Biodiesel in my 1.6 GTD?

[Gernster]

Hi, coming to the party a little late seen as Ive been running the car for 6 months now, but my local garage has started selling biodiesel. Its:

BIO-DIESEL B100 made to EN 14214 specifications

Will my 1.6 IDI TD (standard, no mods) run it ok?  Will it run it neat or would it be better mixed with regular diesel?

Ive done a search and couldn't find a similar topic. Any help would be great as you can buy it in jerry cans for 65p a litre!!!!

[jtanguay]

you can run it, but you might notice the injection pump start leaking (unless it has been rebuilt recently) and some of the lines will need to be changed.  the old diesel makes them swell, and the new diesel/biodiesel makes them shrink.

[fastvicar]

+1

If you don't have any leaks, then it'll run great.  Keep in mind that B100 doesn't really flow that well in cold weather (below 40F) so cold starting could be compromised in the coming months.  My B4 TDI absolutely loved the stuff and ran better on it.  Not more power, just smoother.  No leaks on that one, either.

[Gernster]

thansk for the tips guys. the engine is at about 210,000 miles and doesnt look like its been overhauled, but runs fine with no leaks whatsover.

what about if I started off running a 50/50 mix ? (i.e. filled up with 20 litres of petro diesel, then 20 litres of biodiesel)

It doesnt get too cold in the UK, but 40 degrees F is just above freezing so its possible..........

[fastvicar]

And remember that it was a TDI that I was running it in.  They are far more finicky with their fuel, due to the tiny holes in the injectors.  You'll probably be fine running it, but if you want to try a 50/50 blend to start you shouldn't do any harm.

[91 ECO]

Make sure to keep an extra fuel filter with you.  If your fuel tank has any crud, the bio will clean it out.  I would start with a blend and work up from there.  All we have is B20 and I have run several tanks with no problems.  Smells a little like McDonald's.

[fastvicar]

True, not a bad idea.