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?

M John Galt · 03-22-08, 01:28 PM

look here:
Welcome - Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial Website
Biodiesel & SVO Forums - Powered by eve community
There are lots of folks in your part of the world making BD.
Biodiesel & SVO Forums - Powered by eve community

redandtootall · 04-27-08, 10:21 PM

Biodiesel does take some work to produce. Methanol is far cheaper to use hear in WA when you add it to veggie oil. You'll also need some potasium chloride to get the proper reation that causes the glycerol to settle to the bottom. You'll also need to wash it several times until it's a clear red color. then you heat it to 130 degrees to dry it out. Then you have good biodiesel. You tube has some good vids on making it. Remember, you'll be able to make it for around 90 cents a gallon if you get the oil for free. Remember, this will take several hours to collect and make a 20 gallon batch. You need to think about if it's really worth your time and effort.

BIODIESEL10 · 04-28-08, 01:04 AM

I'm in the same boat.
I have an 83 Land Cruiser and I'm in the process of changing the fuel lines to prepare for the biodiesel I make, although I have the feeling that this would be the least of the poor trucks concerns...
I hear that you can really mess up the heads if you don't wash the fuel properly.
I have been trying to locate someone in the Vancouver area who would split a barrel of methanol with me, as if you buy it in 55 gallon drums it is much cheaper. I'm sure that posting an ad on a public forum in your area would find you a lot of people that would be up for the same idea, maybe give you some pointers or advice as well.

03-22-08, 08:24 AM	#1
Doc **** Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Iowa TLCA# 17266 Posts: 4,060	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. 2WD. Daily driver. ROTW

03-22-08, 01:28 PM	#2
M John Galt IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Possum Lake, Ontario CA Posts: 516	look here: Welcome - Collaborative Biodiesel Tutorial Website Biodiesel & SVO Forums - Powered by eve community There are lots of folks in your part of the world making BD. Biodiesel & SVO Forums - Powered by eve community __________________ Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

04-27-08, 10:21 PM	#3
redandtootall IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 43	Biodiesel does take some work to produce. Methanol is far cheaper to use hear in WA when you add it to veggie oil. You'll also need some potasium chloride to get the proper reation that causes the glycerol to settle to the bottom. You'll also need to wash it several times until it's a clear red color. then you heat it to 130 degrees to dry it out. Then you have good biodiesel. You tube has some good vids on making it. Remember, you'll be able to make it for around 90 cents a gallon if you get the oil for free. Remember, this will take several hours to collect and make a 20 gallon batch. You need to think about if it's really worth your time and effort. __________________ 1984 FJ60 with 3inch lift and 265k on the clock

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04-28-08, 01:04 AM	#4
BIODIESEL10 IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Abbotsford, B.C. Canada Posts: 8	I'm in the same boat. I have an 83 Land Cruiser and I'm in the process of changing the fuel lines to prepare for the biodiesel I make, although I have the feeling that this would be the least of the poor trucks concerns... I hear that you can really mess up the heads if you don't wash the fuel properly. I have been trying to locate someone in the Vancouver area who would split a barrel of methanol with me, as if you buy it in 55 gallon drums it is much cheaper. I'm sure that posting an ad on a public forum in your area would find you a lot of people that would be up for the same idea, maybe give you some pointers or advice as well.