier in 200 gallon totes and mixing it themselves. That cost has to be passed on to the purchaser.

 

[OB_WAN]

bio here is about 15-20 cents cheaper than the good #2 and 3-4 cents cheaper than the cheap #2. They only have a few biofuel stations here so I'm guessing they're trying to build up a customer base before upping the price.

I've also noticed that with B5, the truck starts and runs smoother/quieter(guessing better lubricity + slightly retarted timing). the B5 mileage doesn't really change much from standard #2. Still roughly 15-16mpg unless I'm heavy on the throttle. The lowest I've received from B5 so far is ~14mpg but I always seemed to be in a hurry on that tank full.

I just switched back to #2 today so will see if the black comes back.

 

[crashnzuk]

The station I buy from is at a freeway offramp. Their #2 is usually 20 cents or more higher than the Bio. That being said, the Bio is usually about 5-10 cents higher than the station with diesel nearest my house (usually has the best #2 price in town). I figure as long as it isn't more than 10 cents or so higher, I can justify paying it for the lubricity it provides.
Travis..