Vegetable Oil Q - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

meek · #1 07-20-2004, 12:20 AM

What would happen if someone added a quart of off the grocery store shelf vegetable oil to the tank while filling up?

ak300td · #2 07-20-2004, 01:37 AM

If you live in a warm enough climate you could add 5 gallons of veggie oil to your tank and the only difference that you'd notice is the exaust isn't quite as stinky! Veggie oil is a great emergency and environmentally friendly fuel.

Search the posts here and check out the following veggie oil discussion forum.

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=447609751

meek · #3 07-20-2004, 10:38 AM

Whew. Thanks. Last question before I do a deeper search.--

Is a 'diesel purge' still necessary if a little veggie fuel is used now and then?

ak300td · #4 07-20-2004, 10:57 AM

I can't answer that one, when I started using veggie oil I clogged a filter suggesting that it loostened up some gunk, but it could easily have been a coincidence. It is not clear (to me and others) whether veg oil cleans the fuel system.

Biodiesel on the other hand does have a cleaning side effect so you could find your local station that sells a biodiesel mix and burn that. You'd end up with a cleaner system and a "green" car. Just carry some extra filters when you start...

meek · #5 07-20-2004, 03:36 PM

Is there an easy way to find out who sells Biodiesel? Thanks again.

DieselAddict · #6 07-20-2004, 03:59 PM

www.biodiesel.org

Forget about veggie oil if you can get your hands on some biodiesel. I know a lot of people like to run on veggie oil, but it has its share of problems that have already been discussed.

TwitchKitty · #7 07-20-2004, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by meek
What would happen if someone added a quart of off the grocery store shelf vegetable oil to the tank while filling up?

You would never know it was in there.

WannaWagon · #8 07-20-2004, 08:24 PM

I have been adding straight, new soybean oil to my tank for a few weeks now. It has not been cheap (~$20 for 5 gallons from Smart & Final), but I did it as an experiment just for fun. I'll eventually scrounge my own used veggie oil, filter it and use that.

Anyway, I've encountered no problems whatsoever. I first premixed the veggie oil in a 5-gal. gas can with regular diesel, then dumped the mix into the tank. The two mix up beautifully and don't separate, especially in my climate where temps are usually hot (your results may vary). At most I was running about 20 percent veggie oil.

I noticed a slightly smoother idle with the veggie oil, and a more aromatic exhaust. I also noticed that debris seemed to build up in my fuel prefilter a bit quicker than I would expect with regular dino diesel.

stayalert · #9 07-21-2004, 07:56 AM

debris COULD be from tank/lines being cleaned somewhat by the biofuel component of the contents of your tank.

ak300td · #10 07-21-2004, 11:38 AM

This site has biodiesel locations in the US. I don't know how often it is updated. I've also seen other "smaller" sites that keep track of local retailers. Wish someone sold it up here!

http://www.biodiesel.org/buyingbiodiesel/retailfuelingsites/default.shtm

meek · #11 07-21-2004, 05:19 PM

A lot of Biodiesel around me

Does Europe have Biodiesel too? Thanks.

ak300td · #12 07-22-2004, 10:59 AM

Europe does have biodiesel. A friend gave me a photo of a German fuel station's sign...gas was most expensive, then diesel and the cheapest fuel around was biodiesel! Can't wait for the US to "get on board" with biodiesel!

meek · #13 07-22-2004, 01:40 PM

Awesome. Do you recall which station it was? Esso, Fina, BP, etc...Thanks.

ak300td · #14 07-22-2004, 05:21 PM

I don't remember, but I'll try to dig up the photo and get back to you...