Biodiesel Risks

[dalkill]

Having spent alot of time in the last weeks on the internet researching biodiesel, I'm more and more keen on it

There is a couple of gentleman running on BD in CT, one guy running his isuzu's , audi TDI and 2001 hilux KZTE on it - 100% for 2yrs now.

I'm looking into getting a 1999 - 2002 model diesel , non-turbo to run BD. However having seen the TopGear episode where a 2004 BMW fuel pump packed up, because the BD chowed the seals, I'm increasing worried.

Can anyone give some advise on this. At R3.80 / liter BD, it's worth a risk, but waht is the risk. Fuel pump (got a qoute of R8000 to overall electronic 3.0DE pump), fuel line etc, etc. The etc part is what concerns me. One can replace the fuel lines, and seals on pump, but what is the unknowns. Where else does one find natural rubber products in the fuel system that could break?

[Rampie]

Dalkill
The quality of the diesel is of prime concern. It must not contain microscopic particles that will damage your pump & engine. Commercials plants have labs where batches are analysed before being released to ensure it meet specifications. A stuffed pump is a very expensive exercise.

[dalkill]

Yes, I agree the quality of the diesel is the prime concern.

Just read that there should be no methanol, in the BD. Thus the okes on Topgear must have not washed the BD correctly.

But BD still eats thru natural rubber seals - even if washed
http://biodiesel.nanoelf.co.za/forum/vi ... .php?t=132.

And as I will be making my own , for personal consumption, you can bet it will be washed until all impurities are removed. Unlike some horror stories of commercial BD producers who have sold unwashed BD.

First thing I need to establish is where are the rubber components in the fuel system. Anybody have a good understanding of this?