Guide to Biofuels

How you can create your own biofuel gas

By R.N. Dolgener

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Petroleum fuels are on the way out in the world’s new green scene. While biofuels are not widely available, with a few simple tools and some time, you can convert your current diesel vehicle to a cleaner, friendlier version that just might save you money.

The leader board of up-and-coming energy sources, at least where companies in biofuels are concerned, boasts the following new faces:

1. Biodiesel, made from used cooking oil for use in diesel engines, with little conversion. Biodiesel companies aren’t the only ones who can make it – so can you.

2. Ethanol, currently made from corn, has people concerned that too much of the world’s farmland will be consumed for its creation. Biofuel companies are looking for alternative fuel crops.

3. Methanol, the by-product of organic decay is a new player in earth biofuels.

4. Straight vegetable oil biofuels; although your fleet will smell like French fries, you won’t be held captive at the gasoline pumps.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Make your own biofuel gas

Many companies in biofuels offer instructions and kits for sale. Do your research, buy your kit, make your biodiesel; prepare for old carbon, and possibly rust, that may clog your car's fuel filters when you start using your fuel. In the beginning, you may not see cost savings due to your vehicle's required conversion package and increased maintenance expenses.

I recommend: Watch videos at Evolution Biodiesel Kits to learn about the benefits of biofuels and information about biofuels making machines.

Convert your diesel vehicle to use biofuels

You may choose to use your homemade fuel exclusively, or you may opt to use your product as a fuel additive for petroleum-based diesel. Your first decision, however, is whether you'll convert waste vegetable oil to fuel, or use straight vegetable oil to power your vehicles. Once you've made your decision, buy the appropriate conversion kits for your specific diesel engines.

I recommend: Rover Hybrids offers dual straight vegetable oil/waste vegetable oil (SVO/WVO) conversion kits for Powerstroke and Cummins diesel engines, complete with 40-60 gallon in-bed tanks. For other options, including kits for SVO conversion and a larger selection of engine kits, chat with folks in the know at the Frybrid member forum.

Find other ways to promote the benefits of biofuels

The more biofuel companies in existence, the more support and raw materials will be available for your own production. Blogging isn't just for experts, but there are plenty of them out there. Learn from their experience, and share yours. Find outlets through which you can sell your fuel, or find local WVO supplies by networking with other earth biofuels enthusiasts.

I recommend: Biodiesel companies are cropping up all over, and offer free biofuel information for the general public. BFC Gas and Electric and BP are biofuel companies offering support and research for the alternative fuels market. The United States Department of Agriculture provides research funding and all the latest information for consumers and companies in biofuels.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide