Author Topic: buying a car run on bio diesel? (Read 2993 times)

westcoaster · « **on:** February 21, 2008, 10:33:27 pm »

What kind of trouble would I be looking at when buying a car that has been run on bio diesel? I doubt it was "profesional" grade bio diesel either....

Pitted injection pump? eroded injectors? or nothing at all wrong with it?

commuter boy · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2008, 11:23:41 pm »

Depends on the blend %, how long they ran it, and where they got it from.

There's ASTM bio available pre-blended at Autogas/Husky stations in the GVRD, and the Vancouver Biodiesel Coop brings in B100 for members.

Anything else is kind of suspect. If there's other sources of ASTM cert. bio in the GVRD I'd be curious to know.

Odds are the pump of an IDI will probably need a rebuild soon anyways with the change to ULSD, and a new set of nozzles in the injectors depending on mileage, so it might not be a deal breaker even if they did use rotgut homebrew for a while. See how it starts and runs.

the caveman · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2008, 05:31:30 am »

just start it up and drive it. all the wear items will need to be changed eventally anyways.

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2008, 10:52:38 am »

depends entirely on the fuel. some private 'brewers' have more stringent requirements that the fuels publically sold as bio diesel so it really depends on the person who ran the car and their level of dedication, knowledge, etc. or at least knowing that they always went to a fill station that is known to have high quality fuel.

madmedix · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2008, 01:38:15 pm »

As a good motorhead friend of mine says: Compression man!! It's all about the compression!! The rest is a good cold pint away from workin'!!

Seriously, I'd be more worried about "mods" the PO has put her through. Finding that out the hard way right now.

Cheers,
Andy

bigblockchev · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2008, 04:58:12 pm »

As one who runs B100 I would say that if it isn't leaking from the IP then it is no worse that any other diesel is likely to be. In VWs the only issue to show up generally is the injector return lines leak after a while like many months. An easy fix and common on non bio cars as well. The fuel system will likely be really clean from running bio. Change the fuel filter and you are good to go. Cheers Dan