Alternative fuels?
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 516
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From: Upstate NY
Alternative fuels?
I know we all love our trucks but the fuel prices are not where they should be. I,ve heard of all sorts of home brewed fuels, used motor oil, used trans oil, WVO, bio..... I'm looking to save some money at the pump but still be able to drive my truck. Already discussed it with the gf about taking her wheels sometimes. Which she is fine with but both of us rather take my truck. I'm not worried about losing a little hp, or a little MPG if it is cost effective. I just don't want to trash the motor. I've have started looking into making my own biodiesel. Just not sure about the kits and how much work it is to get the fuel right.
So I guess my question is, Who has tried what and with what kind of results?
Thanks in advance.
So I guess my question is, Who has tried what and with what kind of results?
Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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I would get ahold of Jason over at Dino Fuel Alternatives and see what he can help you with. From what I have read his system is the leader for WVO, and is completely turn-key. Unlike some other options, he has made his system to where you don't have to worry about your engine or spend al your time preping the fuel.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 516
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY
Thanks for the replies. I think I am leaning away from a staight WVO system due to the fact I'd like to be able to run it in the tractors as well. But I'd still like your experiences. You can never have to much information on stuff like this.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,541
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From: Dallas-Ft. Worth
I would make my own bio -- *if* I had the time, space, and oil source. Sounds like that would be your best solution. You may have to change out some rubber parts on the tractors to be compatible with bio though. It will eat rubber seals and hoses, but those parts can be changed to be compatible with bio. Have you looked in the alternative fuels section of this site? If not, have a look:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum168/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forum168/
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,573
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From: Seattle
Beyond the $.70/gallon in my raw costs (methanol and potassium hydroxide), you'll need to factor in your time, and space issues. Before you get serious about it, do a little research on procuring your waste fryer oil. That alone can be the biggest challenge. I've seen enough people spend time and effort building their processors and wash systems, only to later find out they can't find any waste oil.
If you have the time and fabrication skills, you'll be better off making your own processor, whether it be a 55 gallon drum set up like mine, or an appleseed (water heater). Cheaper ($200-$500), than those plastic cone bottom set ups ($1000-$3000).
Here's a link to check out for starters:
http://www.make-biodiesel.org/
I have my own reasons beyond economics for doing it, and it is a pretty involved hobby. Properly made, it's the best fuel you can put in your tank as far as lubricity, and it's strong solvent properties keep it all clean. 7.3's run very well on bio. Quieter and smoother.
If you have the time and fabrication skills, you'll be better off making your own processor, whether it be a 55 gallon drum set up like mine, or an appleseed (water heater). Cheaper ($200-$500), than those plastic cone bottom set ups ($1000-$3000).
Here's a link to check out for starters:
http://www.make-biodiesel.org/
I have my own reasons beyond economics for doing it, and it is a pretty involved hobby. Properly made, it's the best fuel you can put in your tank as far as lubricity, and it's strong solvent properties keep it all clean. 7.3's run very well on bio. Quieter and smoother.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Upstate NY
Thanks Izzy, I have the space to make my own bio. Just don't wanna spend all the money on the equpment if there is another alternative. I just posted a thread on that forum.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Upstate NY
Alvin, great info thanks. I have the skills to build one just not sure what I need to do it. I'm def interested in building my own.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: VA
I make my own bio as well and it is an involved hobby. I had a steady oil source before I started, but they soon went out of business. I have a few friends in the police force around town and they talked to their jails and I get my oil from the local jails around town. I think I have a steady source for life! Its about 25 gallons every 2 weeks from the 3 and I stagger the pickup times so I always have it when/if I need it. I have storage in my barn for the oil as well.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Buffalo NY
jt - I'm in WNY, I have a V3 and I know a handful of other guys in NYS that do as well. If you want an alternative fuel, I highly recommend WVO with the V3. I get free WVO, I buy it for $0.25-$1.50/gal, I do whatever I have to to get my hands on it, and it has saved me thousands. Totally worth every dime. I have a guy in Adams NY that has great filtered oil, and depending on where you are (or how far from Buffalo you are) I can get you oil if you're concerned with that. Converting the truck takes a night in the shop, and then you're ready to go. I haven't filtered a drop of oil yet, and I have about 20k on the kit without a single complaint.
Give me a call if you're local, I'll let you check out my truck.
716 - 901 - 1081, Jack.
Give me a call if you're local, I'll let you check out my truck.
716 - 901 - 1081, Jack.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 516
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From: Upstate NY
Tristan, I also have the place to store it. I'm going to start asking around to see where I can get the WVO oil from. Just to make sure I have access to enough to make it worth my time.
Jack, I'm in central NY about 30 mins south of Utica. I like the sound of the just being able to run it but I'd like to be able to run it in the tractor and in the shop heater also. So I think I'm leaning more towards making bio, but I haven't deceided yet.
Jack, I'm in central NY about 30 mins south of Utica. I like the sound of the just being able to run it but I'd like to be able to run it in the tractor and in the shop heater also. So I think I'm leaning more towards making bio, but I haven't deceided yet.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: VA
When it gets cold I dont make it at all. So all spring and summer I make it like crazy. I dont have heat in my barn so theres no point in me trying. Make sure you take that into account living up in NY.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,573
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From: Seattle
But, the only real issue is that I'm using way more energy to get everything up to temp. My set up uses a band heater on the wvo barrel, and the wash tank and processor utilize water heater elements wired 110v. So you can imagine how long it takes to heat up 45 gallons of wvo or bio from 15F vs. 70F. (Heating 45 gallons at 70F ambient temp takes 2 hours to get to 135F)
I wish I could be more like Tristan and shut down bio making for the winter. But for me it's kind of an addiction.
