Biodiesel in a 2012 Passat TDI?

[lagwag0n]

The main reason why I decided to get a new TDI was the great mileage and the idea that I would be able to run biodiesel occasionally if I came across it. Am I wrong that it would be safe to do so after reading about the issues with the DPF filter? If I wanted to be on the safe side, where can I pick up the DPF delete kit and aftermarket car computer programming?

[chittychittybangbang]

Check out malone tuning, the car is so new though I don't know if he has anything for it, but you can ask.

IMHO, it should run fine on bio without the DPF. Of course, you're basically giving them a reason to deny warranty on engine, one of the most important things but the biodiesel pretty much does that already.

[Jim W]

Originally Posted by lagwag0n

The main reason why I decided to get a new TDI was the great mileage and the idea that I would be able to run biodiesel occasionally if I came across it. Am I wrong that it would be safe to do so after reading about the issues with the DPF filter? If I wanted to be on the safe side, where can I pick up the DPF delete kit and aftermarket car computer programming?

I would be careful in the GREAT LAND of THE FRUITS and NUTS the CARB board does require diesel vehicels to past an emission test. One of the things they look for is removal of the emission equippment.
Jim W.

[vanman]

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory published an academic paper in 2009 which essentially acquits B20 from damaging the engine or DPF in a new diesel car. Please read the article (http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels...pdfs/44833.pdf ) and let me know what you think. The article also indicates that after 120,000 miles of simulated operation with B20, the NAC (NOx) system in a car like the Jetta still passes Tier 2 Bin 5 emission levels. The article shows that the SCR (NOx urea) system in a car like the Passat does not pass these standards after simulated operation with B20. There is another NREL article which shows that the DPF is actually more effective at removing soot when operated with B20. I'm posting this message on a couple of TDI forums because I'm puzzled that no one else seems to have seen this 2009 article. Am I missing something? I know VW doesn't warrant B20, but perhaps the issue is not technical but political. I emailed VW, but because I don't have a Jetta yet I don't expect an answer for a long time if ever. Would someone who has a Jetta kindly forward the link to this article to VW customer support and see if there is a meaningful answer? Have their engineers actually seen this article?

[chittychittybangbang]

VW has never approved more than B5 and I don't see them changing anytime soon. I'm sure their engineers know much more than they could publish due to liability and politics.

Thanks for the heads up on the SCR system and B20 note, I'll read it in more detail later, it's a very informative document and I may even add it to the DPF FAQ article and biodiesel section.

[Cstdi]

Originally Posted by vanman

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory published an academic paper in 2009 which essentially acquits B20 from damaging the engine or DPF in a new diesel car. Please read the article (http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels...pdfs/44833.pdf ) and let me know what you think. The article also indicates that after 120,000 miles of simulated operation with B20, the NAC (NOx) system in a car like the Jetta still passes Tier 2 Bin 5 emission levels. The article shows that the SCR (NOx urea) system in a car like the Passat does not pass these standards after simulated operation with B20. There is another NREL article which shows that the DPF is actually more effective at removing soot when operated with B20. I'm posting this message on a couple of TDI forums because I'm puzzled that no one else seems to have seen this 2009 article. Am I missing something? I know VW doesn't warrant B20, but perhaps the issue is not technical but political. I emailed VW, but because I don't have a Jetta yet I don't expect an answer for a long time if ever. Would someone who has a Jetta kindly forward the link to this article to VW customer support and see if there is a meaningful answer? Have their engineers actually seen this article?

VW states B5 maximum. I wouldn't doubt that the DPF would have lower soot with B20 than D2 but would be curious if there would be more ash that gets collected resulting in earlier expiration or filling of the DPF lifetime than on B5 or D2?