How to (Make Biodiesel Part 1)

Biodiesel is a fuel made mainly from vegetable oils, either new oil or waste oil (like the oil from a chip shop). The production process is called transesterification, and requires mixing some choice chemicals into the oil, heat, wash and use.

The fuel is completely biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, non-allergenic and less toxic than table salt. Although some of the chemicals needed for production can cause harm if not handled correctly.

Most diesel engines will run on this fuel in either a mixture of biodiesel and diesel or straight biodiesel. The biodiesel content is generally categorised as B'X' where 'X' is the percentage of biodiesel mix. A normal pump at the forecourt will probably be around 5% Biofuel already (B5), and some manufactures advice against a mixture of more than B30 (the land rover td5 for example due to specific issues with some components).

Older engines, like the land rover discovery 300 tdi engine will run without ANY modification. Other engine types with particular fuel pumps may need to have it changed, other vehicles may need to have any natural rubber components in the fuel supply system changed but, as a general rule, any 89' to 98' engine is ok, and should run on B100 (100% biodiesel).

Due to the fact that the biodiesel will clean the fuel system of waxes and gums left behind by previous diesel use, including unblocking injectors, all this rubbish will be deposited in the fuel filter and sedometer which may need to be changed after a few hundred miles (usually 600 or so). This will probably show itself as an experience of power loss.

Biodiesel contains almost as much energy as its fossil counterpart but, due to higher burning efficiency (certain number) and lubricity, no fall-off of performance should be noticed by the user. What will be noticed is a reduction in black smoke emissions – much of the carbon particulate matter is burnt by the oxygenated fuel.

Biodiesel costs 2 to 3 times as much to make as it costs to produce fossil diesel. This is the reason why the British Government has agreed to reduce the fuel duty rate, so that the use of an environmentally friendly fuel may be promoted. Having said that, you should be able to purchase licenced fuel for about £1.15 per litre or produce it yourself for about £0.15 to £1.25 per litre (depending on your options and sources). Either way - you will save on fuel costs instantly.

Currently, each person can produce up to 2,500 lit of biodiesel for personal use. Unfortunately, this allowance can not be transferred to others. i.e - you can't make it for your next door neighbour.

Look out for Part 2.