Biodiesel

[peter_j_g]

No need to have a key in the engine bay! You can use vagcom to tell the ecu about the keys you are going to use. However you do need the SKC (Secret Key Code) that belongs to each key, this is the number that you enter into the ecu.

[syncro]

And where do you plug the Vagcom in?

I don't think that Vagcom can code a Golf 1/2 key.

[peter_j_g]

I thought the context was about a golf 4 TDi engine, so if you transplant this into a mk1 complete with loom you would have the diagnostic plug and electronic key. Sorry for any confusion... mk1 & 2 golfs don't have electronic keys and immobilizers (at least the ones I've owned!)

[syncro]

I thought the context was about a golf 4 TDi engine, so if you transplant this into a mk1 complete with loom you would have the diagnostic plug and electronic key. Sorry for any confusion... mk1 & 2 golfs don't have electronic keys and immobilizers (at least the ones I've owned!)

That's why they put the key elsewhere.

[smithy010]

New Life for the old forum.

I decided the diesel forum was looking a bit quiet.

So i decided to post the progress of my biodiesel project.
I'm working on a baby biodiesel reactor vessel, made from a 50l beer keg. I welded up some beautiful stainless steel washing machine motor brackets for the side of it yesterday. I love tig welding!

I think my biggest problem at the moment is trying to source oil. Did anyone on biodiesel have problems with that?

[GoLfMan]

go to maccas they should sell you their waste oil?

[syncro]

go to maccas they should sell you their waste oil?

They don't have waste oil, they put it in the burgers & fries

[smithy010]

I don't wanna buy it!

I should be able to get it for free somewhere, surely. I'm going to walk the f/c shops and see who'll give me some.

Maccas oil would be a last resort- can you imagine the amount of crap that would be in that oil?

Yuck!

[syncro]

Maccas oil would be a last resort- can you imagine the amount of crap that would be in that oil?

Yuck!

No, that's the bit that they sell in the fries!

[brackie]

Waste oil problems

The vast majority of the problems caused by bd use are because people use (usually free) waste oil. This contains all sorts of nasties that must not enter your fuel system. The worst of them is good old water. If you're going to use waste oil then it has to be thoroughly cleaned before esterisation and washed afterward. When time permits and I get down to manufacturing my own it'll be made from virgin oil. I can get poppy seed oil, centrifuged and filtered, for 70c/L and canola for 80c/L. All up cost per litre shouldn't be more than 90c/L.
Also, don't forget that bd will scour out any dirt, bacterial matter and perished rubber in your fuel system. Excellent filtration is essential.

[smithy010]

Very True, all that brackie says.

I think that you should probably add about 25c/l onto the cost of the oil for methanol cost. (That's at current methanol prices).

There are ways and means of purifying the used oil before esterification. 25c/l fuel has got to be better than 90c/l. This taken into account, i will have to be very careful with using used oil, and only use good quality used oil (if there is such a thing).
The main worry is water. Other muck simply drops out in the glycerine layer. If the biodiesel is carefully washed and dried before use, there should be no problems.

I don't intend to use virgin oil at all- partly because there is little gain in reducing fuel costs by 60c/l, when you add your (precious) time, electricity, and fuss, not to mention the risk involved.

[GoLfMan]

i find the process of making bio diesel facinating, i would like to try it one day... Smithy can you please post a photo diary of the process of making bio diesel please?
cheers

[smithy010]

When i get it moving, i'll definitely do that.

[smithy010]

Ok, a tiny bit of progress, but in real terms it's a big step.

I got my first 30l haul of used fish and chip oil the other day. The bloke was more than happy to give it to me, and the bonus is that it came straight out of the fryer, so i can be pretty well sure that it is dry... well, kind of- i know there is still a chance of water in combination.

I thought liasing with the owners would be more difficult than it actually was.

[Golf Loon]

Good work, he should be happy to give it to you, they have to pay to get rid of it.