Making Biodiesel - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

Tlauden · 08-20-2011, 17:01

Is there anyone here making biodiesel? I've really been looking into the process but it seems tricky and a little dangerous, I mean stuff needs measured and chemicals need mixed etc etc etc. Or am I looking to far into it? I know the deuce will run on straight veggie oil as will many other diesels. But for winter time I would need a second heated tank and valves and the whole 9 yards where if it would be biodiesel I can dump it in the tank and it will act like diesel.

Just curious. I know everyone talks about mixing wvo, WMO, ATF, etc. But no one ever talks about biodiesel???

I just joined a biodiesel forum but it's no where like this site. I posted 1 thread there this morning and there is ZERO views as of right now..... Lol

Thanks in advance
Tyler

Dave08 · 08-20-2011, 21:40

I am just now looking into making biodiesel myself. I have researched it and found some interesting web sites on how to make a reactor out of a water heater. The site also has a lot of information on how to actually make the biodiesel and has several different ways to make it as well as different recipes for it. The web site is Make your own biodiesel: Journey to Forever. The site also recommends that you make a small amount of biodiesel first in order to get the process down and understand what you are doing prior to making large amounts. I am going to give it a try and see how it goes. Recommend that you do a lot of research and reading as I have done and see whether you want to try it or not.
If I really get into it then I have a couple of others that want to coop with me to make the fuel for them as well. This would reduce the cost to all of us and is something that you should consider as well if you start to produce a lot. The cost of chemicals can be shared by all within the coop. Just a thought.
Good luck!
Dave08

transman · 08-20-2011, 22:53

Like most things , it gets easier with practice. Heed the safety warnings concerning the chemicals involved start off small until you a comfortable with all the details . the stuff I brew works well down to the single digit temps.

stampy · 08-20-2011, 23:43

It isn't that hard. From the Fryer to the fuel tank is a good book to start out with. I have made a few batches but now I just heat to remove water, and centrifuge to remove any crap, then I blend it with a little diesel. Works great and my CUCV and Benz love it. The methanol and lye are dangerous chemicals (and expensive too) titrations have to be precise and you have to remove the water from the oil FIRST! befor processing. For any direct injection diesel I would make biodiesel but for a multifuel or indirect injection diesel, I would centrifuge and blend. My 2 cents. There are lots of posts here about alternative fuels. Search and it will be revealed.

Tlauden · 08-21-2011, 07:51

Thanks for the advice. I'm Certainly going to look further into biodiesel. From what I've read even after the chemicals it still pays for itself. I still need a centrifuge for the WMO so I might just go with the filtered wvo/diesel mix. Thanks for the advice though. I'll have to go difgig through the ALT fuels section a bit more

cranetruck · 08-22-2011, 08:04

I like my "tub" method. The methanol and sodium hydroxide are mixed in a separate glass container then added to the heated WVO in the tub and stirred.
Made hundreds of gallons this way over the years.

superburban · 08-22-2011, 12:34

I've been running SVO conversions for about 6 years now. Been making bio for about 5. It's not that hard, once you get over the initial learning curve.
Try out this site:
Forums
They have all of the info, and a ton of old timers that never get tired of helping beginners out.

As to whether it's worth it or not: I drive a 2002 Crew-Cab Ford F350 4x4 with a lift and 35s for my daily driver. It is cheaper than my Honda Accord, even with additional maintenance costs figured in. How's that for affordable.

srodocker · 08-22-2011, 14:14

i got 15gal of vege oil that i wanted to mix with wmo but im not going to until i figure out how to clean it up some...so i'll stay tuned to this thread

superburban · 08-22-2011, 14:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by srodocker

i got 15gal of vege oil that i wanted to mix with wmo but im not going to until i figure out how to clean it up some...so i'll stay tuned to this thread

Clean up the WMO or the veggie oil?

I use time and solar heat to do most of the cleaning of my used cooking oil. I collect the oil in 275 gallon totes, nasty french fry bits and all. Then I let it sit in the sun for a month or so without disturbing it. Most of the particles settle to the bottom, then I draw off the top, heat it, process it, and finally filter it with a 10 microm filter as I'm pumping it into the vehicle. Has worked well for me for 6 years.

srodocker · 08-22-2011, 14:33

i filter my WMo already and put in my truck and i have one of those 275gal totes about 3/4 full thats been sitting with WMO For months now and was wondering if i poured my WVO in and let it sit then just filter as i pump it out into my truck to 5 micro if it would be fine.