IH8MUD™ Forums - View Single Post - Newbie to diesel needs mentor on making my own BD.

Doc · 03-22-08, 08:24 AM

So, I want to start making my own biodiesel to run in my Ford 7.3 Powerstroke.

I've read a lot of websites about different reactors, and seem to like the 'appleseed' type for my application. I'll only be using the BD in my own truck, if that matters.

My problem/ confusion lies in how to prepare my WVO for processing. I have a friend that owns/ operates two fast food restaurants. One is a Wendy's, the other a local mexi-cali-distress place. Anyway, the Wendy's WVO gets bought by a outside vendor- so it's out. But I can get the mexican food place WVO for nothing.

How do I go about filtering and preparing it to be made into BD?

I need some step by step instructions... 'cause I'm way overanalyzing this in my head.

Oh, and some of the stuff I've read about the catalyzing steps... 10 gal of methanol? man, is that right? Can I use ethanol (might be able to get that cheaper locally...)? I've also read about some folks using gasoline- what's the deal with that?

I guess I have all this information, but am confused on how to put it all together.

Is there some 'soda bottle' method for making 5 gal at a time?

03-22-08, 08:24 AM	#1
Doc Still Lookin' Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Iowa TLCA# 17266 Posts: 4,442	Newbie to diesel needs mentor on making my own BD. So, I want to start making my own biodiesel to run in my Ford 7.3 Powerstroke. I've read a lot of websites about different reactors, and seem to like the 'appleseed' type for my application. I'll only be using the BD in my own truck, if that matters. My problem/ confusion lies in how to prepare my WVO for processing. I have a friend that owns/ operates two fast food restaurants. One is a Wendy's, the other a local mexi-cali-distress place. Anyway, the Wendy's WVO gets bought by a outside vendor- so it's out. But I can get the mexican food place WVO for nothing. How do I go about filtering and preparing it to be made into BD? I need some step by step instructions... 'cause I'm way overanalyzing this in my head. Oh, and some of the stuff I've read about the catalyzing steps... 10 gal of methanol? man, is that right? Can I use ethanol (might be able to get that cheaper locally...)? I've also read about some folks using gasoline- what's the deal with that? I guess I have all this information, but am confused on how to put it all together. Is there some 'soda bottle' method for making 5 gal at a time? __________________ Eric P. 1993 Landcruiser, 190K miles. Lifted, Locked, Slidered, Slee'd, Snork'd, Winched, bobbed. Daily driver. ROTW