From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

Ahh, the final question in your quest to be gas-free.  No, this is not an ad for stomach medicine or an anti-bean commercial, instead it is the final chapter in our Biodiesel Buyer’s Guide.  The final nail in the coffin for conventional gasoline.  What do YOU need to start using biodiesel in your diesel engine today.  Turns out it’s not that complicated, and Northern Tool sells all you need to start turning all of that used french fry oil from McDonald’s they are throwing out, into miles on your car!

As I said, Northern Tool has all the equipment you need to make it work, all that’s left for you is to take the plunge and pull out your wallet to start buying what you need.  Keep in mind as you pay, you will make back all of the money you spend before too long by simply not paying at the local pump any more!  So, what do you need to make biodiesel work for you?  I’m glad you asked:

What Equipment Do I Need to Make Biodiesel Fuel?

* Safety GearSafety Gear: Because you’ll be using chemicals to refine your oil, you should always be sure you’re wearing protective safety gear before starting the process. Safety goggles, gloves, protective apron and boots are essential.
* Chemicals: The Biodiesel fuel-making process requires methanol, sulfuric acid and catalyst along with air-tight storage containers for each.
* Biodiesel ProcessorBiodiesel Processor: The processor converts the oil into Biodiesel fuel. Consider purchasing a well-known, trusted brand such as BioPro or Fuelmeister.
* Fuel FilterFuel Filter: The fuel filter works to filter and remove water from the fuel. Because initial use of Biodiesel can release deposits previously accumulated on tank walls and pipes, it’s recommended that the fuel filter be changed after the first tank of Biodiesel.
* Fuel PumpFuel Pump: The fuel pump provides safe, efficient transfer of the fuel to your engine. Consider models that are heavy duty with thermal overload protection, strainer and automatic nozzle for easy fuel transfer.
* Fuel Pre-heaters: A Biodiesel fuel can sometimes gel, either due to cold temperatures or because it’s been produced from heavily saturated fats such as waste oil from restaurants. Fuel pre-heaters work to effectively keep Biodiesel from solidifying.
* Biocides: Biocides are an additive designed to stop the growth of microorganisms in your fuel, thus helping preserve the life of stored Biodiesel.
* Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines: The solvent properties of Biodiesel can result in a slow degradation of rubber fuel lines over the course of months and sometimes years. Therefore, it is beneficial to use Synthetic Polymer Fuel Lines when it comes time for replacement.

There you have it!  As I mentioned, all you need to do now is go buy the equipment, then start asking around at all your local restaurants if they have anyone picking up their used cooking oil at the end of the day.  It might shock you to find out that the vast majority of the time, people are just throwing this stuff away.  One added benefit, depending on the origin of the oil you use, you might smell french fries, you might smell chinese food, or you might smell chicken wings!