Veg oil in my 2001 TDi 90bhp Octavia-my Experiences so far..

[320touring]

My new to me 2001 Skoda Octavia has a 90bhp ALH engine and is completely stock.

It came with 3/4 a tank of Diesel, and I have just purchased 100L of 1 micron filtered WVO as well.

As soon as I get the brakes sorted I should be in a position to start running a full tank of diesel through to get a baseline mpg in normal use. The car has a 55l tank,and will be fully serviced prior to starting the experiment.

Then I will run a 20-25% (11-13.5l)wvo mix through and compare.
The next tank will be a 40-50% (22-27l) wvo mix.
Then 65-75% (35.5-41.25l)wvo mix.
Lastly i will try 85-90% (46.75-49.5l)wvo mix

If wvo cannot be sourced, I will substitute with fresh SVO as required.

I can keep a log of any running issues encountered, and mpg figures per tank, along with an understanding of external factors.

I will have a supply of fuel filters present to allow swapping out as the system initially gets used to the svo.

Dependant on my mileage I should have data complete within 3 months or so.

[320touring]

Yesterday was the start of this experiment.

Car had the brakes repaired and the tyres checked/properly inflated. I also checked the oil level and topped it up. A full service kit will be ordered this week.

To start off it was time for the baseline all derv tank:
I filled from just over half, and using the tank vent managed to fit in £29 @ 119.9/L (24.18l)





I then both readings on the trip computer (1&2) and took a leisurely drive home via a mix of Motorway/town and B roads..
Distance covered:

Average speed:

Predicted Range:

Apparent average MPG(accuracy unknown):

[deejaaa]

seems like I've read this before. groundhog day?
I want to see damages to injectors, fuel filters, GP's, sending unit, algae growth, after 30,000 miles.

[RustyLugNut]

Originally Posted by deejaaa

seems like I've read this before. groundhog day?
I want to see damages to injectors, fuel filters, GP's, sending unit, algae growth, after 30,000 miles.

The VW TDi is not a good candidate for waste vegetable oil (WVO) or straight vegetable oil (SVO). For various reasons. But, the OP seems determined so I'll sit back and see what transpires.

Cars like the old Mercedes Benz Diesels are ideal. Durable pump. Indirect injection and glow plugs and relatively easy maintenance.

The other is the quality of your oil source and how it is processed. An industrial centrifuge is a necessity for long filter life and zero fuel system problems.

I have several MB diesel powered vehicles with WVO running through them. No untoward problems. Of course I have engineered my own fuel heater system and the mild weather here in San Diego is ideal for these vehicles. Of the three vehicles that we have, the 85 MB 190D has the most time on WVO. It was rescued from an insurance wrecking yard at 70k miles and run on WVO and gasoline for about 10 years. A university student purchased it about 10 years later and did the same for another 10 years. I have had it for the last 10 years and it is driven daily on long and short trips. The odometer broke at 595 K miles and via volume of fuel used and calculated fuel mileage, it has passed 700K miles and is approaching 800k miles.

Just because someone has had horror stories with WVO does not mean it is not worth trying. Just do some research and measure your capabilities to execute a course of action that will provide you with one of the cheapest and greenest forms of transportation.

[RustyLugNut]

. . . you might want to read through this blog from a local Los Angeles gal who has run wvo in her 2001 TDi for about 40k miles. As of the 2012 date of her writing. Her failures and successes might be a good guideline for you. She is an activist and thus was running 100% WVO, which I do not suggest. She also went through several iterations of set ups. She briefly mentions a diesel van she also had converted.

The TDi can run safely on WVO but you must be more vigilant in both set up and fueling.

Running Your Car on WVO, Part 5: Risks and Rewards ‹ Tonya Kay

[320touring]

Cheers for the feedback chaps, and the links.


The car was super cheap, and I'm not reliant on it, hence the attempt at experimenting-sometimes you only know by doing

[deejaaa]

here's another doing the same thing:
running wvo/svo blend-if I Record my experiences, would people be interested? - TDIClub Forums
why i thought it was groundhog day.

[320touring]

Originally Posted by deejaaa

here's another doing the same thing:
running wvo/svo blend-if I Record my experiences, would people be interested? - TDIClub Forums
why i thought it was groundhog day.

That is I

[deejaaa]

Originally Posted by 320touring

That is I

now you see why i thought it was groundhog day. thought i was crazy.

[hege]

Have you done a ventectomy? There is a small vent in the filler tube that helps fill the tank 100%. You can press it with the pistol while filling up or remove the mechanism.

Without it I couldn't fill much over 40 liters in the tank. After I got 56 liters.