I've been reading, studying, learning, planning, saving, dreaming for quite some time now about making biodiesel. In 1997 I was a garbage man and part of the business was cooking oil reclamation. Back then fuel was $1.25/g and it didn't make financial sense, but I tried to convince the owner to fuel some of the trucks with it. I bought some books, studied the science, then ditched the idea.

I finally own a diesel truck, fuel is over $4/g. and I've been buying B99 and B50 for 18 months. The finances still don't really pencil out. This is more about the idea and the fun. (I like building stuff).

I drive 1062-1231 miles per month.
At 15mpg and $4/g that's about $320/mo.
If I can make fuel for $1.20/g, I'll save about $253/mo. in fuel costs.

1. The financial math works out.
2. I've got 4 restaurants owned by friends willing to give me WVO.
3. I'm going to start testing small quantities of it this week to see if it's any good, and to see if I have the skills to make fuel.
4. I'm planning on an upside down appleseed - GL1 type of processor to build if all my testing goes OK.

The restaurants all put out about 15g a week, but I expect some of the oil is crap, or maybe they are overestimating? It's about 3x what I need if they all are good, but if I have extra, I'm sure I can sell it to my buddies.

My main concerns are:
1. will my product be clean enough for my truck?
2. will I have the discipline to collect WVO every month?
3. will I blow myself up? :)
4. will my wife approve of more time away and a potential mess in the side yard?


I want to use this to document my findings, and get ideas from y'all with more experience!

-Kevin

Kevin - If you would like to come check out my system, I could also show you some things if you want. I'm just across the river. To answer your questions.....

1. Yes if it is processed and cleaned properly
2. Only you can answer this as you know yourself best.
3. Depends on your building skills, better answered in person
4. Don't know her, again you know her better than us here.

Send me a PM if your interested in checking my stuff out. I could even run a batch while your here if you want.

Thanks. That would be awesome.
I think the biggest hurdle is actually going to be my wife. She says that I probably don't need another project, and I should spend my time at my business and with my family.
I have cute names for her; "dream killer" and "hope smasher".

It might be a few years now until I start the project. Maybe after I get a divorce. ;)

I'd still love to check out your system. Maybe I'll ride my 82 GS1100E drag bike over. BTW, I was so close to swapping a 6BT into my 81 Airstream MoHo a few years ago before I went broke with the market. (mortgage banker).

We should have a lot to talk about.

-Kevin