[SlowRoller]

We just pulled into southern California, of course fuel price is higher. The pump says Renewable Diesel #2. I wish I would of got on my phone.

At 1/3 tank empty I topped it off, and the Evic mileage instantly dropped 2 mpg. This was driving on flat windless terrain the last 40 miles to our winter home. The power was not right.
..............................................

Do you mean it was the EVIC reading just for the last 40 miles? It is mysterious why you had such a bad experience, given that others have been satisfied with renewables. I've used a few tanks of renewable in the ED, Propel and 76, and MPGs have been about the same or a bit better than with other types.

 

[diesel85]

I wish we had renewable diesel where I live.

 

[John Jensen]

Good to hear a positive. Have you noticed a difference in mileage over the fossil brew?

My 2016 1500 Ecodiesel with MRT Stage 1 is getting 1-2mpg better, all local shot hop driving.

I just finished a 1900 mile, all highway, 65-85 mph driving in my 2020 3500 6.7 HO but can't be sure about the mpg as the truck has a bad body module that they cannot replace because it's on B/O. On the stock tune, the truck will only go 68mph. Made the trip on a Calibrated tune which allowed it to go any speed but the Cruise will not go over 53mph. That said last year's same trip on fossil was 15.65 mpg average with a 519 mile stretch at 16.3 mpg, and this trip was 15.01 mpg average with that same 519 mile stretch at 16.62 mpg

 

[sourdo]

I am on my second fillup of the renewable diesel.

Mileage is most certainly off from the dino fuel. Last year I was consistently getting, with no load driving, 20 mpg, or more(hand calculated) with the Cummins.

So far, 16 mpg has been the max. It is the same old flat no wind drive for 60 miles to Mom,s across the desert, it is what it is.

 

[pizza442]

I am on my second fillup of the renewable diesel.
Mileage is most certainly off from the dino fuel. Last year I was consistently getting, with no load driving, 20 mpg, or more(hand calculated) with the Cummins.

How strange. Are you deleted? Those of us that still have the smog devices and have been using Renewable, have seen increases due to the Renewable burning cleaner (and much higher Cetane (70+ vs. 40-50) which means less soot=less regen's= better mpg.
The 2 fuels compared at and equal level with no variables (like a DPF) must show the Renewable producing less energy (BTU's?) thus less power. Similar to E85 ethanol and how your mileage drops with it but the trade off is it's cheaper.
sourdo, I would like to know what brand/stations you filled up at unless it was Arco each time. Arco should have a sticker saying 'R99' on the pump. Perhaps some Arco's are blending w/Biodiesel or perhaps that station had an issue with their batch. I'll bet they mix in a certain amount of Biodiesel (probably B20 or 20%) which kills mpg. Chevron is the most notable for doing this, though

 

[sourdo]

How strange. Are you deleted? Those of us that still have the smog devices and have been using Renewable, have seen increases due to the Renewable burning cleaner (and much higher Cetane (70+ vs. 40-50) which means less soot=less regen's= better mpg.
The 2 fuels compared at and equal level with no variables (like a DPF) must show the Renewable producing less energy (BTU's?) thus less power. Similar to E85 ethanol and how your mileage drops with it but the trade off is it's cheaper.
sourdo, I would like to know what brand/stations you filled up at unless it was Arco each time. Arco should have a sticker saying 'R99' on the pump. Perhaps some Arco's are blending w/Biodiesel or perhaps that station had an issue with their batch. I'll bet they mix in a certain amount of Biodiesel (probably B20 or 20%) which kills mpg. Chevron is the most notable for doing this, though

Fully stock 2021 2500 Cummins. There will be no messing around with the smog systems, someday I'll want to sell this truck. Deleting will make trade-ins very difficult. As time goes on, the laws will just get stricter, so why fight it. Besides, I like the way my exhaust smells, like a nothing burger.

We have drove almost 18,000 miles this summer all over half of the USA. And I know this already, and diesel fuel can vary from one pump to another. And as you say, they mix grades, that is most likely about money and what is available. When I lived in Wasilla, Alaska, the local Fred Meyers sold #1 diesel all year around. And you would know right aways when I filled up, as the mpg would tank. Take it as it is, I have a "pretty good" sense on mileage while towing with this truck.

