Plantoil/diesel conversion basics

Collecting and Processing in Cold Weather

geoff — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:00:21 GMT

Hello all,

I am hoping to set up a WVO collection and filtration operation up in Canada, where the weather isn't so hot (frequently -10C at night during the winter)

I've already got a deal with a local oriental restaurant to collect ~50 gallons a month from them. However obviously the cold weather complicates things. I will not be able to pump the WVO, and instead will have to simply take away the full barrel and replace it with an empty one.

It also complicates filtration. I was going to use 2 1000L totes, one for the unprocessed WVO, and after it goes through the misting, heat settling and filtration, another for the clean filtered VO. I was planning on pulling from the tote into a heated misting barrel and then heat it in-line through the filtration process. The problem is during winter I would need to keep the entire tote warm, which poses a significant cost. When I got barrels home I'd use a barrel heater to thaw them before transferring them to the 1st tote.

My other concern is that once I put filtered VO into barrels to store them, can I store them outside? If they freeze, thaw and refeeze continually, would it harm the VO?

Any thoughts?

Forum: If you can't find the info you need....post your question here.

More useful info on Dodge engines and SVO

billyO — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:25:49 GMT

Here's a link I found with good info.

http://www.greenfuels.org/biodiesel/res/oem_CUMMINS.pdf

as always
peace and love
billyO

Forum: 12 Valve Cummins/Dodge 2500/3500 conversion

6.2 Chevy lift pump

mngreaser — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:20:41 GMT

Looking for a little help here....

I'm converting an 84 chevy 6.2 with dual tanks. I'm going to have dedicated filters for diesel and WVO. I'm in the process of ordering all the stuff, an am wondering if I need to replace the mechanical lift pump that currently exists for the diesel system with an electronic pump? If so, then I imagine have the power to the lift pump tied into the toggle for fuel selection?

Or can I just leave the mechanical pump as is and let it pump all the while the system is running on WVO?

I'm guessing it needs to be replaced, but am looking for confirmation.

Any suggestions on where to order electronic lift pumps?

Thanks,

Dan

Forum: GMC diesel conversions

The simple coolant jackets filter heater wrap.

danalinscott — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:14:13 GMT

Coolant jacket filter heater.

Here is a handy, inexpensive, and simple to make filter heater.. It is surprisingly effective considering its cost and ease of fabrication and can prove useful in most vegoil conversion applications.

An example of the finished jacket is pictured here.

White zipties have been used for image clarity but for a more professional appearance I normally use black zipties. The only tools required are a sharp knife to cut the hose to length, a pliers to tighten the zipties, and a wire cutter to nip off the ends of the zipties for a clean appearance.

The filter element used in the example is a Goldenrod

Model#596 which is a 3.5" x 5" element. Larger elements will require more hose to cover completely. The amount of heat added to the vegoil passing through the filter is directly proportional to the surface contact between the coolant filled coil so covering as much of the filter element as possible is best. A snug fit is also desirable since it will exaggerate the D shaped profile the hose takes on when it is coiled. This D shaped profile is what makes a flexible hose jacket several times more efficient at transferring coolant heat to the filter than a copper coil when combined with the ability to get a very snug fit.

Begin by purchasing a high quality flexible fuel line in sufficient quantity to not only make the jacket but to also reach the point at which you plan to tie in to the passenger heater coolant supply lines. In the example the amount needed just for the jacket alone was 11 feet. It is best to take a spare filter element along with you when you purchase the hose to help determine exactly how much is needed for the jacket portion. Buy the best quality fuel line possible but not "high pressure" fuel line which is up to 5 times more expensive than "regular" flexible "rubber" fuel line. If you want to spend the extra money for "injector system fuel line" it will also work....but I have found no advantage to using it.

Wrap the hose (which will later carry hot coolant) around the filter element snugly. It is best to use a clean spare filter element to work with as a form. Placing it in a plastic baggie may also help in the process to aid in easily slipping the filter in and out of the "basket" you will be making from the hose and zipties during the following steps.

Now, using 4 strips of duct tape about 1" wide secure the coil to itself so it will hold together when you remove it from the filter you have used as a form. Any sticky, strong tape will work but duct tape seems to work best.

For those tempted to use duct tape to form a skin over the hose coil and "forget" the zipties...dont be. It seems simpler..but the heat of the coolant will cause the adhesive to fail.

?Now carefully remove the taped coil from the filter element you have been using as a form. It will shift slightly but it should retain its basic form.

Being careful to not disturb the tape holding the coiled hose in place begin to tie the coil together using 6" zipties. If you look carefully at the examples you will see that I prefer to place the "head" of the ziptie in the position where I want it to end up and then push the other end through from the inside of the coil. This makes for a much cleaner installation but is not critical.

14 zipties were used in the example shown here but more can be used if you wish. Each ziptie will connect 3 hose coils to each other. Leave them loose enough at this point to allow some coil adjustment later. Dont tighten them yet!

