BioDiesel Performance

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Jun 6, 2005 | 11:20 PM

#16

yooper00

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Any difference in HP/Torque/Mileage running Bio-Diesel compared to straight diesel?

Jun 7, 2005 | 12:07 PM

#17

fellro86

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From: Marengo, Iowa

the methanol is removed, making lye, (glycerin) to be reused again... I agree though, that not all the methanol is removed, and that is the problem with the rubber, but methanol also wreaks havoc on steel as well, but in low enough concentration, will only bother the rubber... I never claimed WVO or SVO bothered the fuel lines or anyhting, but I mixed some clean vegatable oil with diesel, and it made quite the mess in the jug I put them in, they separated quite well.
http://www.diybiodiesel.com/site/1330247/page/536307

Myth - All home-made biodiesel must be "washed" before it can be used.
Fact - Biodiesel which has had all the glycerin and methanol removed can be used with confidence, especially in simpler diesel devices like generators, tractors, and home heating furnaces. Washing biodiesel removes the trace soaps (which petroleum diesel also has) and is recommended if you want to be extra cautious about your biodiesel.

Jun 11, 2005 | 04:43 PM

#18

nick88f150

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From: fremont ohio

Anyone see the Trucks! where he shows how to make Bio-Deisel? Pretty interesting. He showed a kit you can buy. Looks like a still, haha.

Jun 14, 2005 | 07:42 PM

#19

tdister

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From: central TX

Bio has about 5% less energy than petrol diesel gallon for gallon. A little of this is made up for from it's lubricity. Some say they can tell a diff, some can't. I can tell a little but nothing bad (but the most powerful vehicle I've run it in has ~120 hp). Usually I'm running SVO/WVO though and this is slightly more pronounced, but again nothing bad. If possible advancing the inj. timing can help restore any lost power, as well as reduce emissions.

If mixing SVO and petro, don't go much over ~10-15% SVO. I usually add 1 gallon of veg. oil to a little over 9 gallons of No.2 in my main tank. Anything more and seperation could be expected. Adding the oil AFTER the diesel helps it mix better in the tank. The warmer the better.

Biodiesel can harm older rubber hoses. Though most seem to get away without, I did put new rubber in my '84.

Jun 15, 2005 | 05:20 PM

#20

drewworm

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Joined: Jun 2005

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From: SoCal

If you missed the episode of "TRUCKS", I would recommend trying to find it somewhere. Stacy, the host, went through the whole process. Depending on how nasty the used vege oil is determines how much lye needs to be added to the methanol. The lye/methanol mixture is then added to the vege oil and mixed for a hour or so. There is a "sludge" at the bottom of the tank that needs to be drained off. I doubt this sludge is re-useable. A person could wash the bio-diesel that remains if they wish. Key point: The lye is ADDED, NOT a by-product. The lye breaks down the oil and the remaining hydrocarbons bond to the methanol is the way I understood it. Stacy pumped the mixture straight into an '01 Dodge and ran the hell out of her. The truck was obviously modded (but Stacy also disclosed this) and it smoked the tires for a heck of a long burnout. The whole process looks tempting, but I'm not sure if I want to risk running anything that may harm my '03 baby. Especially after seeing the thread from the "warrantee troll".