I believe the BTU difference is about the same as my loss in mileage; 10%.
Hyperlink at the end of the quote.
About our campaign issue
2007.5 and newer light duty diesel vehicles are not biodiesel compatible! Problems have occurred in these vehicles using biodiesel in any blend, from B5 to B100. This is shocking news for everyone involved in the biodiesel community, including producers, retailers and their customers, city fleets that use biodiesel, and all diesel drivers in cities that have B5 or B20 mandates. If not addressed, new vehicle incompatibility will increasingly cripple the viability of biodiesel as a cleaner-burning and renewable diesel fuel alternative.
How did this happen?
New and more rigorous emissions standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources (CARB) require the incorporation of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to trap emissions. The issue of incompatibility arises not from the DPF, but rather from the injection process used to create an exothermic reaction which thereby burns off the soot from the combustion cycle. The resulting ash is then caught in the DPF.
The majority of original engine manufacturers (OEMs) are using a "late post injection" process, in which a small amount of fuel is injected directly into the cylinder post-combustion. Because biodiesel has a higher flashpoint than petroleum based diesel, it does not always fully vaporize during this process, and some droplets can remain in the cylinder in liquid form. That unburned fuel adheres to the cylinder walls and makes its way past the piston rings into the crankcase, causing engine oil dilution.
A small amount of engine oil dilution does not destroy an engine right away-- especially in the case of biodiesel, which is a much better lubricant than petroleum diesel. However, if too much contamination accumulates in the oil, the crankcase can become overfilled, causing catastrophic engine damage. Mild oil dilution may also lead to long-term engine wear, although this has not been fully tested yet.
Click here for a more in-depth discussion of this problem, including a list of references.
What can be done to fix this problem?
The good news is: there are other ways to use DPFs without risk of engine oil dilution! Instead of post-combustion injection into the cylinders, the OEMs should be using an exhaust stream injection process to regenerate the DPF. Exhaust stream injection involves injecting fuel downstream of the combustion chamber, between the engine and the exhaust. This is what Caterpillar is doing in their heavy duty equipment.
Most OEMs (including Volkswagen, Ford, GM, and Dodge) are currently using biodiesel-incompatible technology, and they won't change that without public pressure. That is why SaveBiodiesel.org has launched this campaign, to tell the OEMs that new diesel vehicle emissions systems must be compatible with biodiesel, and to ask the EPA and CARB to require it. Please sign our petition, and then learn about other ways to get involved!
If you want to use biodiesel in a 2007 or newer vehicle, please visit our frequently asked questions page. While we do not necessarily recommend it, there are some ways to minimize your risk and/or inhibit the late post injection process.
http://savebiodiesel.org/issue.htmland
Subject: Engine Oil Crankcase Sludge.... released oct 14 2008
Models: 2001-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic
2003-2009 Chevrolet Kodiak
2006-2009 Chevrolet Express
2007-2009 Chevrolet Silverado
2001-2007 GMC Sierra Classic
2003-2009 GMC Topkick
2006-2009 GMC Savana
2007-2009 GMC Sierra
Equipped with the 6.6 Duramax Diesel Engine RPO codes LB7 LBZ LLY or LMM.
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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s).
Condition/Concern:
A dealer may encounter a customer concern of engine noise, low oil pressure, or abnormal oil sludge build up in the crankcase.
Certain blends of Bio-fuel may induce excessive amounts of sludge in the crankcase of the engine.
Recommendation/Instructions:
Complete the current SI diagnostic for any trouble codes or symptoms found. If an excessive amount of sludge is found in the crankcase the vehicle may be running a high percentage of Bio-fuel. Check oil change records and verify proper oil change intervals are being followed.
Use the Duramax Diesel Owners Manual Supplement for guidelines on proper fuel usage. At this time (unless directed differently by owners manual) only fuels containing up to 5% biodiesel (B5) are acceptable for use in these vehicles.
The National Biodiesel Board website (
www.biodiesel.org) can be accessed and has important information about specifications and guidelines for biofuel usage.
Biofuel blends higher than B20 may cause unburned fuel to enter the crankcase past the piston rings. Over time this may cause engine oil sludge problems.
If a dealer does encounter an engine with excessive sludge, and oil change intervals are being followed, ask the customer about the type of fuel is being used. If fuel with higher then owners manual specification is being used, advise the customer the sludge was caused by improper fuel.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3016527&postcount=17Thread that started it on DP.
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=322922&highlight=biodiesel
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