[Vwdiesel] Biodiesel MPG?

[William J Toensing]

On 11/13, I  drove from Nevada City, CA down to Carlsbad, CA (just north of San Diego) with my Mercedes E300 diesel to attend an antique radio swap meet. In Sacramento, I tanked up with B-20 biodiesel, I refilled with regular diesel at Frazier Park, atop the Grapevine & averaged 25 MPG. I then drove thru LA to Carlsbad using the A/C as it was up to 93F in LA. On Sat., 11/16/ I left Carlsbad & refilled at the top of the Grapevine & averaged 34 MPG. Then from the Grapevine to Sacramento where I could refill with B-20 biodiesel, I averaged 36 MPG! No A/C used on the return trip. I always thought you could get the same MPG with biodiesel as with regular ULSD diesel but now I am wondering. I am sure some of you have been running biodiesel from B-5 to B-100. What has been your experience with MPG when running ULSD to biodiesel. 
I have been using  the B-20 biodiesel as I feel it provides better lubrication for the injection pump & I understand B-5 is mandated in all diesel in Europe for environmental & balance of payment reasons. Am I correct? 

For those of you who have been wondering, I have not worked on my 1982 VW Quantum TD since I got my Mercedes E300 a year & a half ago, but have not given up on it. I feel I need to find someone in the Sacramento area who really knows how to get the timing right on VW diesels. The independent Mercedes mechanic I have found is reasonable & really knows his stuff but will only work on Mercedes cars. I have not had any trouble with my E300 since he corrected the check engine light with the help of his $20,000 Mercedes engine code reader. The normal OBD 2 code reader from 1996 on is useless on a Mercedes. I have become so backlogged on my email that I have been unable to read all the recent postings from this VW diesel discussion group.

Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA


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