Hello all this is the Costco Roseville location in California. It’s supposedly different from the normal Bio-Diesel I see at chevrons that are B-20 locally… any thoughts on the costco fuel? I do know the top tier diesel should be better quality.
Costco Renewable Diesel w/Pic
- Thread starter RateNate
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JHZR2
Staff member
Not sure, but I do wish Costco carried diesel around here.
Not sure I’d run b20-b100 consistently, but I’d like to at least blend it for cleaning and lubricity. I think the big question is how tbh is product differed from biodiesel in terms of solvency and lubricity.
This product seems different, they claim it is NOT biodiesel, but I would assume that the characteristics are similar.
Not sure I’d run b20-b100 consistently, but I’d like to at least blend it for cleaning and lubricity. I think the big question is how tbh is product differed from biodiesel in terms of solvency and lubricity.
This product seems different, they claim it is NOT biodiesel, but I would assume that the characteristics are similar.
Here's an article that explains the difference between petroleum diesel, renewable diesel, and bio diesel: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/biofuels/biodiesel-rd-other-basics.php
I learn something new everyday I visit BITOG!
I learn something new everyday I visit BITOG!
Maybe not?. It seems that renewable diesel and petroleum diesel are very similar end products of differing base stock and processing methods. I need a chemist to straighten this out.
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I consistently get lower MPG when diesel fuel is diluted with biodiesel or biomass diesel. That should be no surprise as biomass diesel has about 117,000 BTU per gal. Compared to 'real' diesel with 138,000 BTU/gal.
In my experience-run through it fast, bio goes bad. It’s also possible to clog filters, it’ll break loose anything in the tank. Seems like a slight MPG hit, too.
R99 is all that is available here.
Yeah I did a google search and this renewable diesel lasts longer unlike biodiesel
California has a cap and trade thing in place, where refineries have to pay penalties for selling gasoline, then the state funnels a lot of that money into biodiesel subsidies for the producers. A recent edict, greatly increases the costs, also, to the tune of $65/gallon of gas or more, so there is going to be a LOT of money for the state to distribute. At this rate, maybe diesel cars will be viable again? Doubt it, California seems hell-bent on forcing everyone to go EV.
its not biodiesel its Renewable. boy thats a confusing mouthful since bio is also in biomass.
This Renewable Diesel has been available since 2016 in CA, but not as prolific. Things changed significantly in 2024. Now, RD or blends is the only available fuel in urban locations however I’ve found pure diesel #2 in some rural fuel stations. California petro diesel #2 is excellent and superior to diesel in the other 49 states.
I’ve tested RD since the beginning, and the benefits are mostly “green fools gold”. It is a scam and highly subsidized to make it economical.
Benefits:
I’ve tested RD since the beginning, and the benefits are mostly “green fools gold”. It is a scam and highly subsidized to make it economical.
Benefits:
- Lower NOx and soot emissions
- No Hydrocarbons or aromatics
- Pure parafinnic fuel
- Less torque and fuel economy (5-7% less)
- Very dry with low lubricity. Lubricity must be added by blenders or by using additives by consumers.
- Causes leaks in older fuel systems with rubber components.
- High cetane # can cause performance loss in older diesels without dynamic timing.
- Heavily subsidized by CA.gov
- Emissions reductions are based on engine type and tuning. Some engines produce higher emissions on RD. See the Gladstone report funded by CARB for tests results.
That explains why my already under powered idi runs even worse on it.
You may be able to find an RD/D2 blend at a different fuel station. Only one station has D2/R2 blend that I know about near me and it’s not the cheapest fuel, but it’s worth it to me. I can tell by the color and smell what is being dispersed.
If you can adjust the injection timing at the pump sprocket of your IDI it may improve the performance with RD.
So far every station I go to only has r99. I messed with the injection timing in the past. I have the special tools including a timing meter.
I found the diesel blend at a station by trying different stations in my area. It is labeled as Diesel #2, but that in itself doesn’t mean anything. There were other stations I tried that were selling fuel labeled as D2 but dispensing RD. If you pump some fuel in a glass container you can tell what fuel it is. Try new station, sample, rinse & repeat.
Since the ignition delay is shorter with RD, retarding the injection timing may help. Early injection timing can cause smoke and higher EGTs if advanced too far.
If that’s true, there’s no hope. If there are stations you haven’t tried check those.
So far every one within 10 miles or so.
So avoid the costco Renewable Diesel then and stick with the B15/20 from chevron/shell
Not really, that’s not the point. The B15/B20 blends may be 80-85% Renewable Diesel as well. As I said, if you live in an urban area it is very difficult to find any petroleum diesel or blends based on my experience in Northern California.
Use the fuel that meets your needs. If Costco is $0.30/gal cheaper than the competition the fuel economy loss will balance out. If you a powerful engine with excess torque you may not notice the loss of torque from RD.
I don’t like to post details about which stations I’ve found to have blends publicly. I’ll send you a message