You guys can quote cetane numbers all day long, but the end, hand calculated mpg is the final number with final say.

I will continue to monitor the mileage and will report back.

The ARCO truck stop on hwy 86 near Mecca, Ca.

 

[pizza442]

Huh, I'm stumped. Does your exhaust really smell like fried food? That seems like a clue as Renewable is a clear, odor-free fuel due to how it is refined but Biodiesel...that's a different story. Sounds like Biodiesel to me and yeah, that'll kill mileage among other things....I remember when they started running Biodiesel in school buses and you could smell the 'french frys' if you got behind it. But my Ecodiesel's exhaust never smells on the Renewable.

 

[Crosshairs]

Huh, I'm stumped. Does your exhaust really smell like fried food? That seems like a clue as Renewable is a clear, odor-free fuel due to how it is refined but Biodiesel...that's a different story. Sounds like Biodiesel to me and yeah, that'll kill mileage among other things....I remember when they started running Biodiesel in school buses and you could smell the 'french frys' if you got behind it. But my Ecodiesel's exhaust never smells.

I was on the interstate behind an old 2500 Ram 12 valve a few years back, I have no idea what he was burning, but you would swear you were sitting in the parking lot of McDonald’s with a fresh order of french fries in your hand.
I stayed behind him for about 15 minutes, but I finally had a pass him because I was getting hungry lol

 

[SlowRoller]

I am on my second fillup of the renewable diesel.

Mileage is most certainly off from the dino fuel. Last year I was consistently getting, with no load driving, 20 mpg, or more(hand calculated) with the Cummins.

So far, 16 mpg has been the max. It is the same old flat no wind drive for 60 miles to Mom,s across the desert, it is what it is.

I'm surprised you gave it another chance, but it is helpful for research purposes! Both tanks were from the same Arco? I wonder if the 76 renewable would be better.

 

[Brokedownbutgood]

Those Cummins tend to behave strangely when they fuel filters start to get dirty. If could be the renewable freed up some stuff you could try changing the fuel filters as see if it helps.

 

[tdeynon]

