Bio-Fuel

[JasperFrank]

I have a lead where by I can have all the old fry oil from a local store for free. 20 Gallons a week. Has any one done this before? Have you made your own Bio-Fuel, and how did that work out?

 

[mddorange]

All I can buy in this area now is Bio-Fuel. That is when I started having algae problems but a little Bio-Cide took care of that.

 

[thepumpguysc]

It has to be "processed" before it can be used.. u cant just pour it in an engine..
MY opinion is PASS.. your asking for trouble.. EXPENSIVE trouble..
What do u plan on doing w/ it.?? IF its to run your diesel engine, what kind??
Injection systems are too expensive to "play around" with.. but its your money..
& I'm always around when u need it repaired.Lol

 

[jbrumberg]

Biodiesel has a higher gel point temperature than petro diesel and as posted will "lift" the crud in the fuel system and needs further processing.

 

[marchanna]

From what i’m to understand, waste fry oil is a poor starting material, but it can be turned into a high quality diesel fuel. That being said, it will likely take you a while before you have a decent process and recipe nailed down. The others all make good points also. Before using it, you should start using a good quality fuel system cleaner additive, to gradually clean all the varnish and other deposits out of your fuel system, becuase the bio-diesel will aggressively strip it out and potentially cause you some issues. You will also need to add an anti-gel and dispersant additive to your biofuel depending on your climate, and how thorough you are able to ‘wash’ your biofuel.

You will also need a good source for methanol, you will need a fair bit, and you should look for lab grade or highly pure KOH (potassium hydroxide, caustic potash) in order to get the best results.

I say, if you have the time and resources, have at’er!

 

[texasranger556]

Anyone I knew that tried it gave up after a while. If you like a challenge go for it. Takes a lot of time and effort.

 

[LouNY]

There are still a few making bio-diesel from used fryer oil,
a lot less then a few years ago.
It is a time consuming and labor intensive process to make good fuel,
and there is considerable waste generated that has to be disposed of or a use found for.

 

[oosik]

Fortunately, I not found any bio-fuel outlets in this area. Guess we just don't eat enough french fries. From what I've seen/read - - the making of bio-fuel is not expected to be a homeowner DIY program.

 

[fruitcakesa]

When we bought our first diesel cars, I made my own biodiesel from local restaurant fry oil for a few years back in the early 2000's.
It is true about the higher gel point and the aggressive cleaning action of biofuels and as mentioned must be properly processed.
Other than a couple of very cold day gelling episodes, I had no issues in the entire time I used the fuel.
I figure I put about 40k miles on my VW TDI and the bonus was , the exhaust smelled liked fried food.
The keys to good bio-processing are determining proper pH, and "washing and drying" the fuel completely.
It was a bit of work and definitely messy but I had the free oil and the time.
My life got much busier over time and I stopped processing years ago.
It is not recommended in the newer, very complex diesels but in older, simpler diesels, it works great.