Biodiesel & Skoda Superb Diesel

[Sprightlybob]

My Superb handbook quite clearly states that NO biodiesel should be used but not advice as to the consequences is given. It is becoming increasingly difficulty (where I live) to find pure diesel so I have been trying to find out more information. My local Skoda dealer has been as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike so I have to rely on good old Google.

Information on Biodiesel

Has anyone any additional comments to assist my research?

Thanks

[Richf]

My Superb handbook quite clearly states that NO biodiesel should be used but not advice as to the consequences is given. It is becoming increasingly difficulty (where I live) to find pure diesel so I have been trying to find out more information. My local Skoda dealer has been as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike so I have to rely on good old Google.

Information on Biodiesel

Has anyone any additional comments to assist my research?

Thanks

Common rail engines are much more fussy when it comes to fuel , using biodiesel can block filters, damage pumps and injectors

[Supurbia]

Common rail engines are much more fussy when it comes to fuel , using biodiesel can block filters, damage pumps and injectors

And you won't get any better advice than that mate, and don't let the old my mate says gang fool you, they ain't forth coming with the 3k to put it right once it's all blocked up.

[mannyo]

what percentage of the diesel fuel is Bio in Australia, or is it all biodiesel.

in the EU all diesel sold is now a mix of diesel and biodiesel, and I think its between 5-10% bio here with no ill effects on any makers engines.

[Guest]

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced in December

2009 its support for BS EN 590:2009, which permits biodiesel blends with a

biodiesel content of up to 7% to be made available within the EU.

The previous version of fuel standard BS EN 590 allowed the use of up to 5% bio-

content and many suppliers have taken advantage of the full allocation since 2008

with “no apparent ill effects reported.” The increase to 7% is to be phased in and

the SMMT states that “it is very unlikely customers will notice any difference.”

With regard to biofuel labelling, the European Biofuels Directive (2003/30/EC)

currently requires all pumps dispensing transport fuels containing more than 5%

biofuel to be labelled to inform customers at the point of sale, "Not suitable for all

vehicles: consult vehicle manufacturer before use". These regulations will be

amended so that as of April 2010 it will no longer be a requirement to label fuels

containing up to a 7% bio-content blends. Until this time EN 590:2009 compliant

pumps are to display the label, “Contains up to 7% biodiesel”.

Quote brom B6 Owners manual pages 212 - 213

Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the standard

EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria).

Fuel additives

You must not use fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products)

in diesel fuel.

Therefore, your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel which complies with

the standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORMC 1590 in

Austria). Filling the tank even only once with diesel fuel which does not comply with

the standard, can result in damage to the engine parts, the lubrication system, the fuel

and exhaust system.

If by mistake you have refuelled with a different fuel other than the diesel fuel

which complies to the above mentioned standards (e.g. petrol), do not start the engine

or switch on the ignition! This can result in severe engine damage! Contact a specialist

garage and have the fuel system of the engine cleaned.

Water which has collected in the fuel filter can result in engine problems.

Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not be

refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can lead to damage to the engine or the

fuel system.

[TheDon]

I once accidentally put £5 of petrol in my first car - a Peugeot 306 1.9 turbo diesel... i just went and paid at the tills, then went out to the forecourt again and filled the rest of the tank up with diesel. Everything worked fine.

As for today's new TDI engines though, i'm not sure they'd be so unfussy!!

[Sprightlybob]

what percentage of the diesel fuel is Bio in Australia, or is it all biodiesel.

in the EU all diesel sold is now a mix of diesel and biodiesel, and I think its between 5-10% bio here with no ill effects on any makers engines.

Most suppliers now add 5% ethanol and you have to search around to buy pure diesel. The main problem I have is that the government has decreed a move to ALL fuel having ethanol added. We now have a ****** political coalition of Labor & Greens so we will be back to horse and buggy soon.

[Supurbia]

Most suppliers now add 5% ethanol and you have to search around to buy pure diesel. The main problem I have is that the government has decreed a move to ALL fuel having ethanol added. We now have a ****** political coalition of Labor & Greens so we will be back to horse and buggy soon.

One thing for sure, whatever they are selling us sure smokes more than it used to.

[mannyo]

5% should make no difference, the handbook is refering to using 100% bio diesel which is a no no with modern diesel engines. All our diesel is already at least 5% bio and we have no issues across here in europe. We have had this mix now for a number of years, and I believe in Germany the mix is slightly higher still.

