BioDiesel Home Brew

So, this weekend I'm going to give making a small 1 liter batch of pure 100% Biodiesel. In order to make it as simple as possible I'm going to be using a very method referred to Dr. Pepper. This linke provides the details and instructions to make a successful batch using clean unused oil.

http://www.kitchen-biodiesel.com/

I'll be photographically documenting this process for you viewing pleasure.

For the record today I was able to do my first true mileage assessment. After a full week of driving since my last fill up I logged 588 miles when my fuel warning came on. I filled up with 12 gallons of diesel and it averaged out to 49 MPG. This was mostly highway driving but there was some in town driving as well. Knowing that the light comes on with 2 gallons to spare I figure I can safely get nearly 700 miles per tank!

To Veggie Oil or Biodiesel?

So no that I have my diesel dream I've been presented with a new dilema, WVO (waste veggie oil) or make my own biodiesel? Each has it pro's and con's and make for a tough decision. So let me try to break it down for ya (myself).

WVO--PRO
-Free oil
-Little or no processing required
-Very Green

WVO Cons--
-Costly car conversion
-If not careful can damage engine
-Winter viscosity issues still have to use diesel

BioDiesel-- Pros
-Straight into tank no winter concerns, for those of you in warm states above 50 degrees.
-No costly car conversion
-Less chance of damaging engine

BioDiesel-- Cons
-Winter have to blend in order to not gell fuel. Most recommend no higher than 20%.
-Dealing with hazardous chemicals
-Not as cheap as WVO
-Longer processing period of time

So you see my choices are tough! Each has it's merits. As for the hazardous chemicals part a co-worker has offered to host the processor for the biodiesel. This is great and I won't have to worry about my toddlers being near the stuff in the garage or blowing up my house.

Oooh, the milage

It's only been a day but I've already been given a preview of just how fantastic the mileage will be with the Beetle. I filled up this morning so as to have a full tank to do my mileage logging. We drove up to Muncie to visit my parents on our daughters 2nd birthday. Muncie is about an hour north of Indianapolis, about 60 miles. Based on the fuel guage I can at this point say that I'm getting nearly 55MPG! HOLY CRAP! This driving was done with 2 adults and 2 toddlers in car seats and traveling at 70mph!

Man I am going to love this car!

I finally got it

Well, it's been a week but it was worth the wait. SHE'S MINE!!

Uh....I did buy a car, didn't I?

Called the dealership to check on the status of the AC compressor on my Beetle. Uh...I swear I signed some paperwork for a car?! But they said they are expecting the compressor to arrive today. AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGH!