Running my Vauxhall Astra on veg oil

mikey72

worried_jim wrote: »

Whilst trawling the net for further info I came accros this-

http://pesn.com/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/

Acetone drastically reduces the surface tension. Most fuel molecules are sluggish with respect to their natural frequency. Acetone has an inherent molecular vibration that "stirs up" the fuel molecules, to break the surface tension. This results in a more complete vaporization with other factors remaining the same. More complete vaporization means less wasted fuel, hence the increased gas mileage from the increased thermal efficiency.
In addition to increased mileage acetone added to fuel boasts other benefits such as increased power, engine life, and performance. Less unburned fuel going past the rings keeps the rings and engine oil in far better condition.

How long before I find a site telling me that Buxton spring water can be added to your tank to aid a smooth running engine. Very interesting article though, has anybody tried it?

Acetone has been one of these urban legends for a while. I have seen articles claiming it's a miracle, others that it does nothing, and damages the rubber or polymers in the fuel lines and pump and injectors. (I've also read about injecting steam into the manifold of petrol engines, so close enough to the spring water?)

rev_henry

mikey72 wrote: »

Acetone has been one of these urban legends for a while. I have seen articles claiming it's a miracle, others that it does nothing, and damages the rubber or polymers in the fuel lines and pump and injectors. (I've also read about injecting steam into the manifold of petrol engines, so close enough to the spring water?)

Surely if it was true to any noticeable degree acetone would be put in our petrol already from the pumps, as engine detergent is now?

mikey72

rev_henry wrote: »

Surely if it was true to any noticeable degree acetone would be put in our petrol already from the pumps, as engine detergent is now?

Depends on which article you think is correct.
Or if it does rot the seals in the pumps as well as the car (supposedly).
Or if you entertain the theory that petrol companies wouldn't want to increase your mpg.
Who knows, I've never found an official back to back test.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

The used vegetable oil you're thinking about will be full of water. You'll need to let it stand for a few days, to separate, and you should also consider (if it doesn't already have one) modifying the fuel filter to include a water separator.

Volcano

worried_jim wrote: »

Acetone drastically reduces the surface tension. Most fuel molecules are sluggish with respect to their natural frequency. Acetone has an inherent molecular vibration that "stirs up" the fuel molecules, to break the surface tension. This results in a more complete vaporization with other factors remaining the same. More complete vaporization means less wasted fuel, hence the increased gas mileage from the increased thermal efficiency.

That bit, from a scientific viewpoint, is complete rubbish. Another warning sign is the lament of the conspiracy theorist; there's always a "it's information THEY don't want you to know!" that gives the game away.

If something works, there's no keeping it quiet (how happy do you think the oil companies are about people using veg oil? They let that slip but manage to keep acetone under wraps? :rolleyes:)

Don't even get me started about 'magnets on your fuel lines' :mad:.

Oh and to remove water from oil you can heat it to around 110C or more and let the water boil off.

worried_jim

Volcano wrote: »

That bit, from a scientific viewpoint, is complete rubbish. Another warning sign is the lament of the conspiracy theorist; there's always a "it's information THEY don't want you to know!" that gives the game away.

If something works, there's no keeping it quiet (how happy do you think the oil companies are about people using veg oil? They let that slip but manage to keep acetone under wraps? :rolleyes:)

Don't even get me started about 'magnets on your fuel lines' :mad:.

Oh and to remove water from oil you can heat it to around 110C or more and let the water boil off.

The oil has already been left standing for a week and it is lighter in colour in the bottom 20% of the barrel, this I assume is the stuff I don't need. The plan is to pour it through 2 J cloths in to a barrel with a tap at the bottom (wine making kit) and leave it for a week, open the tap and drain of the 20% which I am unable to use and return to work for its safe disposal. I have added some redex to the tank today to help clear any crap off the injectors and hopefully clear some carbon off as well in preparation for my home brew.

mikey72

A double barrel system is a good idea, ie, draw off the bottom of the first barrel, then put the draw offs into a second barrel to let them settle out, then dispose of the drawoffs from the second barrel to maximise the amount of oil you can use.
If you can't do this, a double tap is as good, and easier. ie, tap at the bottom for the sludge, and another tap halfway up to draw off the good oil. Fill it up, let it settle, if it settles above the top tap, draw off some of the sludge, let it settle again, then draw off the good oil, then draw off the sludge and start again. Any good oil below the level of the top tap leave in, then when you fill up with the WVO it will settle out again.
Demin is suppose to be a good filter material as well. Add an amount of diesel to the draw off barrels, stops any bacteria, fungus, and even insect growth. And premix the oil with diesel if you can before you add it to the tank, even if you can't manage the full mix, it helps stop the oil settling at the bottom of the tank, and solidifying on cold mornings.
Heating the oil is also worthwhile.

Good thread on
http://www.vegetableoildiesel.co.uk/forum/viewthread.php?tid=89&page=1

worried_jim

Great link mikey 72 !
read this regarding water in the oil-
How do you determine whether the oil has water in it?
After heating and filtering, take a sample of oil and put it in a frypan. apply heat and check to see if it "spits" or "pops". This is water boiling off. If you still have water in the oil after filtering, it is time to de-water the oil.

Bob_the_Saver

bryanb wrote: »

I believe you refer to biodiesel regarding tax. Used veg oil is not biodiesel. perhaps a call to HMRC would clarify the tax position.

If you don't check they'll send the Frying Squad round!

jeannieblue

We've recently had to sort out a Land Cruiser where someone had tried a similar idea........ talk about nearly kill a good car! Cost a fortune to put it right.