New member go easy on me...WVO OR BIO ??

[geedub]

Ok, so hi folks, good to be on here.

Ive previously had an old Merc 2.4d running on filtered WVO .I was very happy with what I achieved but I have a question that will probably make me look like a twat.

Why do people go to the trouble of producing bio when they can run quite a few vehicles on WVO, is it just the fact that you have more vehicles to choose from with bio ?

[Tony]

Hello and welcome! Not a stupid question. Bio works in modern vehicles equipped with common rail and DPFs and all that joy. Even with an older vehicle, it allows leaping in for short cold-started journeys where there wouldn't normally be time to switch from a twin-tanked with diesel, or if single tanked there would be a worry of eventual ring gumming. Then we get into the argument for blending.

Whatever works for you, pretty much

[Dickjotec]

Welcome.
I totally agree with Tony.
Our 3 cars will run on WVO but I choose to make bio. I find I can do a batch every few weeks in a couple of hours on a Sunday morning while gettin on with other jobs nearby. No problems of ring gumming, easy winter starting and no cleaning of grotty bag filters. It is easy to change motors as no conversion is necessary. As the motors are WVO comparable I don't have to worry about making perfect bio, if you decide bio you will learn about conversion tests. I can also have a stock of bio to draw from (I have 400L of bio in stock) where if I use WVO it would need filtering at ambient temp which takes ages in winter.
Everyone has there own reason for choice there is no right answer!

[geedub]

Ah thats the difference  .Thanks for the quick response and explanation Tony.

I need to do some more research and thinking now into vehicle choice and set ups.  I am going to be living in Lithuanian for probably a couple of years and doing 50 mile runs on a regular basis. There is a lot to consider as low miuns temps are a problem here ( - 20 forecast for this weekend ) I am thinking about a Nissan Terrano twin tanked. with some kind of flat plate heater for the WVO. I am not keen on trying to make b100 just yet as I would prefer to have some tuition and advice, and I think I will struggle to get that over here.

 

[geedub]

Welcome.
I totally agree with Tony.
Our 3 cars will run on WVO but I choose to make bio. I find I can do a batch every few weeks in a couple of hours on a Sunday morning while gettin on with other jobs nearby. No problems of ring gumming, easy winter starting and no cleaning of grotty bag filters. It is easy to change motors as no conversion is necessary. As the motors are WVO comparable I don't have to worry about making perfect bio, if you decide bio you will learn about conversion tests. I can also have a stock of bio to draw from (I have 400L of bio in stock) where if I use WVO it would need filtering at ambient temp which takes ages in winter.
Everyone has there own reason for choice there is no right answer!

hmm even more to think about ..

Thanks for the advice Dickjotec it really is appreciated

[therecklessengineer]

An additional point: You can make good bio from scummy semi-solid or totally solid oils that you wouldn't be able to put directly in the tank.

[dgs]

Hi geedub and welcome,
At the winter temperatures you mention I think you are going to struggle, certainly with WVO and even bio will be a problem. Whichever you use I think a high % of pump diesel blended in will be your option.

[greasemonkey]

Yeah, if it's hitting -20, I'd say even the unprepared diesel runners might find things a struggle.
WVO is simple enough down to around -2 or -3, with moderate preparation. Any lower than that, and you've got to get it right, or the vehicle just won't go.

I'd say, if your consistently dipping below -6ish, you'd be looking at a heated fuel tank, unless you want to be adding large percentages of diesel. It would probably be more like adding small percentages of WVO, actually.

The key to WVO in cold weather is perfect starting system, Batteries spot on, wires and cables all clean, and heater plugs, if you have them, all working. Putting larger (8mm or 10mm) fuel lines helps a lot, on startup and running. It gets the thicker WVO through easier.

The other thing to think about, WVO is an utter swine to filter, even when the temp goes below 10C. What was once nice liquid wvo suddenly starts turning into semi solid gunk.

[Tony]

I'd say, if your consistently dipping below -6ish, you'd be looking at a heated fuel tank, unless you want to be adding large percentages of diesel. It would probably be more like adding small percentages of WVO, actually.

I can understand heating the tank, but what about the WVO that will set in the fuel filter and injection equipment?

I've heard of people putting a cardboard skirt around their cars and heating the airspace underneath with fan heaters to thaw out their fuel, or pouring boiling water over the pump and injection equipment.

Fortunately I've never needed to find out what to do the hard way... Southampton is, at least, a pretty temperate climate.

[dgs]

Fortunately I've never needed to find out what to do the hard way... Southampton is, at least, a pretty temperate climate.

And compared to York, it's almost tropical!

[greasemonkey]

I'd say, if your consistently dipping below -6ish, you'd be looking at a heated fuel tank, unless you want to be adding large percentages of diesel. It would probably be more like adding small percentages of WVO, actually.

I can understand heating the tank, but what about the WVO that will set in the fuel filter and injection equipment?

Aye, that's true enough.
Erberspacher, maybe, keeping everything warm. If the coolant is warm, then it shouldn't be too difficult to keep the fuel lines warm.
Lot of work, just to run on WVO, but then, the likes of Canada seem to run some kind of coolant heater almost as standard, from what I read about it.

[K.H]

Maybe a fuel pipe inside a water pipe plumbed into the Rad etc and use a Kenlowe?

[Chug]

Welcome,

at those temps bio is no good for you, it will have to be a twin tank conversion and if done right -40 is possible, provided you can get jet fuel, or fuel that can cope with the temps to start the engine in the first place.

[geedub]

Hi folks thanks for all he reply's. Some very useful pointers here. I new I would struggle at low temps and I knew it would be a problem here with the low temps but it's not always that cold thankfully. The summer temps are often above the UK's. I will still be looking into getting myself some sort of set up, I just need to decide whats best for moi.Thanks again peeps.   

[Tony]

Make sure you can get the oil first before spending money on kit.  How does it work out there?  Licences required?