veg oil fuel

[tali122]

will simply adding 10% paraffin? alchohol ? to vegetable oil make the fuel perfectly useable in a diesel car -or is it more complex than that?

[furrycheeky]

There are various described methods of doing this, none of which are to me convincing. Just put diesel in and save yourself trouble.

[connor91]

http://www.veggiepower.org.uk/altindex.htm

[qapmoc]

Well furrycheeky maybe if you were aware of the global fuel supply situation and the fact that the peak of world oil production is here now according to some of the best analysts, geologist and energy consultants etc... etc... (and included the US army corps of engineers) then you might see some point to trying to find a way to reduce the use of hydrocarbons and using renewable sources such as bio-fuels.

Peak oil means that the world production of oil is at the highest it will ever be and from now on the only way is down.

If you are not aware of this try going to google and searching for ''peak oil'' or ''energy depletion'' and reading a few facts about the situation as it stands today.

[Mortartube]

Tali122 if you Google Biodiesel, you will find mountains of information. Unfortunately, I live near Brighton where you can't buy biodiesel for love or money. The only listed supplier hasn't had any for 6 months and doesn't expect to get any for at least another 3 months. Considering the reputation of Brighton as being "alternative" in so many ways, I would have thought biodiesel would be easier to come by. But alas no. If anyone knows of a Sussex supplier, please do tell. I digress though. To answer your question, it is a little more complex than that, but not drastically so. If thje vegetable oil is not treated forst to make biodiesel, the glycerin content will eventually gum up your injectors etc.

[furrycheeky]

No need to lecture qapmoc, I was only putting on my mechanic hat trying to stop an expensive visit to a garage. The question to me indicated an interest, in trying out the idea of mixing fuel at home to save some money.

[qapmoc]

Hi furrycheeky, I wasn't really lecturing you, more using the oppurtunity to put the point across about how bad the world oil sitution is for anybody who might not be aware at this time.

[Catso]

No. Mortartube is correct; whilst it will run, 100% veg oil is not at all a good thing for for diesel engine. It has been designed to run on diesel fuel. And, of course, unless you paid tax on it, it would be illegal ;)

I would add 2 other points: 1/ Paraffin: I've been told that adding 300ml of paraffin to 15 gallons diesel really 'bucks up' the performance; "you can feel the difference" he told me. Well I tried it, and couldn't feel any difference! Paraffin won't gum up your engine, in fact I believe Redex mostly used to consist of paraffin. 2/ Veg oil: You can add vo to diesel and so use at least some, in a less damaging way. Up to 25% should be fine. The real diesel keeps the engine reasonably clean (it has detergent in it). Though I would advise a tank of 100% diesel and a bit of blast every so often, to clean it out. (By vo, I mean clean, unused vo) Don't forget to pay the tax, though.