View Full Version : Biodiesel supply in Sussex
georgemason
3rd Jun 2005, 15:10
Wondering if you guys can help. You might have seen a thread recently I posted about running my Disco on SVO. I'm thinking of trying biodiesel first, or maybe instead.
Problem is, the only people I can find in sussex selling biodiesel are Shabitat, and they don't answer the phone:( Anyone know of other places I might be able to get some? (I've looked on biodieselfillingstations.co.uk)
Ta.
Biodieselfillingstations (as you probably already know) mainly cover garages selling the BS EN 590 5% blend. I don't know of anyone selling it in Sussex, though there may well be a small set-up selling it by the 25 litre or whatever.
Try http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=447609751 and post your question in the UK section.
H
mike tilley
3rd Jun 2005, 22:29
I believe Broadland Fuels (http://www.broadlandfuels.co.uk/) can supply it mail order anywhere.....though I've never used them before so can't comment on what they are like.
There is a company based on the website www.bio-power.net (http://www.bio-power.net) who manufacture a fuels based on vegetable oil which they claim can be used as a direct alternative to diesel and cost around £0.75 a litre. I don't know much more than that but I have e-mailed him and it is readily available. Anyone who tries it PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED as I for one would be interested.
H
Broadland Fuels just sell EN590 fuel, i.e. regular diesel with a splash of biodiesel added. When buying biodiesel check that the fuel (not just the blended part!) meets EN14214.
I have dealt with John Nicholson at BioPower in the past and he seems pretty genuine. His fuel is not biodiesel (he is fully open about this) and as such may respond differently to biodiesel in some engines. I am sure he will advise accordingly.
H
mike tilley
4th Jun 2005, 09:31
Broadland Fuels just sell EN590 fuel, i.e. regular diesel with a splash of biodiesel added. When buying biodiesel check that the fuel (not just the blended part!) meets EN14214.Not true, according to this page (http://www.broadlandfuels.co.uk/bio.htm) on Broadland fuels website they will sell you pure Biodiesel in 25ltr drums via collection or mail order....
Fair cop gov! That actually looks like a really good deal. I have had Global Commodities bd before a 5% blend from a firm in Leeds.
I am tempted to get some myself as I don't have time to make my own these days.
H
georgemason
6th Jun 2005, 08:55
"If you are unable to get to one of our current stockists, or just prefer to buy biodiesel 100% pure so you can vary the blends in your engines ( but please note our current warranty only supports a 5% blend with conventional ULSD ) we are now able to supply 100% pure biodiesel ( pr EN14214 ) in 25 litre drums,5 litre packs and 1 litre packs."
Just so that I understand this correctly, if I got a 25 ltr drum of 100% biodiesel, could I run on that alone or do I *have* to blend it with mineral fuel? Is there any risk of engine damage running on neat biodiesel? It was my understanding that the viscosity/injector coking problems associated with SVO and whatnot don't apply to biodiesel and that it was interchangeable with mineral diesel?
mike tilley
6th Jun 2005, 09:37
Just so that I understand this correctly, if I got a 25 ltr drum of 100% biodiesel, could I run on that alone or do I *have* to blend it with mineral fuel? Is there any risk of engine damage running on neat biodiesel? It was my understanding that the viscosity/injector coking problems associated with SVO and whatnot don't apply to biodiesel and that it was interchangeable with mineral diesel?From all that I have read and understood you are correct, you should be able to run your car on pure biodiesel....But (there's always one) Biodiesel can act like a solvent on your fuel tank lifting all the rubbish that has accumulated at the bottom and can quickly bloke fuel filters...carry spares. Also biodiesel can possibly destroy rubber fuel hoses or seals which can be a problem for older cars but, as a rule doesn't affect more modern cars.
georgemason
6th Jun 2005, 09:40
From all that I have read and understood you are correct, you should be able to run your car on pure biodiesel....But (there's always one) Biodiesel can act like a solvent on your fuel tank lifting all the rubbish that has accumulated at the bottom and can quickly bloke fuel filters...carry spares. Also biodiesel can possibly destroy rubber fuel hoses or seals which can be a problem for older cars but, as a rule doesn't affect more modern cars.... so you'd imagine that with a spare fuel filter on board (and on a 300TDi Disco) I should probably be ok?
mike tilley
6th Jun 2005, 09:52
... so you'd imagine that with a spare fuel filter on board (and on a 300TDi Disco) I should probably be ok?I would say so, and if it was me I'd give it a go. Though I think HCR knows more about this stuff than I do so it might be worth waiting for his comments :rolleyes:
Something else worth thinking about is that if you intend running on pure biodiesel long term it might be worth running a tank full of normal diesel through once in a while. I'm not sure why this is but I've seen it mentioned once or twice. :)
Absolutely no problem running on pure biodiesel. The possible fuel filter problem can be easily avoided by fitting a 99 pence inline filter BEFORE the main filter. These are transparent so you can see what is happening and a lot easier to replace on the off chance you do get a load of crud coming through. Chances are you won't though.
The rubber problem shouldn't be a major issue - all engines made since 1996 use alternatives, and many have done for much longer. I have used bd in cars with rubber components for many miles, and know others who have done the same. I think you would have to be quite unlucky to have problems.
H
georgemason
7th Jun 2005, 12:53
Absolutely no problem running on pure biodiesel. The possible fuel filter problem can be easily avoided by fitting a 99 pence inline filter BEFORE the main filter. These are transparent so you can see what is happening and a lot easier to replace on the off chance you do get a load of crud coming through. Chances are you won't though.
HWhere would you site this filter? Or do you reckon that if I carry a spare filter it's not worth it? I mean it's only going to get blocked once, right?
Just cut the fuel line anywhere accessible between the tank and the main filter and insert the cheapo one. If it can happen once it might happen a few times - the filter might block before your tank is clean!
It also comes in useful if you make your own as it will trap glycerine from badly washed/settled fuel before it gets to the main filter too.
H
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