The Pros & Cons Of Running An Old Diesel On Used Vegetable Oil
Introduction to Miles, the Skoda Octavia
Overview of the Vehicle
- Introducing "Miles," a diesel Skoda Octavia known for its impressive fuel efficiency of around 75 mpg and a range exceeding 800 miles on a single tank.
- The vehicle can run on waste vegetable oil, making it cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Purifying Waste Vegetable Oil
Filtration Process
- The speaker plans to purify used vegetable oil sourced from local fish and chip shops, using three 20-liter containers.
- Initial filtration involves straining the crude oil into a bucket, removing solid debris like crispy bits from fried food.
Second Filtration Attempt
Enhancing Purity
- A second round of filtration is conducted to further clean the waste vegetable oil, emphasizing that it requires multiple steps for effective purification.
- After letting the oil settle for over a week, additional cleaning methods are employed to ensure it's suitable for use in the car.
Draining Diesel Fuel
Transitioning to Vegetable Oil
- The process includes completely draining the existing diesel fuel from Miles' tank before filling it with purified vegetable oil.
- Assistance is required due to complications with an anti-siphon valve; professionals help drain the tank efficiently.
Driving on Waste Vegetable Oil
Performance Insights
- After refueling with waste vegetable oil, Miles operates smoothly without noticeable differences compared to running on diesel.
- Key indicators include similar acceleration and sound; however, there’s a distinct smell associated with burning vegetable oil.
Environmental Impact and Benefits
Emissions Analysis
- Using waste vegetable oil reduces hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide emissions but slightly increases nitrous oxide levels.
- Despite some drawbacks in emissions, overall environmental benefits are highlighted as significant.
Drawbacks of Using Vegetable Oil
Challenges Faced
- Waste vegetable oil is thicker than diesel, which can strain fuel pumps and lead to quicker clogging of injectors during cold starts.
- It has lower calorific value than diesel, resulting in reduced energy output and potentially worse fuel consumption rates.
Cost Savings Analysis
Financial Implications
- Calculating annual savings shows that driving 10,000 miles at 40 mpg would cost £1,488 in diesel versus only £284 using waste vegetable oil—yielding substantial savings.
Should You Run Your Old Diesel Car on Waste Vegetable Oil?
Converting to Waste Vegetable Oil
- A common modification for diesel cars is installing an extra fuel tank where the spare wheel typically resides, allowing users to switch between diesel and waste vegetable oil (WVO).
- The speaker plans to run a vehicle named "Miles" solely on waste vegetable oil, emphasizing the importance of using diesel before switching off to prevent damage.
Challenges of Using Waste Vegetable Oil
- Sourcing and cleaning waste vegetable oil can be time-consuming and messy; it requires filtering the oil down to about 5 microns, which is significantly finer than human hair.
- It's crucial to verify if your old diesel car can handle WVO; many older models, like certain Mercedes and French diesels, are compatible.
Resources for Conversion
- A recommended resource is the book "From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank," which provides comprehensive information on converting vehicles for WVO use.
- In the UK, individuals can legally use up to 2,500 liters of WVO without incurring tax, provided they keep accurate records in case of inquiries.
Environmental Impact and Cost Benefits
- Running a diesel engine on waste vegetable oil not only saves money but also benefits the environment by utilizing what would otherwise be discarded.
- The speaker recalls driving a Peugeot 405 on WVO and humorously mentions enjoying the experience of leaving behind black smoke when accelerating.