Try the ethanol/diesel mix and you should see no difference.

[Sprightlybob]

5% should make no difference, the handbook is refering to using 100% bio diesel which is a no no with modern diesel engines. All our diesel is already at least 5% bio and we have no issues across here in europe. We have had this mix now for a number of years, and I believe in Germany the mix is slightly higher still.

Try the ethanol/diesel mix and you should see no difference.

Thanks. Gives me more confidence as pure diesel disappears forever down these parts.

[Supurbia]

Thanks. Gives me more confidence as pure diesel disappears forever down these parts.

You could adopt Scandinavian lorry driver methods by adding some petrol to it, and heating up the fuel tank but don't quote me on it :no:

[Sprightlybob]

My Superb handbook quite clearly states that NO biodiesel should be used but not advice as to the consequences is given. It is becoming increasingly difficulty (where I live) to find pure diesel so I have been trying to find out more information. My local Skoda dealer has been as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike so I have to rely on good old Google.

Information on Biodiesel

Has anyone any additional comments to assist my research?

Thanks

I emailed Skoda HQ and the following is their reply which doesn't make the issue the slightest bit clearer for me:

Dear Mr. Young,

thank you for your e-mail.

For engines offered in the present can not be used biodiesel technical reasons

The older engines (up to EU 3 incl.) are capable to run on biodiesel, detailed information can be usually found in car manual (“Fuel†chapter).

This chapter may vary from country to country (it is up to each importer to certify use of Bio fuel), but in Czech Republic the Biodiesel rules are following:

- Biodiesel can be used for EU 3 engines only (1,4 TDI PD/55 kW, 1,9 SDI/50 kW, 1,9 TDI/66 kW, 1,9 TDI PD/74 kW, 1,9 TDI/81 kW and V6 2,5 TDI/114 kW) produced before the end of May 2007

- Biodiesel has to comply with DIN E 51 606/ EN 14214

- Biodiesel can be mixed with Diesel (EN 590) up to B100

- No additives (e.g. Petrol) are allowed

- Temperature limit to run on Biodiesel is -10°C

Running on Biodiesel may decrease the power and/or increase consumption.

Hope you will find this information useful.

Best regards

Irena Kohoutová

[email protected]

Å koda Info-Line 800 600 000

[Richf]

seems crystal clear to me

For engines offered in the present can not be used biodiesel technical reasons

[countryboy]

Bio diesel is a natural product as opposed to "manufactured" like mineral diesel. UK forecourt diesel can contain up to 7% biodiesel. The main reason biodiesel cannot be used is due to the materials used in the fuel injection system. Biodiesel has more solvent like properties than mineral diesel so will eventually eat away at the rubber components in the fuel system. Providing that the fuel you buy is from a fuel staion then there should be no problem as it has to meet certain standards and all manufacturers will test their cars to make sure they are fine to run with that fuel.

Ian

[Richf]

The key point is diesel with 7% added bio-diesel does not = bio-diesel , just like petrol with added ethanol does not = ethanol

There is a big difference to using these fuels which you can without issue and using 100% bio diesel which can cause issues with some models

You will void your warranty unless the manufacturers specifically recommends the use of bo-fuel , and most dont

[Sprightlybob]

seems crystal clear to me

For engines offered in the present can not be used biodiesel technical reasons

[Sprightlybob]

Richf, It does seem crystal clear however, lots of people (including on this blog) are telling me up to 10% ethanol is ok and the Australian Government (as well as many others) are now mandating ethanol inclusion AND fuel companies do not have to disclose ethanol added up to 5%.

I asked my motoring organisation and they said its ok to use. Skoda say NO. I want something definitive so that when my motor seizes up with clag, they don't all scream "told you so" and refuse my warranty.

Edited 16 October, 2010 by Sprightlybob

[Minimoke]

Perhaps this link may help (get rid of the spaces in the link).

www. volkswagen .co .uk/assets/common/pdf/general/biodiesel.pdf

I have a 2009 Octavia PD2.0. The manual states that "Your vehicle can be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the standard DIN EN 590." Now in the UK diesel to this specification can include 5% biofuel (scheduled to go to 7%?) - which was mandated by EU legislation. All of Europe now runs with bio in the diesel. So Skoda cannot turn around and say that their engines cannot run on ANY percentage of biofuel. However I would not try and run it on 100% biofuel or whats called B30 (read the link) !!

