Biodiesel additives needed? + warnings

I converted the fuel lines on my '82 300DT and plan to run B100 biodiesel consistently. I heard about the need for adding lubricity to low sulfer petrodiesel but does anyone know if too low of lubricity is a problem with biodiesel? The only fuel addative I have used so far is a product called "Killem" to clean out the fuel tank.

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Diesel Engine Specific Aid

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Questions and Answers

Chassis Model Number

W123

Bio

My mileage went up on biodiesel because of its slicker than diesel.

Biodiesel cautions

When running B100 you have to be more concerned about moisture in the fuel than lubricity. There is more than adequate lubrication in biodiesel. But B100 is very hydroscopic (meaning it can easily absorb moisture from the air). As more people are using this fuel we are beginning to learn about its potential problems. Even manufactures of diesel injectors and injection pumps are beginning to issue warnings. Stanadyne recently sent me some pictures of some injection pumps that were opened up after failure. Talk about corossion! This does not mean you should not use B80 to B100. It just means you have to take precautions.

1. First, do not rely on the factory fuel filter to protect your engine. Install a quality Diesel Fuel Water Separator with a larger capacity such as the FM-100 we offer on our website. We even offer a coolant heater for this filter if you operate in a very cold climate. CLICK HERE to read more.

2. Do not let your engine sit idle for more than a few weeks with B100 in the fuel system. You should be driving the car at least once or twice a week. If you plan to store it for any length of time drain or run the system out of biodiesel and flush with petrol diesel before storage.

3. Be careful not to spill B100 in and around your engine compartment. I have seen it rot out rubber motor mounts and rubber front suspension parts!

4. Your regular fuel hoses can tolerate B100 for a while (they will get soft after one to two years) and you will be able to feel it when they are deteriorating, BUT your small injector return hoses MUST be replaced immediately with Viton. The combintation of high heat and biodiesel will destroy the factory rubber braided hoses very quickly. CLICK HERE to order our custom made Viton injector return hose.

Bio and moisture

Thanks for the info, Kent. I have your fuel line kit and FM-10 filter kit installed already. Will that housing accept a larger filter element or should I get a whole new filter kit? Also, I live a bit west of Tacoma so it doesn't get very cold. Dave

Longer elements are available

Hi Dave, we do carry larger filter replacements for the FM 10 as well. Depending on how your biodiesel is made you may get some waxing of the element when temperatures get down into the 20s (F).

CLICK HERE to see this filter element.