People who drive BioDiesel powered cars usually fall into one of two categories;
"Frugalists"-People who are so cheap, they avoid $.99 stores...because they're too "expensive".
"Planetarians"-People who think that the sun is going to burn us all to death, if we don't wear Hemp clothes and use canvas shopping bags.
Whatever your motivation, running your Diesel Mercedes, or Dodge Ram on BioDiesel actually makes good sense.
So, what is BioDiesel anyway? BioD is Diesel fuel that's been made from a renewable resource such as soybeans, or animal fat.
Since a Diesel engine works like an oil lamp, it'll run on pretty much any oil-based fuel. The BioDiesel from your local gas station, is actually just pump Diesel, with a splash of fuel that has been made from plants such as the rapeseed, or soybean.
Commonly labeled B20, this type of fuel generally costs a few cents more than regular Diesel. But it really doesn't improve fuel efficiency all that much. B100 BioDiesel is a fuel that was made from 100% natural materials. Typically, this type of fuel has a higher energy content than pump Diesel, so it burns slower. It also extends the life of an engine, thanks to its lubrication properties. But, it does require a few engine modifications to make it burn. The difference between B100 BioDiesel and WVO (waste vegetable oil), or SVO (straight vegetable oil) is refining.
B100 is an oil based substance that has been filtered several times to remove any bits and pieces of whatever was used to make it. Stabilizers such as lye are then added to prolong its shelf life, and make it burn better.
A popular base for B100 is used cooking oil. Restaurants usually pay to have their used "french fry" oil removed. So, obtaining it is fairly easy. While you can run your car on straight WVO from your local McDonald's. Your car will require some modifications.
Heating elements and storage tanks are just some of the components that you'll need to add. But, they tend to complicate the whole process of...driving. Unless you're mechanically inclined, you're better off avoiding WVO. You can however, get a fuel making "kit" to turn WVO into actual fuel. These systems filter the cooking oil, and remove all those stray french fry and onion ring bits. What you end up with is basically recycled peanut, or corn oil with a few additives.
These fuel making systems cost around $2-5k. But, you will make your money back fairly quickly, since you won't be paying $3-4 a gallon at the pump. When you figure in your time and the ingredients, making your own fuel will usually cost about half (per gallon) of what it costs at the pump.
Processed WVO can be used in any Diesel powered vehicle. But, you will have to change your fuel filters several times as the BioD pushes out all the residue left behind from the pump Diesel.
Seals and hoses made of natural rubber (on cars made prior to 1992) will eventually need to be changed as well. But, if you're only paying $1.50-$3.00 per gallon, the money that you'll save will more than cover the cost of new seals and filters.
If you do decide to make your own fuel, try to avoid running pump Diesel in your vehicle once it's been purged. The high water and trash content of pump Diesel will clog your filters, and make your Diesel run as rough as a washed out dirt road.
Plus, you'll have to purge your fuel system all over again. So, there you have it, BioDiesel can save you money, and make your car run better. The only thing that's more frugal, or earth friendly than running BioDiesel is walking.
Max Rossi writes for AutoBlock http://www.autoblock.com/ - Free online high-definition automotive videos, high-quality car photography, user community, forums and galleries. Sponsored byFCPgroton http://www.fcpgroton.com/ your online resource for quality foreign car parts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Rossi |
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