I don't know what the relevant standard for diesel is in Oz but I suggest you have a look at what your handbook says. If diesel in Oz is sold to that standard, and the standard permits the addition of biofuel, then you should be safe.

Edited 16 October, 2010 by Minimoke

[Guest]

Perhaps this link may help (get rid of the spaces in the link).

www. volkswagen .co .uk/assets/common/pdf/general/biodiesel.pdf

I have a 2009 Octavia PD2.0. The manual states that "Your vehicle can be operated with diesel fuel, which complies with the standard DIN EN 590." Now in the UK diesel to this specification can include 5% biofuel (scheduled to go to 7%?) - which was mandated by EU legislation. All of Europe now runs with bio in the diesel. So Skoda cannot turn around and say that their engines cannot run on ANY percentage of biofuel. However I would not try and run it on 100% biofuel or whats called B30 (read the link) !!

I don't know what the relevant standard for diesel is in Oz but I suggest you have a look at what your handbook says. If diesel in Oz is sold to that standard, and the standard permits the addition of biofuel, then you should be safe.

Diesel in the UK has been +7% FAME Bio for a considerable period. Pumps had to display this until 2010, no longer required.

[michaelp]

I'm about to take delivery of a new Superb TDI CR2.0 and intend running B100 SoyDiesel (DIN EN 590 certified). This fuel is manufactured in Port Kembla, NSW by NatBioGroup with several retail outlets in Sydney and Kempsey NSW. I have run this fuel in my Octavia PD1.9 without adverse effect in 30,000km. That car has reached end of lease and is being ' turned out to pasture'.

My experience with SoyDiesel has been improved fuel efficiency (5-10%), Improved performance, Less (no) exhaust smoke, No perceptible change in engine oil in 15,000km change cycles, Quieter running engine.

In conclusion, I intend keeping a close eye on the oil level and will do more frequent changes. I also have a contact that can lab test the used oil for 'non-standard' chemistry to validate claims of DPF induced flushing into the sump. Stay tuned!

[mannyo]

You'll invalidate your new car warranty if you let biodiesel anywhere near the fuel system (the big sticker in the fuel flap states "No Biodiesel". Its not just the oil and DPF that are the issues, its the injectors (very expensive each) and fuel pump that will fail quickly.

[ukcruiser]

i seem to remember, an episode of top gear, where they "grew" bio-diesel.

They then used it in a BMW 330D and used it as an endurance race...

... it was all going well, until the pump seals blew, due to a chemical reaction with the Bio-Diesel...

Al.

[Ozsko]

I'm about to take delivery of a new Superb TDI CR2.0 and intend running B100 SoyDiesel (DIN EN 590 certified). This fuel is manufactured in Port Kembla, NSW by NatBioGroup with several retail outlets in Sydney and Kempsey NSW. I have run this fuel in my Octavia PD1.9 without adverse effect in 30,000km. That car has reached end of lease and is being ' turned out to pasture'.

My experience with SoyDiesel has been improved fuel efficiency (5-10%), Improved performance, Less (no) exhaust smoke, No perceptible change in engine oil in 15,000km change cycles, Quieter running engine.

In conclusion, I intend keeping a close eye on the oil level and will do more frequent changes. I also have a contact that can lab test the used oil for 'non-standard' chemistry to validate claims of DPF induced flushing into the sump. Stay tuned!

A PD and a common rail motor are two very different animals. It is your car I suppose and your choice in the end, good luck and let us know what happens. BTW where do you buy this fuel, Wollongong?

[Richf]

I've read a lot more on the subject of late and can offer a little bit more advice based on what I have read in Practical Performance car magazine which had a lot of information including how to make your own

You CAN run any diesel engine on bio-diesel the problem is the quality of the diesel since bio-diesel is not made to a prescribed standard the quality is variable , if you put poor quality bio-diesel it could well damage the pump/fuel system since no manufacturer can ensure you only fill with quality bio-diesel there is a blanket ban on it with regards to warranty claims.

HTH

[michaelp]

BTW where do you buy this fuel, Wollongong?

I get it from the retail outlets listed here, primarily Marrickville and Kempsey (when I'm in that part of the world). I fill 5 x 20 lt jerry cans at a time as well as my tank which gives me ~ 2500km running.