With all the talk about the issues with the
environment coupled with ever increasing fuel prices, many are exploring the
advantages of making
biodiesel at home.
There are different types of oils used to make
biodiesel, ranging from any of the basic vegetable oils or even mineral oil. The additives used vary depending on where the information for the mix was obtained and can also depend on availability at the time.
The additives serve different purposes but for the most part are mixed in a
proportion that
enhances the octane of the
mixture and keeps the viscosity of the fuel in a state that is
free flowing and easier for the engine to burn. No matter the type of oil or other
ingredients that are used to make
biodiesel, the absolute most important thing is that it Must be as clean and free of
particles as possible. There is no reason old, used
deep fryer oil cannot be used to make
biodiesel. However it is very important to understand that it must be filtered and any free floating materials should be removed. If not, at the very least the fuel filter may plug
prematurely and other damage to the engine may occur.
The
biggest advantage of course to making
biodiesel at home is simply that it is cheaper to burn than standard diesel fuel. Even though most information shows that there may not be a general increase in power and actual miles per gallon (may be a little less over regular diesel fuel), but from a cost standpoint you will still be money ahead. Looking at it from the sense of miles per dollar versus mile per gallon, by acquiring the ingredients and making it yourself, the average cost of a gallon of
bio-diesel can be as low as 25 percent or even lower than the average cost of a gallon of regular diesel fuel. Simply put, for the same amount of money you could possibly go 4 times further on the same amount of
bio-diesel gallon wise than with diesel.
Another thing that some have noted is that the engine seems to run a little quieter with
biodiesel and does not give off as much smoke. There is speculation that, because of the general make-up of the oils used,
biodiesel is actually much better for the engine simply because it's a great general
lubricant. Final but not least, utilizing
biodiesel is about becoming friendly towards the atmosphere.
