Comments on: VW Biodiesel in USA

Question: VW Biodiesel in USA

gesamtkunstwerk — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 10:55:36 -0800

Fuel Filter? Has anybody had long-term experience using North American bio-diesel in a TDI? My dealership is dead-set against it, but my European friends swear by it. (I tend to distrust my VW dealer, but I don't want to be cavalier) Since I live in a moderately cold climate, I would only be using it in summer.

By: scazza

scazza — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 13:13:27 -0800

I don't think your dealership is going to endorse it, unless you moved to CA where Biodiesel stations have been cropping up by Yokayo. And I think once you convert, you can't use regular diesel anymore. There was this article in the NYT recently. Have you searched the web for biodiesel resources and testimonials?

How to convert
Biodiesel Now

This is hardly obscure "technology." When I ever get a car, it will absolutely be biodiesel. Truly renewable, no cars as virtual hydrogen bombs.

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 13:29:38 -0800

Check with your dealer to see if running biodiesel will void the warranty. Then ask them if there are any natural rubber parts in the fuel delivery system. If you get a negative for both questions, then have fun with the BioDiesel.

By: b1tr0t

b1tr0t — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 13:32:52 -0800

Also, you may be able to use B20 year-round, depending on how cold it gets.

By: willpie

willpie — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:03:41 -0800

There are loads of TDI geeks on the boards at TDIclub.com. They'll know what to do.

By: jmgorman

jmgorman — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:41:12 -0800

It won't void the warranty, it'll be fine in the cold. Just follow willpie's advice, ask the people over at the club.

By: jmgorman

jmgorman — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:43:43 -0800

Just check the map to find a supplier.

By: plinth

plinth — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 15:46:51 -0800

You might want to see (or contact the folks at) greasecar.com. From their site:
Q: Will the Greasecar system work with TDI vehicles?
A: The Greasecar system has been installed in dozens of new VW TDIs some of which have logged more than 50,000 miles since conversion and no problems have been reported.

By: gesamtkunstwerk

gesamtkunstwerk — Sun, 23 Jan 2005 19:49:42 -0800

This is great. Thanks. I'm not very mechanically minded, but all of your answers have been very helpful.

By: Popular Ethics

Popular Ethics — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 09:35:40 -0800

gesamtkunstwerk: From my understanding, you have to be careful about the grade of Biodiesel, and the temperature. B100 (100% Biodiesel) starts to congeal below 15degC, but B5 (95% regular diesel) is fine down to -40 iirc.

By: plinth

plinth — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 15:01:59 -0800

Popular Ethics - one of the things that the greasecar kits address is how to manage the solidification under cold conditions. Greasecar is local to my area, Massamachusetts, and I routinely see their car around town in the winter...

By: 40 Watt

40 Watt — Mon, 24 Jan 2005 21:52:50 -0800

My brother bought a TDI Jetta(?), and he said the dealer was all over him trying to show off how cool the car was BECAUSE you could run it on biodiesel. I think the lesson here might be "Your mileage may vary".

sorry.