Fortunately we've just been getting the outer bands from Rita. Like Katrina, it has a really big reach! As native Floridians though, we just can't understand how folk continually fail in understanding how to deal with these storms.

It'll be interesting to see how the oil platforms fare after this one. News is already reporting several Texas refineries and nuke plants shutting down in preparation, so I'm sure the pump price is already cruising upwards again in reaction. Most of the diesel around here has stayed just below regular price, which I can only assume is because it's supply structure is slightly different than gasoline.

One nice thing about diesel is that it's very unlikely to ever see a station out of it. If that happens, then the big rigs stop moving and that's a very bad thing.

Here's a few pics of my biodiesel test bed after pick-up yesterday:




We're getting our "short list" of local restaurants to approach about using some of their waste oil, but initially are looking to buy some bulk vegetable oil to begin with. We'd rather determine the validity of the process before getting some restaurant excited and potentially souring them on dealing with biodiesel folk in the event we decide not to pursue it. Plus we want to be sure we've got drums and such for collection/pickup so we can maintain a professional relationship with the restaurants if we do decide to go full biodiesel.

Speaking of which, found out I know someone with some connections to Isuzu international which means the potential for less expensive 4JG2 engines than importing from the UK. But I'm not ruling out the possibility of repowering the VX with a Mercedes turbo-diesel either, just gotta figure which will give the best power and economy versus parts and serviceability.

First off though, the Mercedes needs some basic service! The fuel tank gets pulled out Saturday for a good steaming as it's chock-full of rust and algae. Still runs good, but the new filters are already choking up and the transparent one looks like it's got mud in it. After that I'll do a good injector pump and injector cleaning, followed by and oil changed to Mobil-1 then finally a valve adjustment. Then we'll be ready for our first tank of biodiesel knowing there won't be any crud in the fuel system to knock loose!