I was introduced to bio-diesel by Nigel Bennett (www.Angeltuning.co.uk) who has been running his 2.4litre 200bhp Alfa 156 on bio-diesel for a while and hasn't had any problems. I’ve been running the Multi on various mixtures of bio & white diesel for most of the winter. But to give a better test of performance and economy, I have recently covered 600miles over Easter (2006) on a tank of 50:50 (bio:white) on holiday in Devon. This included a climb up the famous 25% gradient at Porlock Hill with four-up and a boot packed with holiday gear (no problem with 135bhp). In the mornings starting has never been a problem on this mix and the engine reaches optimum operating temperature in the same time. The power seems if anything a little better and there is a noticeable lack of smoke if you put your foot to the floor. The consumption remained at the usual 40-42 mpg. Bio-Diesel for me is not only better for the environment but my pocket too with garage prices in excess of £1/litre.
Now the weather is getting a little warmer I've changed the mix to 80:20 (80% bio) and haven't notice any difficulties so far. As mentioned by Nigel cold starting (-5degC and below) with a high percentage of bio may require a couple of heating cycles and little more cranking so I would initially recommend a 50:50 mix for winter.
Bio-diesel is still not readily available, my local source is from D & B Biofuels (www.dbbiofuels.co.uk) located at a farm in Bidford-on-Avon near the famous town of Stratford. I know there are other producers & suppliers in the country so a little searching ( try www.biofuels.fsnet.co.uk/biobiz.htm ) will pay for itself and help the environment too. |
