Does California’s Requirements for Ultra Low Sulfer Diesel and Emissions rules that now require technology, like Diesel Exhaust Fluid, drive out the possibility for using 100% Biodiesel?
I’m looking at the 2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI (Turbo Diesel) and realized it can only run B5 or 5% biofuel. Also, GM sells a Cruze with a Diesel outside of the US. GM doesn’t offer a diesel motor in the United States as that particular motor doesn’t meet the emissions requirements. This got me thinking that we may be shooting ourselves in both feet. By requiring lower Diesel Emissions, are we also eliminating the possibility of using Biodiesel?
Is that true?
It seems that B100 and low emissions would be the goal, not just low emissions.
It’s quite likely that the TDI could run higher levels of biodiesel or maybe even 100%. It’s just that they aren’t going to recommend it, and doing so would void the warranty. I’m not going to try the experiment with mine, anyway. VW was actually the first maker to even warrant the B5 according to them:
From what I’ve read over at TDIClub.com, use of blends > B5 in common-rail TDI engines can cause problems with fouling of the particulate filter (DPF). The DPF is a particularly expensive component, so you probably wouldn’t want to do something that would cause it to fail prematurely. ISTR VW has allowed European TDIs to go somewhat higher on the biodiesel percentage – up to 20%, I think. That may be down to the superior quality of Euro diesel – maybe it can take more dilution with crappy (in VW’s opinion) biodiesel than the less robust US diesel. I’ve also heard it suggested that bio can gum up the injectors, which in CR TDIs pressurize the fuel up to 25,000 psi or so. That would definitely put thicker fuels at a disadvantage.
I suspect that if biodiesel becomes more widely available, or if governments start mandating it, VW will find a way to make it work. They’re pretty much the leaders in TDI technology, so they’re in the best position to adapt to such changes. Anyway, the trend seems to be going away from biodiesel – government subsidies ended a while back, and as a result, it’s much harder to find bio in most places.
FWIW, DEF (aka urea or AdBlue) isn’t a factor on the Jetta – it doesn’t use it, instead relying on the DPF. VW uses AdBlue in their V6 TDIs, however. I’ve had the Audi A3 TDI (basically an upscale Jetta SportsWagen) for about 8 months now; it’s been a great car for me so far.
Ford’s 6.7liter “Scorpion” truck engine is certified for up to B20, too. with the introduction of ULSD here, the actual difference between US and EU diesel fuel is practically nil.
I’m sure Cummins, Navistar, MAN, AB Volvo and others would take issue with that. They were making turbocharged, direct injected (what TDI stands for) diesels back when VW was making normally-aspirated, pre-chamber ignition 45 hp weaklings for the Rabbit/Golf.
what are you talking about? The particulate filter takes care of soot. DEF/Adblue is for handling NOx emissions. The DPF has nothing to do with NOx.