Just to chime in, this is a write up I had done, after learning everything I could about renewable diesel. I hope it helps those with questions: A couple of months ago I finally took the plunge into purchasing my first diesel truck, which had been a dream of mine since my early teen years. What truck did I manage to adopt? A brand new 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax Turbo Diesel 3.0. After a couple days of driving, I pulled into a fueling station, and realized that all Diesel is not created equal. My area provides three options (Diesel 2, Renewable Diesel, and Bio-Diesel). While most wouldn’t care, and would likely stick with Diesel 2, my brain unfortunately isn’t wired to adapt that easily, which results in a panicked WTF moment, question marks, followed by a compulsive mindset that takes me deep into the sleepless halls of endless research. Special thanks to ADHD and obsessive- compulsive behavior, as the two should’ve been a sponsor for this one😅. My first step included calls to numerous Mechanics and Chevy support, to then reading over every google thread I could muster up. At the end of the day - I found the old school group had negative opinions about renewable Diesel, solely based on not liking the change. If mechanics didn’t learn about the fuel in school, then they won’t endorse it. And then the tree hugging generation fully endorses renewable fuels, as if Greta Thunberg had brewed this stuff from her own kitchen, after hugging the sap out of her first planted tree. Remembering the negative opinions from back in the day - when Unleaded fuels hit the US market, replacing leaded fuels, I took that negativity as a grain of salt. And mechanics can be similar to old school doctors. While medicine evolves over time, some in the medical field do not. But the leaded to unleaded change had later proven to provide longer engine life - especially when Top Tier gasoline hit the market. So I dug in, and decided research the fuels myself, and this is what I found: Renewable Diesel and Diesel 2 are so similar - you can mix them together, and/or switch between the two. In order to understand, and define the ratings, here is a simple description. For renewable fuels (R95 or R99), the R then number equals the percentage of Renewable diesel, leaving the remaining 5% or 1% to Standard grade diesel 2. If the pump identifies a B within the pump numbers, then this is a combination of Biodiesel. For example, if the pump states R80/B20 - you are pumping 80% renewable fuel, and 20% Bio diesel. If B (and said number) is present, and without an R, you are using that percent of Biodiesel, and the remainder is standard grade Diesel 2. As far as Biodiesel, although ingredients seem similar - it is NOT the same as Renewable diesel (as they are engineered much different from one another). Also, at the pump - do not confuse the wording on the sticker labels (Biofuels & Biodiesel) . For reasons beyond what common sense can comprehend, the two are different. Biofuels refer to Renewable Diesel, and Biodiesel is - well what it’s said to be. If I haven’t lost you yet, here is my findings, as to what may be the best option. For newer engines built within the last 10 years, I’d stay clear of every-day use of Biodiesel. Aside from the lubrication benefits, you are hurting your engine more than helping. Renewable diesel? This is where I cringe, knowing my distain for this Go-Green Thunberg generation. Renewable Diesel offers the same benefits as Diesel 2 in nearly every positive way. But here is where it shines. Regular diesel throughout the Country provides a Cetane rating of 42, aside from California. California requires a minimum Cetane rating of 50. Before I go on further, Cetane is Diesel’s definition of what Gasoline calls out for Octane (hence 87 regular, 89 mid-grade, 91 premium). Obviously, Diesel has a different numbering system, but I’m sure you get the point. Higher number, better engine performance. Now getting back to renewable diesel, this fuel provides a Cetane rating between 70 & 90, which is amazing inside the Turbo engine. Where it lacks (slightly), is within the lubricants. Regular Diesel 2 has a lubricity of over 520um. Renewable fuels provide Lubrication of 460um and above. Is this a concern? I don’t think so. But if in doubt - a small bottle of lubricants for $15-$20 dollars will last you for over 400 gallons and would alleviate any doubt. To sum this all up, Renewable Diesel is some incredible stuff, and people should not worry. If you were to define a premium type of Diesel fuel, this would be it. In fact, I would go as far as saying, if technology was as advanced back in the beginning of Rudolf Diesel’s creation - as we are today, this would be the perfect Engineered diesel fuel from the start of the amazing engine. I have been running Renewable Union 76 (R99) diesel in my truck consistently and have loved the benefits. I still get amazing mileage. In fact, a recent trip out to Vegas - from California, I averaged 36 miles to the gallon. The Engine is extremely quiet, starts right up, and just runs. In addition, after 15 hundred miles, I topped off my DEF tank. It took less than one gallon. While in Vegas, I could not find renewable Diesel, and filled up with Diesel 2. I instantly noticed more engine noise, and my mileage returning home to California, I averaged 27mpg. Which direction has more hills? An argument can be made for either direction. But I figured the documenting would still be worthwhile. Renewable Diesel In closing. Finding opinions will never end, and will only provide more questions, trust me. I’d highly suggest researching this topic and making the decision on your own. I found comfort towards believing Renewable fuels are a great option and seeing that I still have three choices in my area, I still choose Renewable diesel for my truck. What you choose, is up to you. We all have engines we care for. And considering Rudolf invented this engine using Peanut oil, I’m sure we don’t have much to worry about.

 

[tdeynon]

Just to chime in, this is a write up I had done, after learning everything I could find about renewable diesel. I hope this helps answer any questions some may have:

