Biodiesel

[tell-me-more]

Is biodiesel cheaper to use than normal diesel, including costs of engine wear etc?

If so, where can I get it from?

[Catso]

A bit cheaper (20p a litre-ish, I believe). One source I read said it reduces engine wear, another that it increases it! So what do you believe?

It's very rare; I think you'll have to make your own if you want any!

[jake-the-peg]

outlets here:

http://www.biodieselfillingstations.co.uk/outl ets.htm

[jake-the-peg]

Oh I read this on a forum about Land Rovers but it probably applies to "normal" cars too:

I have been running my 300tdi defender on (mainly) biodiesel for about 45,000km and it is going great. I recently had to replace the three little bits (about 10cm long each) of injector hose that was returning the excess fuel to the fuel pump though as it had started to plasticise. First used approp. sized line from SuperCheap but that was no good - seems to have been natural rubber as well so the same thing started to happen with it. This is the one hassle with biodiesel - it is a great solvent and not only will clean out your fuel system but will soften natural rubber lines.

Sounds like if you use it you'll want to keep an eye on any ruber fuel lines or componants

[tell-me-more]

20p a litre is more than a bit cheaper, isn't it?

[tali122]

it is a lot cheaper , my brother is a mechanic and says there really should'nt be any probs, and i intend to run my diesel car on it

[ianess]

Click here to read about one bus company's use of biodiesel.......95% diesel + 5% "bio-matter".

[Catso]

Seem to me that most of the outlets in jake-the-peg's link only sell a blend, which is only 5% biodiesel. That being so, surely you wouldn't save a lot, as you'd still be paying full rate for 95% of the fuel you buy.

As I said, finding 100% biodiesel isn't easy (unless you're lucky enough to be near one of the outlets elling it). For instance, I live in Derbyshire and there are only 4 outlets in the whole county, none of which do full biodiesel.

You're probably more likely to find 100% bio being sold 'privately', from someone making it themselves. I'd imagine this is the sort of deal that generates the real savings!

As a further suggestion, I've read somewhere (can't remember any details now) about a biodiesel producer that will deliver, either in drums, or 1000l plastic tanks. I can't be bothered to search it out.