By using an alternating pattern of zipties (look at the picture of the finished product at the top to see it) the individual coils of hose are connected to its neighboring coils and the entire unit becomes and open ended "basket" of hose and zipties.

Once you have all zipties loosely in place you can remove the tape and slip the coil back onto the filter/form. Adjust the ziptied and hose so it is once again snug on the filter and begin tightening the ties progressively using your pliers. Do this a little at a time and working around and around the coil. Do not pull the ties so tight that they deform the wall of the hose or cause them to ride up over each other. Once you are convinced that you have the right tension on the ties you can nip the ends off with your wire cutter.

You can remove the coil from the filter and it will retain its final form.

You may now wish to bring your inlet and outlet hose ends together in a "pigtail" which will make routing them to your coolant connections easier and cleaner. A single tie can be used to secure the bent hose to the coil as shown in the picture to the left and a few more can be added to the pigtail to hold it together as well.

And that is about all there is to it. You now have a simple but effective filter heater coolant jacket that is will add a lot of heat to your vegoil as it passes through and is capable of thawing cold, solidified vegoil in a cold filter. This is not a substitute for a coolant/vegoil heat exchanger nor is it capable of boosting vegoil temps as high as needed for safe long term VO fuel use.

For that I suggest using a Flat Plate Heat Exchanger and Injector Line Heaters.

Forum: Conversion Parts and Accessories

The HotRod coolant heated fuel pickup

danalinscott — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:30:24 GMT

The HotRod coolant heated fuel pickup is a simple but effective coolant heated fuel pickup made from common copper plumbing pipe and fittings. It can be made by anyone who is capable of producing leak free solder joints using the "How-to" files available HERE.

Custom length HotRods are also available HERE.

HotRods can be installed in most steel tanks by brazing or welding a Black Iron 1" NPT port into which it can be threaded. 4" of clearance should be proved for the HotRod and fuel/coolant line to extend beyond the side of the tank. The HotRod sould be mounted as low in one side of the tank as possible for maximum efficiency.

The HotRod can ALSO be installed in plastic tanks (such as inexpensive outboard marine motor tanks) using a "washer/gasket" sandwich thorugh the tanks wall.

It has been suggested that copper should not be used in VO conversion since copper can accellerate VO polymerization. This is true of ALL metals but even with metallic accellerants the reaction is so slow it has not been reported to actually cause any noticable problems as long as the HotRod is mounted as reccomended above.

Forum: Conversion Parts and Accessories

How to purchase components from the VOCVCO

danalinscott — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:40:10 GMT

(Under construction)

Below you will find a list of conversion components from different manufacturers. You can use the "Add to Cart" buttons to combine all of the components you want into a single order. When you "Check Out" the payments and orders for each component is sent to the individual manufacturer along with your shipping address. Each member of the VO conversion component vendors co-operative. (VOCVCO) is required to ship your order within 2 weeks. If you do not receive your order within 2 weeks please contact me directly and I will personally investigate what the problem might be.

Orders from outside the USA please contact me prior to ordering as extra shipping expenses will apply which I will bill you separately for. I can provide a close estimate of that cost if you contact me prior to ordering.

If you want a component you don't see in the list below please contact me and I will see if the vendor is interested in offering it in this venue. If you are a vendor that would like to include a product you make/sell please contact me to discuss joining the VOCVO. danalinscott@yahoo.com
----------------------------------------------------------

The HotRod Coolant Heated Fuel Pickup-
This coolant heated fuel pickup is made from copper pipe and plumbing fittings. It not only thins WVO in warm climates it liquifies wvo that is solid due to low temps or high fat/hydrogenation.
After ordering you will be contacted via email to determine exactly how long you want the HotRod to extend inside your VO tank. For more information on the HotRod please post your question HERE
12-24" Hotrod - $65

Forum: Component Vendors

How to files

danalinscott — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:14:33 GMT

(Under construction)

---------------------------------------------------------------

The HotRod Coolant Heated Fuel Pickup- $20
This coolant heated fuel pickup is made from commonly available copper pipe and plumbing fittings. It not only thins WVO in warm climates it liquifies wvo that is solid due to low temps or high fat/hydrogenation.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Hose On Hose Coolant Heated Fuel Line- $20
HOH lines are usually intended to liquefy any VO which has solidified in the line during the time the engine has been shut down and to slightly warm the VO as it travels toward the engine from the VO/PO tank. HOH is usually easier to bend than HIH and so can be simpler to install and provide a "cleaner" looking installation. Often the entire bundle is sheathed in insulation to conserve coolant heat.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Both the Hose On Hose Coolant Heated Fuel Line and

the HotRod coolant heated fuel pickup- $30

Forum: Component Vendors

Fuel level senders

danalinscott — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:54:25 GMT

CENTROID PRODUCTS

http://www.centroidproducts.com/tableofc.htm

Forum: Component Vendors

Fluid level sensor/gauge

billyO — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:15:17 GMT

Hello all. After 40K miles, I'm finally about ready to replace the 55 gal drum with an 80 gal in-bed VO tank. I could use info on where to get a fluid level sensor/gauge for the VO tank as I'm getting tired of the sight tube method of determining how full the VO tank is. (and it's dangerous turning around to check while driving)

as always
peace and love
billyO

Forum: If you can't find the info you need....post your question here.

