Converting to UCO

[DifferentPointofView]

Well basically... I'd like to know everything and anything about converting a diesel to WVO/UCO. I'm really looking into buying a VW Rabbit diesel, and running SVO into it. I'd like to use a 1 tank system, and spend as little as possible.

My first questions are, do 1 tank systems use the original fuel tank? if not, how big is the one they provide? how would i hook this stuff up exactly? etc. etc.

I'm going for the advantage of not ever having to use diesel fuel. I'm going for lowest emissions possible and looking at spending no money after the conversion (aside from filters and car maintanance)

All forms of info are welcome, especially the "things to know before thinking about converting" and similar things.

Also, anyone who knows lots about the VW Rabbit, send me a Private message or email me. I'll give you my private email if you send me a PM.

Thanks all

[Clev]

I think the reason for the 2-tank system is so you can purge the SVO out of the system before you shut down, as SVO needs to be hot to flow correctly.

I wonder if you can preheat the fuel rail and fuel lines enough (maybe with some nichrome wire?) to start cold and run directly off SVO.

BTW, I haven't priced it out in a while, but SVO used to be under $3/gallon in the larger drums that Costco sold. Might be an option if you don't want the mess of having to filter WVO.

[DifferentPointofView]

I've done a little research on the 2 tank systems, and it seems that they are a lot towards the low quality, not much research done on them systems, and require the use of diesel, which I am totally staying away from.

A 1 tank system requires no purging, and you can start up and go all year round. They are safer,but they cost a little more. You can also mix diesel/bio diesel/and UCO all together in the tank.

I don't mind filtering out the WVO. I'd like to have some fun experimenting and taking time on this, so I'm looking for pretty much any info and precautions while going into this.

Theres a company in germany called ELSBETT that makes professional 1 tank systems. They've been doing it for 30 years and the systems are tested and are known by DIYers to not be a scam. They use specially made injector nozzles, increased injection pressure and stronger glow-plugs, in addition to fuel pre-heating. There are 2 filters and on one filter, theres a fuel heater that heats the oil until the engine coolant gets to 160degrees, in which the heater exchanger switches off the fuel pre-heater and uses the heat from the coolant to heat the fuel. theres also a manual fuel pump thing to clear the remaining fuel from the fuel lines after you have stopped the vehicle.

[DifferentPointofView]

Oh, would anyone have any info on like, what to use for filtering the WVO?

[dremd]

Glad to see you back here.

I originally was going to do a conversion for WVO; but in the end I ended up going with tried and true BioDiesel.

That being Said.

If it gets cold where you live Go for a 2 tank! You can use the original tank as either primary or secondary.

I have a buddy with an F-250 running 2 tank Veegie, works well.

Do you have a car in mind?

[dremd]

For filtering some use filter bags (jeans work well) and/ or whole house water filters. Some people also use TP final filters.

[DifferentPointofView]

I'm planning on getting an old diesel rabbit to do the conversion on. I love those cars.

From my understanding, 2 tank systems that are marketed are made poorly, and the chance of engine failure is higher with these systems.

So if I filter it, using bluejeans, then a tap water filter is what I should do? How would I get the pressure to get the WVO to flow through the water filter?

[dremd]

Rabbit is a good choice for wvo.

Where did you get the info about poor quality of 2 tank systems? You definitely have to assemble them properly, and i'd bet that some components are picky. If you want something really nice, just build one, they are not that complicated.

Honestly I CAN NOT see a single tank setup making it through an Illinois winter.

To pump the oil through a water filter you can use a 1" harbor freight water pump (2 in series if you don't want to heat it). Jeans should be sufficient alone . . .

[DifferentPointofView]

I found a diesel jetta, I'm hoping that its a stick. It was on craigslist and they are selling it as a parts car. they said that it ran 4 years ago before it was parked. And they have it listed at $1 (probably have to call for the price.)

If he just wants to get rid of it, I"ll take it off his hands, and then tow it home and make it run if it doesn't. Then I'll convert it to WVO.

I don't know if its a good site for info, but they seem to know what they are talking about. They say that single tank systems are the only ones that they recommend.

Straight vegetable oil as diesel fuel: Journey to Forever

The thing is, I'd like to stay CLEAR away from using any fossil fuel at all. that excludes using diesel.