Today's diesel vehicles are not designed to operate on straight vegetable oil without modification to either the oil or the vehicle. Most people modify the oil into a thinner fuel called Fatty Acid Methyl Esters otherwise known as Biodiesel. At VegieCars, we prefer to modify the Fuel System rather than the fuel.

Biodiesel

The backyard production of Biodiesel involves building a processing plant which heats the oil, then mixing in a chemical which is a mixture of Methanol and Caustic Soda, called Sodium Methoxide, which acts as a catalyst to break the molecular structure of the vegetable oil, which in time separates into two parts - Methyl Esters (Biodiesel) at the top and Methyl Glycerol (waste) at the bottom. Biodiesel can be poured straight into the fuel tank of most unmodified diesel engines as long as the fuel lines and components are not manufactured with natural rubber.

The backyard production of Biodiesel can be a lot of mucking around, messy and dangerous. Sodium Methoxide will kill nerve endings on contact, so you don't even know that you have been burnt by it. The methanol can vaporise, and if the area is not well enough vented you can become a bit drunk or the gas can ignite. There can be problems with water in either the oil or the Methanol causing soap to be suspended in the fuel, and on and on it goes. You are left with a considerable quantity of Methyl Glycerol as by-product, which is a pollutant and difficult to dispose of. Biodiesel is also a great paint stripper, and can lift the paint around your fuel filler if you spill when filling. If poorly manufactured, the fuel can still carry a lot of Caustic Soda, which can attack the shiny surfaces in your injector pump.  Even with these problems, many people make Biodiesel without issues, and swear by it.

At VegieCars, we prefer to convert the fuel system rather than the fuel.

The basic process to convert the fuel system is to ensure that your vegetable oil is clean, the water has been removed, and it is hot to make it more fluid allowing the injector pump to pump it without being stressed and the injectors to atomise the fuel properly offering a clean burn.

VegieCars sell a range of products to assist you with this conversion process. From Basic filtration equipment to fuel processors that both filter the oil and remove water from it. We offer a variety of heating options both electric and coolant operated, as well as options to allow you to operate using your existing fuel tank with the Vegiecars Quick Conversion or install a dedicated vegetable oil fuel tank using a Diesel Purging System.

Quick Conversion

The Vegiecars Quick Conversion system allows you to preheat your fuel lines before starting, thereby eliminating the need for a two tank switch over system. Depending on the type of engine, your climate, and the quality of your vegetable oil, you might find that you will need to blend the vegetable oil with a small amount of Mineral Diesel, Biodiesel or Kerosene for optimum system performance and easier starting.

There are no dodgy secret ingredients or ongoing consumables. The system works by heating the fuel before the injector pump, so that the fuel is thin and lubricates the pump properly. It is then heated again before the injectors to be sure that the fuel will atomize properly, offering a clean burn so that there is no carbon deposits left in the cylinder or blocking the injectors.

Diesel Purging Conversion

A purging system requires the installation of a second fuel tank so that you can have two separate dedicated tanks for the two fuels. The engine is started on Diesel fuel and then switched over to vegetable oil when the engine is at operating temperature.

A purging system is particularly suitable for people in cold climates, older style direct injection engines and for those using a dubious vegetable oil fuel source such as travelers picking up on the run.

A purging system allows you to start quickly and easily on Diesel fuel, with the security of a second fuel system in the case of filter blocking which can occur quickly with poor fuel quality. A purging system allows for the full utilisation of heat from the coolant using heat exchangers in both the filtration system and before the injector pump, reducing pressure on the electrical system.

The easiest way to get started is to purchase the booklet:

"How to operate your diesel vehicle on Straight Waste Vegetable Oil"

This practical guide by Marcus Deuchar explains the basic processes and pitfalls, how to get the best fuel, and parts that you might need. There are many parts that you can make yourself or purchase from your local auto store. The booklet will put you well on the way to designing a system that is specific to your vehicle and your needs, giving you a full understanding of what can go wrong, and how to resolve issues.

This full colour booklet retails for $30 or for $20 if emailed as a PDF version.
Each booklet includes a $15 rebate on future Vegiecars purchases.

Contact us to find out more

convert@VegieCars.com 

3 Waratah Avenue
Belgrave Vic 3160
Australia