A couple of months ago I finally took the plunge into purchasing my first diesel truck, which had been a dream of mine since my
early teen years. What truck did I manage to adopt? A brand new 2023 Chevy Silverado Duramax Turbo Diesel 3.0.
After a couple days of driving, I pulled into a fueling station, and realized that all Diesel is not created equal. My area provides
three options (Diesel 2, Renewable Diesel, and Bio-Diesel). While most wouldn’t care, and would likely stick with Diesel 2, my
brain unfortunately isn’t wired to adapt that easily, which results in a panicked WTF moment, question marks, followed by a
compulsive mindset that takes me deep into the sleepless halls of endless research. Special thanks to ADHD and obsessive-
compulsive behavior, as the two should’ve been a sponsor for this one😅.
My first step included calls to numerous Mechanics and Chevy support, to then reading over every google thread I could muster
up. At the end of the day - I found the old school group had negative opinions about renewable Diesel, solely based on not
liking the change. If mechanics didn’t learn about the fuel in school, then they won’t endorse it. And then the tree hugging
generation fully endorses renewable fuels, as if Greta Thunberg had brewed this stuff from her own kitchen, after hugging the
sap out of her first planted tree.
Remembering the negative opinions from back in the day - when Unleaded fuels hit the US market, replacing leaded fuels, I
took that negativity as a grain of salt. And mechanics can be similar to old school doctors. While medicine evolves over time,
some in the medical field do not. But the leaded to unleaded change had later proven to provide longer engine life - especially
when Top Tier gasoline hit the market.
So I dug in, and decided research the fuels myself, and this is what I found:
Renewable Diesel and Diesel 2 are so similar - you can mix them together, and/or switch between the two. In order to
understand, and define the ratings, here is a simple description. For renewable fuels (R95 or R99), the R then number equals
the percentage of Renewable diesel, leaving the remaining 5% or 1% to Standard grade diesel 2. If the pump identifies a B
within the pump numbers, then this is a combination of Biodiesel. For example, if the pump states R80/B20 - you are pumping
80% renewable fuel, and 20% Bio diesel. If B (and said number) is present, and without an R, you are using that percent of
Biodiesel, and the remainder is standard grade Diesel 2.
As far as Biodiesel, although ingredients seem similar - it is NOT the same as Renewable diesel (as they are engineered much
different from one another). Also, at the pump - do not confuse the wording on the sticker labels (Biofuels & Biodiesel) . For
reasons beyond what common sense can comprehend, the two are different. Biofuels refer to Renewable Diesel, and Biodiesel
is - well what it’s said to be.
If I haven’t lost you yet, here is my findings, as to what may be the best option. For newer engines built within the last 10 years,
I’d stay clear of every-day use of Biodiesel. Aside from the lubrication benefits, you are hurting your engine more than helping.
Renewable diesel? This is where I cringe, knowing my distain for this Go-Green Thunberg generation. Renewable Diesel offers
the same benefits as Diesel 2 in nearly every positive way. But here is where it shines. Regular diesel throughout the Country
provides a Cetane rating of 42, aside from California. California requires a minimum Cetane rating of 50.
Before I go on further, Cetane is Diesel’s definition of what Gasoline calls out for Octane (hence 87 regular, 89 mid-grade, 91
premium). Obviously, Diesel has a different numbering system, but I’m sure you get the point. Higher number, better engine
performance.
Now getting back to renewable diesel, this fuel provides a Cetane rating between 70 & 90, which is amazing inside the Turbo
engine. Where it lacks (slightly), is within the lubricants. Regular Diesel 2 has a lubricity of over 520um. Renewable fuels provide
Lubrication of 460um and above. Is this a concern? I don’t think so. But if in doubt - a small bottle of lubricants for $15-$20
dollars will last you for over 400 gallons and would alleviate any doubt.
To sum this all up, Renewable Diesel is some incredible stuff, and people should not worry. If you were to define a premium
type of Diesel fuel, this would be it. In fact, I would go as far as saying, if technology was as advanced back in the beginning of
Rudolf Diesel’s creation - as we are today, this would be the perfect Engineered diesel fuel from the start of the amazing
engine.
I have been running Renewable Union 76 (R99) diesel in my truck consistently and have loved the benefits. I still get amazing
mileage. In fact, a recent trip out to Vegas - from California, I averaged 36 miles to the gallon. The Engine is extremely quiet,
starts right up, and just runs. In addition, after 15 hundred miles, I topped off my DEF tank. It took less than one gallon.
While in Vegas, I could not find renewable Diesel, and filled up with Diesel 2. I instantly noticed more engine noise, and my
mileage returning home to California, I averaged 27mpg. Which direction has more hills? An argument can be made for either
direction. But I figured the documenting would still be worthwhile.
Renewable Diesel
In closing. Finding opinions will never end, and will only provide more questions, trust me. I’d highly suggest researching this
topic and making the decision on your own. I found comfort towards believing Renewable fuels are a great option and seeing
that I still have three choices in my area, I still choose Renewable diesel for my truck. What you choose, is up to you. We all
have engines we care for. And considering Rudolf invented this engine using Peanut oil, I’m sure we don’t have much to worry
about.

