Biodiesel? Maybe second thoughts...

[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.

[kpaske]

I'd be happy with a Mercedes as a second or third car...

I'll have to look into the conversion process from vege oil to biodiesel. The whole idea is very interesting, and could help offset the high cost of fueling my VX! Although once I get the process down (and get spoiled on cheap fuel) I might consider that engine swap...

Is the 4BD1TC the Isuzu diesel from Europe?

[Joe_Black]

The 4BD1TC is the intercooled turbo diesel used in non-US Troopers, but interestingly is also used in the Isuzu NPR heavy truck here in the US. So there is a great source of entire engines, cores and parts. You'd need to fabricate a functional hood-scoop for the intercooler, but I think that would just add to the VX's appeal.

Here's a good link (with many other good links) for biodiesel and other alternative fuel info: Journey to Forever - Biodiesel.

Just found this link today, a professional conversion company with an impressive track record: Elsbett.

[kpaske]

Joe -

After reading a few of those articles, I'm seriously considering getting an older diesel car or SUV to experiment with. Since I'm trying my best to save up money right now, it's got to be something I can find for next to nothing (like an early 80's model or earlier). I've been looking around at a few of the old Mercedes, which would be a great candidate, but I'm not very familiar with what else might be available. Do you know if any of the older U.S. Troopers or other SUV's came with diesels? What about turbo models? I'd love to have a nice 4 door Mercedes to cruise the kids around in, but then again, another SUV to do my hauling and dirty work would save a lot of wear and tear on the VX... Hmmm... Any suggestions?