Getting ready for the oil conversion
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
Getting ready for the oil conversion
I know, some of you will think I'm nuts but I'm getting ready to start working on the vegetable oil conversion on my truck (I've done tons of research, don't worry). I have it pretty well figured out, but I do have one last hurdle that I need to overcome and that's the water pump.
I'll be using the engine cooling system to preheat the oil by running it through a a 3/4" or 1" pipe. The piping will probably be 16-20' total length (8-10 feet from the engine compartment to the oil tank and back).
My dilemma... do you think I'll be able to run this off the engine's water pump, or will I need a secondary water pump? My concern is that I might take coolant flow from the engine (or part of the engine), but if the water pump moves as much coolant as I think it does, it won't be an issue. I can always limit the amount of flow through the piping with an orifice.
If I need a secondary pump, I'm not sure where to get one. It would certainly be electrical but frankly, I haven't had much luck finding one that would do the job for less than 200 bucks. Any ideas, or should I just run off the water pump?
I'll be using the engine cooling system to preheat the oil by running it through a a 3/4" or 1" pipe. The piping will probably be 16-20' total length (8-10 feet from the engine compartment to the oil tank and back).
My dilemma... do you think I'll be able to run this off the engine's water pump, or will I need a secondary water pump? My concern is that I might take coolant flow from the engine (or part of the engine), but if the water pump moves as much coolant as I think it does, it won't be an issue. I can always limit the amount of flow through the piping with an orifice.
If I need a secondary pump, I'm not sure where to get one. It would certainly be electrical but frankly, I haven't had much luck finding one that would do the job for less than 200 bucks. Any ideas, or should I just run off the water pump?
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
That's been my thought, but since I have troubles getting the oil because others have the same idea, I haven't pursued it. My hometown is pretty much all ocked up as a local company is buying it and using it for heating the paper printing facility.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
Yeah, I think putting it in series with the heater core is a good idea. I'm planning on insulating the pipes so I won't lose much heat (if any) for the heater. Hopefully soon I'll be smellin' like french fries as I roll down the road.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
Yes, I've researched that. Copper has a catalyzing effect on the oil which throws off its acidity. It's a shame, too, because copper is cheaper, much easier to work with and conducts heat better. Oh well, gotta take the bad with the good.
