Biodiesel? Maybe second thoughts...

[Joe_Black]

I've been focused on Ethanol as a viable gasoline substitute due to fact that most of my road-going vehicles are gasoline powered, and as such easily converted. But the recent acquisition of a diesel truck with 160 gallons fuel capacity and an average 7mpg had me take a second look at biodiesel. Plus I've got 6 large pieces of equipment that are all diesel powered and the need for an on-site bulk tank has arrived. But what really kicked my research into high gear was a recent article in the local paper about some folk running WVO (waste vegetable oil) straight. There are some drawbacks to this practice, but most have to do with colder climes than our balmy Florida.

In any case, I thought it might be of interest and get some the other gear-heads here ticking over in thought... Vegetarian Cars

[kpaske]

That's really cool... vege oil powered diesels... I just may have to go out and buy myself an old Mercedes now.

Keep us posted, Joe, if you do any experimenting in this area. I'd be curious about engine longevity and other maintenance issues, liked the clogged fuel filters.

[Joe_Black]

That article really piqued my curiosity. I'd be more interested in making regular biodiesel than running the straight oil. Producing biodiesel from waste or clean vegetable oil is actually pretty straightforward and very similar to the process for making soap. One of the major by-products is glycerin. Many biodiesel producers have been using the glycerin to make and sell an effective degreaser similar to GoJo.

Interestingly enough, there's an '83 2-door VW Jetta diesel for sale nearby. Really nice shape and 1-owner. Very tempting...

[thebear54]

I have a guy locally who has been running Bio-Diesel through his converted school bus/camper for a couple of years now and he swears by it. Clean, cheap,non-gelling fuel...what more can you ask for
John

[kpaske]

I just find it amazing that a pre-85 stock diesel engine will run straight waste oil with no modifications whatsoever. And it sounds like the maintenance issues are minor. Of course, I wouldn't have much luck doing that up here in Seattle, but when I get down to southern Cali at the end of this year, I may just give it a shot.

What is the advantage to converting to bio-diesel if the waste oil gives you the same mileage as standard diesel?

[Joe_Black]

The big issues as I understand it with straight oil is the higher acidity, which will lead to pitting and accelerated etching. When you convert vegetable oil to biodiesel you're first de-watering it, then performing what's called "transesterfication" which removes the fats and adjusts the pH. Basically refining.

For the folk in the article they could basically run the engine on straight oil till replacment then just get another cheapie for replacement and they'd always be ahead in $$$. But getting a good system down for refining the vegetable oil to biodiesel and then establishing a collection technique and routine with your local restaurants is, in my opinion, the best way to go. That way you have less wear and compatibility issues, plus you could sell any excess fuel to a local co-op.

Lots of possibilities! Kinda makes you want to put a 4BD1TC in the VX.