Before you consider the biodiesel home making process there are
a more than a few things that you need to consider. Some of them
have to do with safety and others have to do with any plans you
may have about selling biodiesel product.
First off, pouring biodiesel into your vehicle's engine may or may
not void your warranty on your vehicle. READ your OME warranty to
make a wise decision. Keep in mind too that if you sell or give
biodiesel fuel to another individual and it wrecks their engine
that it is you, not the manufacturer of the diesel engine or diesel
car that can be sued. It is also illegal to sell biodiesel that is
not fuel grade.
The biodiesel home making process can be a time consuming, labor
intensive process so set aside week for your homemade diesel
production. Also be prepared make test batches and experience a few
failures, as biodiesel production not always an exact science. The
success of the venture depends on quite a few factors such as the
humidity of the air and the quality of the vegetable oil you are
using. It also will depend on your actual skills as a chemist and
some would say luck!
Any fuel that you make should be tested to make sure that you have
ended up with a fuel grade product. Otherwise you could be risking
damage to your diesel engine or diesel car.
Biodiesel home making is not for children. Many of the materials
used to make biodiesel are very toxic so be aware of this before
making this a "kid's science project."
On the other hand, large numbers of ordinary people from all over
the world (especially farmers!) have been biodiesel home making for
over half a century. Many of the ingredients used in biodiesel are
toxic but they are also common household chemicals.
For instance, the lye that is used in most recipes is sold in
supermarkets and hardware stores as a drain-cleaner. Methanol is
the main or only ingredient in barbecue fuel or fuel for fondue.
Methanol is sold in supermarkets as "stove fuel" and used at the
dinner table. It's safe if you're careful and sensible about the
handling and mixing of the product then there is no need to be
apprehensive.
On the positive side of things Biodiesel fuel works in any diesel
engine without any conversion or modifications to the engine or the
fuel system as long as you use the percentage of biodiesel fuel to
regular diesel fuel that is recommended in your owner's manual.
Ash Ried is the author of numerous guides and articles on Biodiesel You can find articles on How To Make And Use Biodiesel on his website. Click here to get free access http://NewBiodiesel.com/articles.html