Alarmed by earlier stories that our favorite fueling station, Conserv Fuels, had stopped serving up American-made biodiesel, I went there this morning to check it out for myself. Had service been interrupted? I asked the attendant in his little booth. "For one day only," he assured me. Apparently the management reversed their decision to remove biodiesel because so many had expressed interest in buying it, even at a higher price.
Returning moments later after filling up, I asked the attendant if he was going to watch the inauguration of Barak Obama. "Oh yes!" he assured me. "I've taken the day off from my other job. I'll watch all afternoon."
"So you approve of our new president?"
"I met him!" he exclaimed. "He came here! I shook his hand!"
He then told me how Obama had made a campaign stop at Conserv Fuels. Security was heavy and the goons told the attendant to stay in his booth. But as Obama walked past, curiosity got the better of him. He cracked the door of the booth and peaked out. Obama glanced over and happened to see a face peering out. "He came over and shook my hand," the attendant said. "He asked me what my name was."
Back to business, I took a look at the fuel log to see how our test of biodiesel was progress. So far, we've driven 6,989 miles on petrodiesel and got 38.8 mpg. On biodiesel (B99) we've driven 7,786.2 miles and got 39.4 mpg. In most cases biodiesel will not deliver the fuel economy that petrodiesel gets. Our result is more a reflection of different driving styles and conditions than fuel economy. Bottomline: it's very close.
texases says:
09:52 AM, 01/20/09
Just curious, how certain are you that the biodiesel's American-made? I read yet another story this week about how world-wide demand for biodiesel is driving species(in this case orangutans) to extinction as Indonesia cuts down its rain forests for palm oil plantations. Kind of like how our desire to recycle computers results in hazardous waste killing folks in the third world...
stingray454 says:
10:53 AM, 01/20/09
Hopefully Obama will try to improve the availability of biodiesel at fuel stations. I would buy it for my truck right now, but there are virtually no stations that carry it anywhere near where I live. And I live on L.I., one of the most densely populated areas in the country. The fuel retailers don't seem to want to have anything to do with the stuff. They may need to have their hands forced, or at least incentivized to start carrying it.
MS3lvr92 says:
04:08 PM, 01/20/09
Good thing that Conserve is serving this stuff for you guys. It's good to hear that you're busting myths about bio-diesel with those MPG numbers. Even if they are somewhat based on driving style.
jdub53084 says:
07:33 PM, 01/20/09
"Security was heavy and the goons told the attendant to stay in his booth"
Not very nice to call the protective detail, "goons". Maybe highly trained, experienced bodyguards would have been a better choice of words.
Yes and GObama, hope,change,yes we can, etc...
TDIMOFO says:
08:47 AM, 01/21/09
I understand that the use of B99 is NOT an approved fuel for the VW Jetta TDI by VW. Do you have any concern regarding this? Have you experienced any mechanical issues with the use of B99?
Have you had the OIL examined to make sure the Fuel is not contaminating it?
If the engine becomes damaged by the use of B99 VW will not cover it under warranty. The TDI engine is a VERY expensive part of the car.
Any thoughts regarding this issue are welcome.
TDIMOFO
TDIMOFO says:
08:49 AM, 01/21/09
I just realized that the vehicle being used is a 2005... I am still concerned about the contamination and ultimate effects of B99. Clearly the warranty issue is a non issue... Sorry.
TDIMOFO