B-20 diesel

[WLH]

I have a 2013 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with MaxForce 7 350 hp by NavStar with regen emission system (23,000 miles). The owners manual states that 'B-20 diesel is NOT recommended' yet it appears that most fuel stations now no longer carry #1 diesel. What are my options in order to not damage the rig?? Is there a website that provides a listing by state of the % bio-diesel at stations?

[Dsallach]

Excellent question that I can’t answer. To further the discussion here is Cummins link on the subject. It seems my engine probably falls into the same boat as yours may. Are there any additives that will protect engine components?
https://cumminsengines.com/biodiesel-faq

[saddlesore]

You want #2 diesel in your (Navastar/International Harvester/corn shucker/barnyard buick) engine

And try to avoid any bio blend over 5%

[followingsea]

Originally Posted by WLH

... yet it appears that most fuel stations now no longer carry #1 diesel.

What does #1 (kerosene) have to do with B-20?

In cold climates, #1 is blended with #2 to prevent it from gelling.

The reason I do not see #1 is that I am good at avoiding places below 22 F.

Also I rarely see B-20. With a 700 mile range, you can pick where you want to buy fuel.

Having said that, there are 3 places I buy fuel in Oregon. One has B-20 at a much lower price than B-20 at the truck stops near the interstate.

There is a thread this subject that discusses cost difference. Since the energy content of B-20 is lower (not sure this is true), slightly higher price #2 may get better mileage.

As a result I almost always use #2.

When it comes to environmental choices and supporting American farmers I think B-20 is great and it will not hurt my ISB.

[palehorse89]

Per my owners manual in 2000 for my ISC it states "May use up to B 20 diesel fuel".......Cummins knew this was coming a long time ago...........

[jrheick]

Originally Posted by WLH

I have a 2013 Holiday Rambler Ambassador with MaxForce 7 350 hp

WLH, if this is truly a 2013 HR Ambassador, then your build should have a Maxxforce 10 engine. As long as the fuel you're adding is ULSD (from my owners manual):

NOTE:
Biodiesel blends B6 up to B20 are
acceptable for use if these blends meet
ASTM 7467-08. Refer to the engine
OEM manual for further information..

[Dsallach]

Originally Posted by palehorse89

Per my owners manual in 2000 for my ISC it states "May use up to B 20 diesel fuel".......Cummins knew this was coming a long time ago...........

Could you please post a copy of your2000 ISC owners manual page. That information differs from the Cummins website as well as what their technician told me and what their fuel service bulletin 3379001 states. My isc operation and maintenance manual does not say anything about biodiesel.
I would be very interested in anything in writing that I could go back to Cummins with.
Thanks

[Dsallach]

I have found several references from a university of Kentucky study and https://biocubeco.com/faqs/will-biod...er-components/
That state b20 and lower should not damage rubber components.

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by Dsallach

Could you please post a copy of your2000 ISC owners manual page. That information differs from the Cummins website as well as what their technician told me and what their fuel service bulletin 3379001 states. My isc operation and maintenance manual does not say anything about biodiesel.
I would be very interested in anything in writing that I could go back to Cummins with.
Thanks

I am sorry, I miss spoke.......I looked through my manual this morning and what I found was the service bulletin for '02 ISC and later........
Again, I am sorry for this miss information by me....... I thought years back, I had read about this year engine using b 20........I was wrong I guess.......Getting older sucks!

[Dsallach]

Dang, I was hoping you were onto something. Have you run any b20in your ISC? It appears that most of the Midwest grain states are going to B20. Since we travel across those states often I’m sure it is only going to get more problematic getting non B20 in the coming years.
Just thinking out loud, If the university of Kentucky studies are correct, it appears that less than 20% biodiesel won’t harm rubber seals. That leaves the brass and copper pitting issue. I believe that is primarily moisture related which an additive should be able to handle except for long term storage over 6months.
Cummins techs could not tell me specifically what components they felt might be at risk. They also do not make an upgrade kit for the pre 2002 ISC.
Thanks for taking the time to check your manual for me!

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by Dsallach

Dang, I was hoping you were onto something. Have you run any b20in your ISC? It appears that most of the Midwest grain states are going to B20. Since we travel across those states often I’m sure it is only going to get more problematic getting non B20 in the coming years.
Just thinking out loud, If the university of Kentucky studies are correct, it appears that less than 20% biodiesel won’t harm rubber seals. That leaves the brass and copper pitting issue. I believe that is primarily moisture related which an additive should be able to handle except for long term storage over 6months.
Cummins techs could not tell me specifically what components they felt might be at risk. They also do not make an upgrade kit for the pre 2002 ISC.
Thanks for taking the time to check your manual for me!

3 years ago we were out west, but I don't remember fueling with b 20........if I remember right, on these older engine's the lift pump gasket's start to leak with the higher bio........that is the only problem I have read on here......my lift pump is OEM still........knock on wood!

[Dennis_K]

I have run B20 in my MaxxForce 10 a few times without any issues.

[Traps90]

I too have run B20 in my Maxxforce 10, with no issues so far.
When you get to Arizona-California, almost all of the Flying J stations state that they can have up to B20 fuel. Find it hard to find fuel with B5 or less in that area.