 

[pizza442]

I wonder if Arco isn't understanding the new 'stickers' and/or is blending in Biodiesel with the Renewable but not giving a correct Rxx and Bxx rating. R99 means 99% Renewable and 1% whatever. I hope they are not saying that they consider Renewable and Biodiesel the same since they are both Biomass-based so they don't show a breakdown %-wise between the two. (Chevron does put a sticker saying 'B20/R80' on their pump.) Here are some pix to show the confusion:

The first 2 pics are from Propel pumps and clearly state that Renewable is NOT the same as Biodiesel. And they state the probably mandated 'contains more than 20% Biomass based diesel. Now the ARCO sticker also mentions the 'more than 20% biomass based diesel' but then the adds 'or Biodiesel' which is very confusing 'cause if there is Biodiesel in there, they need to mention what percentage otherwise who knows. Perhaps this is why Sourdo experienced poor economy, if there was 20% Biodiesel in there....

 

[pizza442]

And here is Costco's Renewable diesel. Note their sticker clearly states 'Not Biodiesel' and also omits the 'or biodiesel' comment after 'more than 20% Biomass based product'...

 

[John Jensen]

And here is Costco's Renewable diesel. Note their sticker clearly states 'Not Biodiesel' and also omits the 'or biodiesel' comment after 'more than 20% Biomass based product'...
View attachment 95651

My local Costco spent a ton installing additional pumps, tanks and diesel. Then to the surprise and disappointment of all diesel users, early this year they quit selling diesel. I don't believe any Costco is selling diesel in the San Diego County area and don't know why. When they quit selling diesel I changed to 76 Renewable, would love to have Costco Renewable as their price would be competitive. Last month I Paid 6.95 for 76 Rewable in Kettleman, Ca. Locally it's running 5.50 to 6.00.

 

[namretsud]

They installed a brand new Costco building in London, Ontario's South side. They put fuel pumps in but no diesel. The older North end sells diesel. ????? Doesn't make sense to me.

 

[pizza442]

Costco in Hawthorne (near LA) still has diesel (renewable) but sounds like nothing in San Diego county or Orange County now...very strange

 

[1shadowsabre]

Costco in Olympia WA sells diesel but not renewable..

 

[sourdo]

So my final tally on the renewable fill up was 17.25 mpg hand calculated( I do this for every fill up). Not too bad, but not as good as it can be (19+ mpg). Acceptable for no load driving. The jury is still out on a heavy tow.

16 miles south of the Arco in question is the Red Earth Casino and Travel center on SR-86 across the Salton Sea from us. We passed a billboard advertising #2 diesel for $4.99. As I was below 1/4 tank, for grins and giggles we drove down there and I filled up. I liked the price.

I don't know what kind of diesel it is, no signs or tags, but right off I was back up to 20 mpg on the Evic. While the Evic is never right on, it is consistent for me.

I'll just make this blank statement on diesel fuel concerning power and mileage, in our summer of thousands of miles of towing a 5th wheel, the mpg results can vary from great to not so great, wind and terrain notwithstanding. I can apply this statement to other past long distance RV trips when I had the 2017 Ecodiesel where I experienced mileage that went from 10.5 to 16.4 mpg on the same trip, same load. That is a hefty spread.

My next tank of renewable could offer just fine performance. Time will tell.

Like Forrest Gump's box of chocolates, with diesel, you really never know quite what it is. Bio, blends, renewable, some excess #1 or winter blends?

Only your refinery knows for sure.

 

[aatx73]

According to Neste (available on the West Coast):
"Neste MY Renewable Diesel is high quality, TOP TIER™ certified biofuel with a high cetane value of 70+ and excellent cold weather performance." Are you able to test this against ARCO to see if the R99 delivers better mileage for you? I've seen people get better results with Neste vs Propel or Diamond Diesel.