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Bio-Diesel vs. Heating Oil

Discussion in 'Engines' started by Ken Bracewell, May 3, 2007.

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  1. Ken Bracewell, May 3, 2007
    #1
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    My father has a 60 foot tour boat on the Great Lakes. Since the weather is so nice there for most of the summer, he prefers to run the boat with the main deck windows open so he is concerned about whatever exhaust smell comes back up to the deck level.
    He has been contemplating switching to Bio-Diesel because he heard that it burns with a much cleaner (i.e. more pleasant) smell. When he mentioned it to his fuel guy he was told that he should be burning home heating fuel. The guy told him it burns cleaner than diesel AND it's cheaper!
    This sounds like one of those "too good to be true" scenarios. Anyone have any insight? Should we be burning home heating fuel in all of today's mega-yachts?
    Thanks in advance.
    Ken
  2. Rene GER, May 3, 2007
    #2
    Rene GER

    Rene GER Senior Member

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    In Germany is it not allowed to burn heating oil in vehicles. Is it in the U.S. allowed?

    Bio diesel is cleaner (it's from rape oil) and cheaper than normal diesel, but I've heard it's not so good for the engines.
  3. Kevin, May 3, 2007
    #3
    Kevin

    Kevin YF Moderator

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    I was going to mention the same... sure it's cheaper, but it's not legal.

    I'm also fairly certain that it in fact does not burn cleaner. Logically thinking, it's cheaper because it's less refined.
  4. Ken Bracewell, May 3, 2007
    #4
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    I was thinking that maybe it's illegal because of some sort of road tax which wouldn't apply to boats.
    Sorry for my ignorance, but is it less refined than diesel. If so, why don't old homes smell like the transom of an old freighter? :confused:
  5. K1W1, May 3, 2007
    #5
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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  6. Castlerock, May 3, 2007
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    Castlerock

    Castlerock Senior Member

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    I have heard that the Bio Diesel made from the recycled oil from the restaurants smells like French fries when it burns. I hope Ken's father serves food on his boat or he will have some unhappy hungry passengers
  7. Ken Bracewell, May 3, 2007
    #7
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    Thanks for the wiki links- I'm sure my dad is checking on this thread too.

    Castlerock- I think he may have been hoping to boost his sales with the smell of fries! :D
  8. brunick, May 3, 2007
    #8
    brunick

    brunick Senior Member

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    maybe - while looking on temperatures and global warming its even more important to look on what you're burning - something good for global warming or something good for nature - indeed bio diesel is burning CO2 but just as much as it took while it was growing.
    so you can do something for the nature by cruising with your boat - think about it! :)
  9. DEMENTEch, Aug 1, 2010
    #9
    DEMENTEch

    DEMENTEch New Member

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    Hey , but the recycled oil works on diesel engines?
  10. Highlander, Aug 17, 2010
    #10
    Highlander

    Highlander New Member

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    Yes, Bio diesel works fine, wether derived from new or recycled stock.

    Its best used in a blend with diesel. Up to 20% its a drop in replacement for diesel.
    Biodiesel's best property is lubricity and only requires a 2% blend to double the lubricating properties of diesel.

    Straight Bio diesel B-100 is a little thicker than diesel and can raise pressures in the injector pump.
    B-100 can also cause problems with long term stability and solvency or the tendency to loosen crud in the fuel system or soften hoses and rubber parts.

    A little goes a long way.
  11. K1W1, Aug 18, 2010
    #11
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Whilst Bio Diesel works well in many applications it is not recommended nor accepted for use by a number of well known manufacturers.