How hard is it really?
 

How hard is it really to make biodiesel? i've been thinking about it and thinking me and my mom's boyfriend can make it if its not too hard since we both run diesels daily but it sounds like it might be a bit too complicated. thanks for your input guys

My schools autotech class made some all year and gave it to the students (only 3 of us) that drive diesels. I'm honestly not sure how to make it, but it stinks horribly. They had oils donated from all the local restaurants around the town.

lol it may stink but so does being broke from constantly paying for diesel and the price is goin up

True. I used it for a few weeks, but it killed my fuel mileage. Atleast what they made. If I get biodiesel at the pump, I get better fuel mileage. I went from around 20, down to 16.

Prison I use an appleseed processor. which consists of an hot water heater, electric pump, and various valves and ways of getting my chemicals mixed with the oil. I will say this Titration is the key and having good WVO helps quite a bit. if you need more info this forum is one of the best SVO-BioDiesel did have some issues with my early 99 powerstroke running the stuff at a 50% mix. It loved it! It gave it a small boost in power, slight loss in fuel economy, and the Truck just ran smoother. The down side: I will get to that tomorrow night with pics time for bed.

ha ok thanks man. i was thinkin about runnin maybe 80 to 100 percent bio. show me the setup too and can i build it myself and at what cost?

Hot water heaters you could buy used and cheap. The pump you could buy at harbor freight at $30.00 Check out the SVO Website they have all of the details. Give me a little time I will post up some of the issues tied with running over 50% mix.

if i do the water heater i'm gonna have to switch it to 110 for ease of use.

I am thinkin about an alterative fuel too, The shit is really gonna hit the fan this summer and I want to be ready. there are a few different kinds to consider; Straight Veggie Oil, Biodiesel, Waste Veggie etc. I was also thinkin maybe a CNG, propane or water meth. kit but i dont know of any 7.3 powerstrokes runnin em, so i dont know.... any input??

How to start making bio fuel
 

Start off small. Use left over household items as containers just make sure they have no leaks and seal good. Use virgin cooking oil. Make a small test batch like a 12 oz then repeat it. I advise you do this first instead off spending money on a kit or building your own processor and ending up with a bad batch.

Collecting waste oil, storing it, and processing it is a lot of work all in itself. You will go through trial and error developing a physical/time efficient method of handling your veg oil. Once you have collected and processed some waste oil you should be ready to either blend the veg oil with regular diesel in your tank or make a test batch with the waste oil. When you have mastered creating amber clear test batches of biodiesel with your waste oil you will be ready to buy or make a processor.

I advise you to start off blending filtered and dewatered veg oil with your regular dino pump diesel. I have had many disagree with me on blending veg oil with diesel but it's the easiest and best way to get started. I feel burning veg oil in any amount is better for the environment and the country you live in. Any common rail engine can run up to 30% blend to 70% dino diesel. What this will do is get you comfortable with using veg oil as fuel and it will also clean out your tank. Have extra fuel filters on hand because veg oil is a great cleaning solvent. Dino diesel that comes out the pump is very dirty, you'll see.

I also feel that 2 tank svo systems are better than making biodiesel because 2 tank systems require no non-rewnewable resources. My 2 cents. Visit youtube for any bio fuel questions.