We are still looking and investigating our options for this June. I have been reviewing the specifications for the Cummins Diesel ISM 450 HP engine. I find that Cummins does not approve of BioDiesel for engines before 2002.
Is this a problem since BioDiesel is sold everywhere and hopefully is labeled correctly at the pumps?
Are there other mechanical/electrical problems you folks have seen with the ISM engine that I should know about?
Thanks for the help and your time!
Glen, not sure where you heard that the bio is a problem for this engine? I am pretty sure it is ok as a mixture of up to some fairly high percentage.
I will try to refresh my research on this, but did Cummins say it would be a problem? That may mean I need do no further search.
Mike
I have a 1999 320 with the 450 HP M11 Celect + Electronic engine.
I researched Cummins information for that year's engine and the Cummins technical material indicated that Cummins would only allow the use of BioDiesel up to a 5% mixture. I have spoken to many Diesel mechanics including Cummins and all have recommended against using BioDiesel. I check with Fly J engineers and they advised that I should assume their BioDiesel was more than 5%.
I looked again today at Cummins releases and they now say if 2002 or later may use up to 20% BioDiesel
This is what I found on the Cummins site.
Cummins Announces Approval of B20 Biodiesel Blends
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2007--Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) today announced the approval of biodiesel B20 blends for use in its 2002 and later emissions-compliant ISX, ISM, ISL, ISC and ISB engines. This includes the recently released 2007 products.
Cummins is able to upgrade its previous position on the use of biodiesel fuel, which limited the use to B5 blends only, up to B20 for three key reasons. First, the American Society of Testing Materials specification ASTM D6751 now includes an important stability specification for B100 biodiesel. Second, the availability of quality fuels from BQ-9000 Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers is growing rapidly; and third, Cummins has completed the necessary testing and evaluations to ensure that customers can reliably operate their equipment with confidence using B20 fuel.
"We have completed exhaustive analysis and test evaluations which enable Cummins to provide the necessary guidance and information to our customers for the proper and successful use of this fuel in our engine," said Edward Lyford-Pike, Chief Engineer - Advanced Alternative Fuel Programs. "This will enable our customers to have a choice that includes renewable fuel."
The popularity and use of biodiesel fuel continues to climb. Recent studies predict that, by 2008, 1.2 billion gallons of B100 biodiesel will be produced in the United States. Cummins will continue its efforts to ensure that future products will be compatible with biodiesel fuels, and will continue to participate in industry efforts aimed at the development of consistent quality throughout the biodiesel industry.
Further information about the use of biodiesel for both on-highway and off-highway Cummins products can be found on the Web at everytime.cummins.com.
Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (USA), Cummins serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. Cummins reported net income of $715 million on sales of $11.4 billion in 2006. Press releases can be found on the Web at cummins.com or everytime.cummins.com.
CONTACT: Cummins Inc.
Louis F. Wenzler, 812-377-4930
E-mail: louis.f.wenzler@cummins.com
SOURCE: Cummins Inc.
So bottom line, per Dave the pre 2002 or 2003 are ok anyway with the blend and after that the newer engines are ok for at least up to the 20% blend. Right? I reading this correctly?
Mike
As I read what Cummins has said, for engines before 2002 you cannot use more than a 5% blend.
I assume (hopefully) the blend ratings are listed on the Diesel pumps? If not then how does one find the 5% blend. I suspose I can check my bank account and just purchase a unit that is 2002 or later. ;D That might mean a few less modifications for the interiors making DW happier.
Two sides to every coin. I may be incorrect but my understanding of a different possibly related issue is the newer engines with the extremely high pressure fuel systems do not like Mexican diesel fuel.
If someone knows please post about this.
We are contemplating taking our 97 south of the border and my research says the newer engines are an issue there?
Correct-- Mexico does not have ULSD. Their diesel is mostly 500 PPM Sulfur, not less then 15 PPM like ULSD.
This is true for the interior. There may be a few stations along the border that get supply from the U.S. and it may be ULSD (but of little value since close to the U.S.
If your diesel does not require ULSD no problem.
Went to cumminsengines.com, searched for biodiesel and came up with this Cummins Engines (http://cumminsengines.com/biodiesel-faq). Seems my pre-2002 ISM is not approved for more biodiesel than B5, material compatibility problems in the fuel system. Original posters thought seems confirmed.
Looked at the fuel price sites for Loves and for Pilot/Flying J. Very few with B5, many more up to B20. I can't find a site that lists stations with B5 or straight ULSD. Anyone else find one?
There have to be thousands of semis out there with Cummins engines pre-2002. What are they doing? Moving to Mexico?
An article I read in Fleetowner says the "entire usable life" of a heavy truck is 10 years, one million miles. That would imply there aren't many pre-2002 semis left out there. And you're probably right, the worn out hulks are headed to Mexico.
From the Cummins site, might this be why they are seeing the fuel filters getting stopped up much quicker?
"Natural rubber, butyl rubber and some types of nitrile rubber (depending on chemical composition, construction and application) may be particularly susceptible to degradation. Also, copper, bronze, brass, tin, lead and zinc can cause deposit formations."
Dave, is that correct that it jells at a higher temp? I would think it would jell at a lower temp. Just asking.
Richard B
My experience with BIO was bad, shortly after fill fuel filters clogged and reclogged later, all I could do was continue to replace filters, a real PITA. I won't knowingly use it again.
Gary B
My only experience with clogged fuel filters came after a few fillups in California's central valley. And the scuttlebutt at the Motorcade rally last Christmas is that California is mandating biodiesel only for that area. With a 180 gallon tank, I'll be buying my diesel elsewhere.
CA Bob, your 97 will love it here. 2007 was the change over officially to ULS diesel and here in Mexico anything newer would not work too well.
My engine loves it and runs so great I bring a few 5 gall cans back to mix with the lousy stuff they sell north of mex border.
On the old truck issue here you will be surprised at the # of new rigs driving around. I was. They have definitly upscaled and is nice to see. Still a few "bent" dump trucks haulin' stuff but very few. By the way the air con' buses are nice and way better than Greyhound ones. They travel in style here, and to every town and city like clockwork. Do not put Mexico down on this one as they have us all beat by a long way.
JohnH
I was just at cummins and the shop Forman said that cummins only goes back to 2002 with ok but could see no reason why my 01 would be any different. Same engine and parts.
Great news, thanks John!! Now I do not have to sell and get that recent coach at FOT.
Mike
Thanks for the info.
I bought some Lucas fuel additive, one gallon to 400 gallon and it makes the engine idle smoother and quieter as does the the generator. Shop guy said it increases the Cetane rating?
Bob