Newbie needs recommendations

jnschulman — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:45:29 GMT

Hi everyone, I have a 1985 300d. Plans are to convert to wvo. I have read alot on this forum and on other forums that have confused me greatly. Dana's diagrams are wonderful and I have printed them all for reference. But here's the thing, specific parts, model numbers and wiring diagrams. Such as which model 3 way valves, which electric fuel pump, which FPHE, where to get heated fuel line. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the picture. Obviously I am long on questions and short on knowledge. I watched the "Veg My Ride" video which helped until he got under the hood with the 2 Six port valves and all the confusing loops and odd wiring. Any recommendations for specific parts Dana's parts list would help. I did get Dana's tutorials and I will try to construct as much as possible myself. Thanks.

Forum: If you can't find the info you need....post your question here.

Updated Mercedes conversion

danalinscott — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:18:01 GMT

The basic configuration I suggest is

Forum: Mercedes Benz Conversion

12v relays

danalinscott — Thur, 13 Aug 2009 12:47:23 GMT

The Famous Bosch Relay

Bottom View:

The most commonly used relay in car audio and security is the Bosch relay. The picture below is the bottom of a Bosch relay. Take note of the markings (85, 86, 87, 87a, & 30) near the terminals.

Internal Workings of Bosch relay:

The following diagram shows what those external terminals are connected to on the inside of the relay. When there is no difference of potential (voltage) across terminals 85 and 86 (the coil), the relay's movable contact (connected to terminal 30) is held, by spring tension, against the electrical contact which is connected to terminal 87a (the normally closed contact). In other words, when no voltage is applied the the relay coil, terminal 87a is connected to terminal 30. When 12 volts is applied to the relay coil (terminals 85 and 86), the movable contact (connected to terminal 30) is pulled down/in by the electromagnet (coil) so that it physically contacts the electrical contact which is connected to terminal 87. Again, in other words, if battery voltage is applied to the relay coil (terminals 85 and 86) terminal 30 will be connected to terminal 87. The red dashed line shows the path in which electrical current flows from/through terminal 30 to the contact of terminal 87a when the relay coil is NOT energized.

Remember that the relay coil has to have a difference of potential between terminals 85 and 86 in order for the coil to pull the armature in/down. This means that you may apply battery voltage to either terminal 85 OR 86 and then ground the OTHER terminal. The positive battery voltage OR the ground connection may be broken to make relay switch terminals (87 to 87a).

This flash demo should help you understand how current flows through the relay as the coil is energized and deenergized. Click HERE to make the demo fill this window.

Forum: Conversion Parts and Accessories

Lending library of VO info

danalinscott — Thur, 23 Jul 2009 16:38:58 GMT

If you cannot find the information you are looking for in the on-line links provided HERE please post your request in this discussion.

Include as much information as possible on the item you are requesting and if I have a copy I will reply. At that point I will ask you to send me an email and I will expect you to provide a a shipping address and telephone contact #. A deposit of $10 will be required from which the actual shipping cost will be deducted. The remainder will be refunded when the item is returned. If the item is not returned within 60 days no refund will be issued.

Forum: Reports, studies, and technical information on VO fuel

2008 Duramax overheated fuel code

oldmanc — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:55:45 GMT

2008 Duramax - now have 10K on WVO - code for overheated fuel keeps occurring while running on WVO. How do I plumb and rewire the system to keep the dino diesel running through the computer cooling module?

Forum: Houston...I have a problem

VO/Diesel viscosity/temp Charts

danalinscott — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:11:38 GMT

Accurate chart of the

These are the links to the referrence material used to produce the chart which clearly shows how hot svo/wvo must be warmed to before it is equal to the viscosity of diesel fuel.
Please feel free to check its' accuracy.

http://www.biomatnet.org/secure/Fair/F484.htm

http://www.canola-council.org/...6/chemical1-6_1.html

http://www.schroederindustries...iscosity%20chart.pdf

http://www.engineeringtoolbox....viscosity-d_397.html

http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy03osti/31460.pdf

http://www.brevardbiodiesel.org/viscosity.html

http://www.biomatnet.org/secure/Fair/S484.htm

http://www.microhydraulics.com...0654b3a?OpenDocument

Inaccurate chart showing the

Chart showing the minimum temperature that SVO must be to have a viscosity equal to diesel fuel when it enters the fuel injectors:

Frybrid chart superimposed on the accurrate chart

Forum: Reports, studies, and technical information on VO fuel