FAQ
Frequently Answered Questions

What is Biodiesel?

Vegetable or other natural oils are thicker than diesel fuel, so must be thinned in order to properly combust. Biodiesel is the result of oil that has been chemically treated through a process called transesterification to remove the glycerin and thereby thin the oil. This process uses an industrial alcohol such as methanol and a catalyst substance such as lye to convert the oil into a fatty acid methyl ester fuel. The fuel is registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as legal for use in any concentration with petroleum-based diesel fuel, for the operation of both highway and non-road diesel vehicles.

Is this like SVO Conversion?

SVO stands for Straight Vegetable Oil, and this method of biofuels adds a secondary fuel system onto engines that warms the vegetable oil to thin it. Explore more about SVO Conversion Kits.

Will it work with my Vehicle?

Biodiesel is a fuel for any diesel engine. Biodiesel performs similarly to regular diesel fuel and can be used with no modifications to the diesel engine or the vehicle. One consideration is the solvent properties of Biodiesel can result in a slow degradation of rubber fuel lines over an extended course of time, so it is beneficial to use Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines. Almost every vehicle after the mid eighties already has this type of fuel line. It is a simple procedure to update your fuel lines if necessary. Biodiesel is more affected by extreme cold so an electric heater or liquid heat exchanger should be added to the vehicle for maximum assurance of effectiveness in cold operating environments. Find these in our ebay store.

What do I need to make biodiesel?

This system comes with everything you need to get started except oil, methanol, and lye. To find and gather oil, check out the WVO Filtration Guide. Because you’ll be using chemicals to refine your oil, you should always be sure you’re wearing protective safety gear before starting the process, such as goggles, gloves, protective apron and boots.

If you will be transferring biodiesel, consider the fuel transfer pumps above, as they are designed specifically for the thickness and chemical makeup of the fuel. Because initial use of Biodiesel can release deposits previously accumulated on tank walls and pipes, it’s recommended that the fuel filter be changed after the first tank of Biodiesel.

How do I store biodiesel?

It can be stored in your processing unit or pumped into barrels or drums. If your biodiesel will be stored for some time consider adding biocides, which are additives designed to stop the growth of microorganisms. Remember also the tendency for biodiesel to over time cause slow degredation to rubber parts, so choose containers that are free of rubber or are have sythetic rubber.