Author Topic: TDI cars and biodiesel  (Read 6009 times)

June 03, 2007, 01:16:32 pm

jefftino

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TDI cars and biodiesel
« on: June 03, 2007, 01:16:32 pm »
Will the TDI VW run biodiesel or do you have to change anthing like fuel lines, etc?  Thanks

Jeff

Reply #1June 03, 2007, 02:03:17 pm

hipifreq

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TDI cars and biodiesel
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2007, 02:03:17 pm »
It depends on what year the car is. Newer VW TDIs have fuel lines that are resistant to biodiesel corrosion. Not sure when they switched over; perhaps someone here that's more familiar with the newer cars can answer that. You can also call your local VW dealer's parts shop and ask.

If you're buying a new car, then be careful with the warranty. The latest warranties I've seen from VW are in validated if you use a blend greater than 20% biodiesel (B20).
'80 Dasher diesel fastback - currently undergoing engine transplant

Reply #2June 03, 2007, 02:40:58 pm

Ziptar

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TDI cars and biodiesel
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2007, 02:40:58 pm »
generally cars made after 1991 can handle it just fine, they have viton seals and lines that wil not react with the biodiesel. That basically means any TDI equipped VW should be fine.

I have a 2003 jetta TDI and I ran B100 in it for 6 months or so over ~20,000 miles and never had a problem. After that I converted it to run on Straight Veg-oil, ran it that way for 80,000 miles or so without issue.

Do pay close attention to the warranties if the car you get has one.

If do start running bio-d keep a couple extra fuel filters handy. Bio-d will clean up junk and silt and clog the filter when you first start using it.

Reply #3June 03, 2007, 02:53:55 pm

scopefrfd

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TDI cars and biodiesel
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2007, 02:53:55 pm »
I ran B100 on a newly rebuilt 98 tdi AHU engine and it ran fine...In fact it ran smoother on B100 than diesel but my mileage was less on B100.  This could be because I was running the B100 in the winter and the extra viscosity of the B100 hurt my mileage.  

I would not run WVO in a tdi...

Reply #4June 05, 2007, 01:53:16 pm

jtanguay

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TDI cars and biodiesel
« Reply #4 on: June 05, 2007, 01:53:16 pm »
biodiesel actually contains less energy than regular ULSD, which would account for lower mileage.

but the benefits are far better and worth it.


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Reply #5June 05, 2007, 10:45:53 pm

Justin

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TDI cars and biodiesel
« Reply #5 on: June 05, 2007, 10:45:53 pm »
I am running B100 in my M-TDI, and love it, I ran it in all of my old idi's when ever I could, on my first and latest tank I got 46-50 mpg on break in with city driving. even though it has less evergy I Have read that the new ulsd contains less evergy than the old lsd and that B100 and ULSD are with in 3%

oh and never a problem with biodiesel or WVO for me in IDI's and not B100 issues yet in my M TDI

later
Justin
www.archeryprostaffmi.com
1985 GMC pickup 4x4 lift kit and runs 14.625 @ 91mph
1982 VW rabbit pickup 1.6L just rebuilt, 100mm cv's, 02A transmission
1997 Geo Tracker 1.9 TDI-M, variable gate turbo, Giles Pump