What modifications do I need to make to my diesel to run on biodiesel?

Question

I have a 1985 ford f250 diesel. What modifications (if any) do i need to use the commercially available biodiesel fuel from the feed store/co-op?

Answer 1

None, however I believe that diesel from the Co-op is not supposed to be used on the road.  If you notice, diesel from the Co-op is color coded a reddish or maroon color, whereas diesel fuel that is allowed to be used for road use is color coded yellow.  I believe there are laws prohibiting the use of diesel intended for farm use at farm based prices being used on the road for road driving.  The maroon colored diesel is supposed to only be used in tractors I think.

You can use biodiesel in your truck, but I think it is supposed to be the kind that is colored yellow.  Check with the Co-op to make sure.  I think they should be able to give you an answer.

Answer 2

I found an answer to the question 'Can I use biodiesel in my existing diesel engine?' on the offical Biodiesel site...'Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken. Ensure that only fuel meeting the biodiesel specification is used.' However, under Fuel Fact Sheets Ford, along with many other manufacturers, issues an official statement regarding biodiesel use in their engines. Congrats on wanting to join the fight against Global Warming!

Answer 3

None if you mean pump biodiesel.

other types of bio diesel like used cooking oil may take some type of heating system for the fuel.

Answer 4

None, it will just be a little harder to start in the winter

Answer 5

You will likely need to change out the hoses, as biodiesel is a cleanser and will eat through rubber hoses.  Make sure they are replaced with metal.

You will also likely need to change out your fuel filter after going to biodiesel.  It breaks up the deposits in your engine, so be sure to check it more often and it might take a couple of filter changes until your engine is clean.

In the winter if you live somewhere that gets below freezing, you will need to cut down to B75 (75% biodiesel and 25% Diesel 2) so that it doesn't gel up.

Answer 6

Newer rubber hoses are fine.  Biodiesel can eat through older natural-rubber hoses, so keep an eye on em.  

But I gotta say, on ANY car of that age, I do replace all the rubber fuel and coolant lines, thermostat and water pump,  simply as preventive maintenance.  It's cheaper and less hassle than a breakdown.  So I'd suggest you moot the fuel line issue by replacing them anyway.

The biodiesel might loosen some fuel line deposits, so maybe a one-time fuel filter change after a few tankfuls.

And of course, in freezing weather, biodiesel is somewhat more likely to gel, so you might look at blending it with diesel #2 or kerosene.  

Make sure road tax gets paid on any fuel used in highway use, and if you pay tax be sure to also collect the tax incentives for using biofuels. If the co-op is selling the fuel for highway use, they probably do this for you.