Posted by Don in Missouri [162.158.74.144] on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 22:23:41 :
In Reply to: Re: Full Disclosure: I'm the Biodiesel Guy posted by Keith in Washington [108.162.246.92] on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 19:17:39 :
Interesting. You're probably right that being fully loaded would exacerbate anything that affects mileage. I'm still surprised that the fuel made that kind of difference.
B100 has about 8% less energy compared to ULSD. Therefore B20 has about 1.6% less energy than ULSD. Yet, you experienced a 17% decrease in mileage. So, other factors have to be at play. For instance, a typical car is 6% less efficient at 75 mph than at 70 mph. Speed limits in different states, traffic density, and prevailing winds would all play in here. And your rolling billboard will accentuate the wind resistance penalty more than a typical passenger car.
Most of the compatibility and durability studies I've seen were on heavy duty engines, and they are generally inconclusive on fuel economy. I can't explain why you got worse mileage, and I can't explain why Will got better mileage. We claim a lot of benefits for biodiesel, but increased mpg isn't one of them.
I can also relate to your frustration when you can't buy the fuel of your preference everywhere you go. That's how I feel when I can't find a place that sells biodiesel.
Follow Ups: