Almost any diesel car can run on biodiesel without major modifications. Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic, renewable resources. Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend. These blends are sold using a system called the "B factor," which denotes the percentage of biodiesel contained within a petrol/bio mix. Biodiesel is simple to use, biodegradable, nontoxic, and essentially free of sulfur and aromatics.
Only diesel engines can run on biodiesel. All engines that run on #2 diesel can also be run on biodiesel. This means, home furnaces, generators, half-trucks, homestead tools, fishing boats, etc.
No major conversion is needed if the car has a diesel engine. Just replace the rubber fuel lines with metal ones since biodiesel is known to wear rubber fuel lines down. Biodiesel is a solvent and as such will also begin cleaning your diesel engine and your fuel method releasing accumulated diesel deposits. The release of deposits may clog filters initially and precautions should be taken. You can switch from biodiesel back to diesel and vice versa anytime you want.
Warning! If you have a 2008 or 2009 car or light duty diesel truck, Biodiesel in any blend will dilute your motor oil. If you convert a VW it may cause your "check engine" light to go on, but if you change your oil often you should be fine.
Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) is not the same as biodiesel and an expensive conversion kit is pretty much mandatory for SVO-only operation. SVO cannot meet biodiesel fuel specifications, it is not registered with the EPA, and it is not a legal motor fuel.
Take Action:
- Visit your local biodiesel retailer today. Go to Autopia Biofuels Eco Store and Biodiesel Filling Station, at 1025 S. Railroad Ave., San Mateo, phone is 650.571.1863.
- Search a list of all SF Bay Area members of the Sustainable Biodiesel Retailers Alliance (SBRA) and their locations at
- Convert to SVO-only use
- Write a letter and tell the auto manufacturers to fix the motor oil dilution problem in new diesel engines. Sample letter and manufacturer names and addresses.
More Resources:
Official Site of the National Biodiesel Board
Tags: Gasoline and Fuel Efficiency, Air Quality, Autopia Biofuels, Diesel, Straight Vegetable Oil, Sustainable Biodiesel Retailers Alliance (SBRA)
Citations:
http://www.autopiabiofuels.com
http://howto.wired.com/wiki/Convert_a_Car_to_Biodiesel
http://convert-your-car.freeroller.net/tag/biodiesel
Picture:
www.discountcapital.com
Biofuel is a step in the right direction, but does have its draw-backs. Check out these links for more details:
Learn more about the anti-biofuel controversy and find comprehensive, detailed information about making and using biodiesel, ethanol, and straight vegetable oil at http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html
Find more information about the pros and cons of biofuels and links to specific articles about biodiesel and ethanol at http://www.buzzle.com/articles...ofuel.html
Find specific information about the Food Versus Fuel Debate. Find two perspectives at http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel_food.html and http://www.sciencedaily.com/re...091525.htm
