Good BioDiesel Article

http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2003/03/19/biodiesel/index.html

[Joe Blowe]

thanks for the heads up.

if i may, i would like to point out the following quote:

Using B100 (100% Biodiesel blend), as Berkeley, Calif., is experimenting with, is more of a challenge. Some cars and trucks built before 1993 have rubber hoses that can be eroded by the fuel.

i'm not trying to start a flame war here - just want to point out that contrary to some people's information, biodiesel can erode fuel system parts. if you're gonna run the stuff, take the time to upgrade your parts.

and just to reiterate, i'm a Fuel GeekŪ. i can't wait till i have the space to set up my own little "bio lab" and run tempura-krispy kreme-wok fuel...

often times I have waste oil from cars I own lying around. I usually take it to a service station, but it would be much more convienient to just pour it in the gas tank of my '80 300d. Can I pour 1 gallon of waste oil into roughlt 12 gallons of diesel? The waste oil is clean. I always clean the drain pan.
Just wondering.

Aaron, I've heard that it is OK to use the old oil from the crankcase in the fuel tank. The one caveat I have heard is that the oil must be well filtered. As I recall, a ten-to-one ratio is the recommended ratio. The archive should have some relavent threads.

[el_machete]

I have a 1979 Mercedes Benz 240D Diesel. I also have a conversion kit from lovecraft biofuels (since got out of business) I am now looking for a replacement filter that fits. I am also a bit unsure of how to go about making this conversion. Can I run both Diesel #2 and biofuel? Do I need to "prep" this biofuel? Can anyone please help me with this?

[dagObx]

At the risk of sounding like a Fuel Nazi, I would suggest that you convert any grease you mave have into biodiesel. The article spoke mainly about "brewing" biodiesel from the grease taken from the various restaurants & converting it into a viable diesel fuel.

There are several folks on this forum who run straight veggie oil, like you are planning to do, but do a search on this forum for all of the things that can happen to your engine unless you do your homework & install the correct system. These guys can help you out in this respect if you ask.

I, personally, am not a fan of burning veggie oil in my car unless it has been converted to biodiesel fuel. I do use biodiesel when it is available out here. However, I am not going to flame anyone that installs a good, correct veggie system on their car - it's their car & if they want to use it, it's up to them.

BTW, the Lovecraft systems are known crap. Do yourself a favor & convert to another veggie system. Others may chime in with more advice. Good luck...

On edit: here's a good discussion going on right now: Single tank conversion better?

[John Schroader]

I am also a bit unsure of how to go about making this conversion. Can I run both Diesel #2 and biofuel? Do I need to "prep" this biofuel? Can anyone please help me with this?



Yes you can run either in your car with no alterations. That said, there are a couple of things to watch for though. If running a high percentage of bio, your fuel filters will probably clog after the first tank or two. Bio cleans out the petroleum buildup that has been accumulating over the years. After one or two filter changes you are home free. Also your engine will run quieter on bio. Thirdly, bio will slowly deteriorate old fuel lines. It took 45,000 miles of 100% bio before mine leaked, but they should have been replaced prior to that. Total cost of bio resistant fuel lines (except the one leaving the tank - haven't changed that one yet) was under $40. Not bad for 50,000 miles at less than $1 / gal.