Quote:
Originally posted by Zero10
It almost never makes sense to convert to SVO or WVO, at least not on most of the newer diesels.
Over on TDIClub you can read until your eyes bleed about nozzles plugging, injection pumps failing (mostly the cold start regulator), etc. all from the increased viscosity of running SVO/WVO. It's enough to scare me away, that's for sure, especially since I have a PD TDI.
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Kinda sorta. A few years ago people were saying not to run SVO/WVO in ANY direct injection engines, due to piston rings coking up. Turns out that Powestrokes and VW TDIs run well on SVO/WVO... many out there with 100k+ on veggie.
There are people out there converting brand spanking new VW PD TDIs. Yeah, I think there nuts, I couldn't imagine throwing my warrantee out the window. It'll be interesting to see how they hold up.
As for injectors and IPs plugging up, well I read about those all the time. Usually ends up being poor filtration or water in the fuel.
People still tend to do really "low tech" SVO converiosn, thinking that if it runs, it'll run forever. Garden hose for coolant lines, filtering with t-shirts.
Quote:
Originally posted by Zero10
Many people have small biodiesel processors in their garages/basements/whatevers. I built a very small one, but I couldn't afford to build one large enough to produce useful amounts of fuel. The initial cost is ~$1000 to build a nice one, and you still have to source your oil. Usually you can get it for free, but once you factor in your trouble, materials, chemicals and your time I find it's better to buy it locally.
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True dat.
FWIW, an really good SVO conversion typically costs ~$1000, and then all you have to do is filter the oil, instead of filtering and then processing.
SVO makes sense to me... 15 minutes a week to cover 80% of my fuel. 3 1/2 years and ~150 000 kms on my 2 jettas. I haven't found a downside yet.