Mike V - "Do you guys have access to VCDS to scan/clear codes yourself, or were you getting this code from a generic reader (or the dealer)?"
Dealer read the codes.
"Just wondering whether there might be any other codes to provide clues."
I know little more now but will know more soon.
B99.9 cleanliness is indeed an issue. I know the producer in this case, his ASTM D6751 spec production methods, and then my buddy's bulk storage methods some 80 miles away, the latter of which get an 8 out of 10. My personal biodiesel storage is comprehensive and closely maintained and monitored, but that's me. Always filter biodiesel to 2-15 microns, IMHO. 30m is conventional.
"[...] the ensuing concern is the consequences of fuel dilution during post-injection."
Correct, from what I have read.
"I think the "right attitude" towards an experiment like this needs to include careful monitoring of the car. Especially given the results of prior experiments, your friend really should have been doing UOA's and adjusting oil change intervals accordingly - if he's going to keep running B100 he should start now! If he's willing to take these kind of risks, the community benefits (and biodiesel use is promoted) much more by learning how frequent oil changes need be, or the limits of what bio percentages are acceptable, rather than just finding out "B100 broke his car after X miles."
No disagreement there.
"I'd say anybody who wants to push forth our knowledge of alternative fuels for the CR should be financially prepared for the possibility of complete engine annihilation."
And that's my friend (agree or disagree).
Failure is a great teacher.
Lightflyer 1
"I would expect them to say complete fuel system replacement and maybe some cats and dpf as well. Nothing to do with the technical aspects of bio. Misfueling the car probably violates the lease agreement and he would be liable for the damages."
This is what he acknowledges and expects.
conejo a cuatro
"...VW dealers, "if the window doesn't roll down, it's because he used b99".
Because this also our experience (and countless friends' and acquaintances' experiences) with VW dealers, there's that real frustration with their refusal to pinpoint the problem. They shoot off and say, "Replace the fuel system!" Really? Is that actually necessary? If so, you should be able to explain. Like Mike V said, VW should name the problem(s) as would anyone esteeming quality and appropriately documenting an experiment.
Blanket statements/solutions like VW's proposing in this case lack the insights needed to advance understanding of bio-D in new CR Diesels. Don't they want to know, too? How many real world experiments -- and their lessons -- are dismissed to expedite warranty claims, pay a skilled mechanic less, or make some money off overpriced dealer parts?
Lightflyer
"They are also entirely within their rights to void his warranty for misfueling as he intentionally put something in that was explicitly excluded. I am no big defender of VW, but if you intentionally do something to the car that is explicitly forbidden, you are on your own. Not to mention the total irresponsibility of doing it to a lease car that you don't even own...."
Agreed, though I wouldn't call it irresponsibility. This guy is responsible, wants to keep the car, wants to press the issue with VW and higher biodiesel blends (again, I don't care if you agree with his methods or not, so no need to post about it), and he owns what he's doing.
"Even bragging about it."
Wrong, Lightflyer. Please cite the bragging you claim. I am writing this for a friend and I happen to like his approach and the responsibility he's taking (which I knew he'd take when he bought the car new).
"If it were me I would refuse to honor the warranty, cancel the lease and hold him responsible for all repairs to put the car right again."
Very easily what could happen, which is in fact why I asked for a solution right up front - if he redoes the fuel system,
If it were me, I'd do the above and move, in some way, toward figuring out
how he can burn B99.9. That's what a product and customer satisfaction-oriented dealer would do. B99.9 is the point here. Chevron's OLOA 55501 oil would minimize (or could eliminate?) the oil dilution issue. Then it's about the DPF and CAT and some biodiesel compatibility with fuel system components.
Wish I had the fuel system info from VW on the '09 TDI and any info they have on neat biodiesel testing in it. It's possible, though, that they never did any serious testing of B99.9 biodiesel on an '09 gen TDI.
And backing up a step, it's important to add that we recognize CARB as a culprit (not
the culprit, but
a culprit) in making such a sweet ride B99.9 incompatible.
