New Diesel Engine Updates

2011 Heavy-Duty Hurt Locker

PickupTrucks.com just released the results of the ultimate diesel pickup comparison test between Ford, Chevy, & Dodge. Tests were performed with a 2011 Ford F-350 Power Stroke, a 2011.5 Dodge 3500 High Output Cummins, and a 2012 GMC Sierra Duramax.

These trucks have massive amounts of horse power, torque, and trailer pulling capability. Pit them against each other on some of the toughest terrain in the United States and you’ll get to see some of the most amazing feats ever performed by Heavy-duty pickup trucks! We’re talking semi-truck amazing feats!

Add to that the fact that the Ford and the GMC are both B20 compatible right from the factory (Dodge is too–unofficially of course), and you’ve got some incredible diesel powered Biodiesel eating rigs that are up to the toughest challenges you can throw their way. Check out the story!

2009 VW TDI Jetta w/ DPF Biodiesel Success Story
While at the CBC conference, Dan Freeman of Dr. Dan’s Biodiesel, shared a story about a bone-stock 2009 VW TDI Jetta with a diesel particulate filter still installed that had been running on 100% Biodiesel it’s whole life; which was just over 30,000 miles.

Plugging into the onboard computer, he was able to show that it had only regenerated the diesel particulate filter THREE TIMES over the 30,000 miles! Oil tests showed no signs of Biodiesel dilution and the car wasn’t throwing any error codes or having any problems at all.

The secret? Dan attributes the success to using clean, well filtered Biodiesel and driving the diesel like it was meant to be driven. That means driving it over long distances, letting the engine reach full operating temperature, and running under load. He also said that the VW had had regular maintenance including fuel filters and regular oil changes.

His belief is that if you regularly maintain your diesel, feed it good, well reacted, clean, filtered Biodiesel, and drive it like it was MEANT to be driven (bringing it up to full operating temperature), then Biodiesel can easily be run in diesel with DPF’s installed. We thought that was great news! Be sure to watch his presentation when it comes out on our YouTube Channel in the near future! He had a short video of the very 2009 TDI running!

2008 Chevy Duramax w/ DPF Biodiesel Success Story
We have a great customer in Long Island that bought a 2008 Chevy Duramax brand new off the lot with the DPF installed. He’s been feeding it a regular diet of 100% Biodiesel whenever the temperature’s allow (between April to October) and a blend when it’s too cold.

He’s been analyzing the oil levels, the regeneration events, and taking measurements along the way. On Biodiesel he notices that it regenerates every tank and a half. His commute involves lots of stop & go traffic, so it’s not exactly the ideal conditions to operate the truck under, but so far the engine has performed flawlessly. The truck has just over 30,000 miles on it and he believes 15,000 of those miles have all been on B100.

His secret? Again, well reacted & well filtered Biodiesel (he makes his fuel in a BioPro 190 and tests along the way), well filtered, and a good maintenance regimen on the truck. He changes his oil about every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and has noticed that whether it’s running on B100 or straight petro, the oil level does indeed climb. However, in tests that he’s performed on his oil, the engine shows normal wear and has been operating extremely well. Watch for an article in the near future about his great setup and the success he’s having!

So, it appears that there is hope for burning high blends of Biodiesel in DPF Equipped vehicles. Keep the fuel clean, make sure it’s well reacted, change your oil regularly, swap out the fuel filters, and maintain the vehicle and you too might just see the same success!

Have a DPF success story? Send it in! We’d love to hear about it!!

About Utah Biodiesel Supply

Utah Biodiesel Supply is an industry leader in offering innovative ways to empower our customers to produce Biodiesel. From free online instructional videos on how to get started making this great renewable fuel to promotional items to help our customers proclaim their energy independence, Utah Biodiesel Supply has it covered. With the widest selection available of Biodiesel equipment, supplies, and promotional items, you're sure to learn something new about Biodiesel every time you visit.

2 comments on “New Diesel Engine Updates

  1. Each is made slightly different and each has it’s own strengths & weaknesses. The Duramax pulled out ahead in the end by a slight margin.