FAQ

Yields can vary depending on the quality of the vegetable oil. Generally you will see 1 gal veg. oil makes 1 gal. Biodiesel (1 : 1). Lower quality oil (more use or age) can reduce that ratio a little, 1 : .95 for example.

No engine modifications are required. Biodiesel will run in any diesel engine that runs No. 2 Petroleum Diesel. Some pre-1990 vehicles used rubber fuel lines that you may need to replace at a minimal cost. If you go on a trip and need fuel just fill it up with petroleum diesel to get you home. They mix beautifully at any ratio.

Be aware that temperature effects Biodiesel. Cold (below 40.deg.) will cause Biodiesel to thicken and as temperature drops, it can gel just like petroleum diesel does at colder temperatures. We recommend mixing petroleum diesel with Biodiesel during the coldest months anywhere from 10 to 50% as necessary.

Two common chemicals are used to cause and complete the chemical conversion process. The first is the catalyst that cracks the oil molecule. We recommend KOH also known as Potassium Hydroxide or Caustic Potash when using used vegetable oil or tallow. We recommend Lye also known as Sodium Hydroxide or Caustic Soda when processing raw vegetable oil feed stock.

The second chemical used is Methanol. Methanol is the majority of your cost associated with making Biodiesel.

All of these chemicals are available through Biodiesel123.com or almost any chemical distributor. For smaller (more expensive) quantities, Lye can be purchases from most hardware stores and Methanol from Fuel Distributors or Racing/Speed Shops.

No, but you have to go to the right restaurants. Here is a little data from research that we have conducted. On average, say your town has 100,000 people; you can expect to have 300 restaurants or institutions that fry food. All have to dispose of that used oil, 220+- or approximately 65 to 75% of the restaurants pay to have their waste oil picked up by Septic or Rendering companies and they are not a good source for oil. The next group 60+- out of the 300 or approximately 15 to 25% will get their used oil picked up for free. The final and smallest group 15+- or approximately 3 to 5% are paid for their oil or under contract. Better tasting food equals frequently changed fry oil and that makes for a better source.

All of our biodiesel processors come with a One Year Limited Warranty on parts and equipment and a Guarantee that our processors, if properly used, are able to meet the requirements for United States of America, Federal Government ASTM Certifiable Biodiesel.

For best results we recommend storing Biodiesel in an opaque (no radiant light) container the same as with petroleum diesel. For long periods of Biodiesel storage we recommend mixing 5% petroleum diesel to help stabilize the Biodiesel or using an available Biodiesel stabilizer.

It’s very hard to find any good reasons not to use Biodiesel. Biodiesel actually yields better engine performance and longevity. We can go on and on about the virtues of renewable bio fuels. Honestly the only negatives are easily taken care and that would be, you need to mix it with petroleum diesel in cold temperatures to prevent gelling. Some pre-1990 vehicles used rubber fuel lines and with a vehicle that old the lines probably need to be replaced anyway.

Yes, we use Balboa Capital and their information can be found on the Finance Options page of our website. You should be able to save more than your payments each month by making your own Biodiesel.