Biopacetic Auto Movement--Vegetable Oil Powered Cars

NEW!! FAQ

Q: Do you do consultations?

A: Yes, they're cheap. They include diagrams and other groovy info. If you can't make it to one of the workshops, you get that info tailored to your specific situation. READ THIS FAQ FIRST, PLEASE. If you don't see the answer to one of your questions here, write me and request a consultation. Due to the number of requests I receive, I apologize that I can no longer offer free consultations.

Q: Does my car have to be a diesel to convert it to run on veg oil or biodiesel?

A: YES!

Q: Can I convert a gasoline car to run on veggie oil?

A: (Short answer) NO!! (Long Answer) You can first convert the car to a diesel engine, which is generally considered to be more trouble than it is worth as you will have to swap engines, figure out how to mount the engine in the engine compartment, hook it into your exhaust system and transmission, etc., then convert the car. But it has been done & there are people who specialize in doing this (see Watt Automotive, above). If you want to run on a renewable fuel, the carburator can be modified to allow the use of ethanol or other alcohol, but unlike the diesel conversion, you're stuck with that fuel. I don't know how to do that conversion, so please don't ask me to explain it further.

Q: Once I convert, can I still run my car on diesel?

A: Yes! A converted car will run on diesel, bio-diesel, and vegetable oil. If you're in the middle of nowhere & can't find a station that carries diesel, but a mom & pop grease joint is on hand, you're in luck! If you arrive at the grease pit where you get your oil, only to find that the hazardous waste hauler has arrived before you, you're in luck! If your brother likes to experiment with oil, burners, methanol & lye, you're in luck!

Q: Where do you get your oil? Do I have to buy it from the grocery store?

A: I get mine at restaurants. It is free, because most restaurants have to pay to have it hauled away, as it is considered a hazardous waste by the EPA. I wouldn't pay grocery store prices for it. If you're concerned about the PH, neutralize it!

Q: Do french fries get trapped in your fuel lines?

A: No, I filter my oil in three stages, one with a 16-20 micron filter that you can get at any auto shop, one with a 10 micron filter, and one below 5 microns. Change filters often!

Q: I don't have much money, what does it typically cost to convert?

A: HALT!! While a two-tank conversion can be completed for as little as 400$, if you're strapped for cash, the conversion is probably not for you. There are unforseen costs, extra maintenance required, the cost of the transfer pump, biodiesel (which can be anywhere from $2.50-3.50 a gallon), and filters. Don't do it because you think you'll save money. Cheap conversions can be costly in the end.

Q: Which kit do you recommend?

A: Without reservation, the Elsbett. This kit uses only one tank, eliminating the possibility of operator error messing up your car. It is easily installed (though more invasive to the engine), and has way less potential for coolant leaks, which have proved deadly to more than one two-tank conversion that I have seen, including my own car. The technology has been around a long time, is in use in thousands of cars in Europe, and is backed by a very friendly and supportive business. While it is one of the pricier conversion kits, I have never heard of any negative results from its use, and having used it, the benefits are clear. It costs around $800 for the kit (shipped), depending on your car engine, and around $2500 installed. Elsbett is just now considering authorizing installers in the US. Be forewarned that Elsbett will not guarantee their product if you run biodiesel in your engine.





	NEW!! FAQ Q: Do you do consultations? A: Yes, they're cheap. They include diagrams and other groovy info. If you can't make it to one of the workshops, you get that info tailored to your specific situation. READ THIS FAQ FIRST, PLEASE. If you don't see the answer to one of your questions here, write me and request a consultation. Due to the number of requests I receive, I apologize that I can no longer offer free consultations. Q: Does my car have to be a diesel to convert it to run on veg oil or biodiesel? A: YES! Q: Can I convert a gasoline car to run on veggie oil? A: (Short answer) NO!! (Long Answer) You can first convert the car to a diesel engine, which is generally considered to be more trouble than it is worth as you will have to swap engines, figure out how to mount the engine in the engine compartment, hook it into your exhaust system and transmission, etc., then convert the car. But it has been done & there are people who specialize in doing this (see Watt Automotive, above). If you want to run on a renewable fuel, the carburator can be modified to allow the use of ethanol or other alcohol, but unlike the diesel conversion, you're stuck with that fuel. I don't know how to do that conversion, so please don't ask me to explain it further. Q: Once I convert, can I still run my car on diesel? A: Yes! A converted car will run on diesel, bio-diesel, and vegetable oil. If you're in the middle of nowhere & can't find a station that carries diesel, but a mom & pop grease joint is on hand, you're in luck! If you arrive at the grease pit where you get your oil, only to find that the hazardous waste hauler has arrived before you, you're in luck! If your brother likes to experiment with oil, burners, methanol & lye, you're in luck! Q: Where do you get your oil? Do I have to buy it from the grocery store? A: I get mine at restaurants. It is free, because most restaurants have to pay to have it hauled away, as it is considered a hazardous waste by the EPA. I wouldn't pay grocery store prices for it. If you're concerned about the PH, neutralize it! Q: Do french fries get trapped in your fuel lines? A: No, I filter my oil in three stages, one with a 16-20 micron filter that you can get at any auto shop, one with a 10 micron filter, and one below 5 microns. Change filters often! Q: I don't have much money, what does it typically cost to convert? A: HALT!! While a two-tank conversion can be completed for as little as 400$, if you're strapped for cash, the conversion is probably not for you. There are unforseen costs, extra maintenance required, the cost of the transfer pump, biodiesel (which can be anywhere from $2.50-3.50 a gallon), and filters. Don't do it because you think you'll save money. Cheap conversions can be costly in the end. Q: Which kit do you recommend? A: Without reservation, the Elsbett. This kit uses only one tank, eliminating the possibility of operator error messing up your car. It is easily installed (though more invasive to the engine), and has way less potential for coolant leaks, which have proved deadly to more than one two-tank conversion that I have seen, including my own car. The technology has been around a long time, is in use in thousands of cars in Europe, and is backed by a very friendly and supportive business. While it is one of the pricier conversion kits, I have never heard of any negative results from its use, and having used it, the benefits are clear. It costs around $800 for the kit (shipped), depending on your car engine, and around $2500 installed. Elsbett is just now considering authorizing installers in the US. Be forewarned that Elsbett will not guarantee their product if you run biodiesel in your engine.


	Oregon Biodiesel Workshop - excellent classes and orientations to Biodiesel vs. SVO, learn how to make biodiesel processors, or purchase professional biodiesel plants. Recommended! The Lowdown Elsbett - the famed Elsbett kit. Injector sleeves, glow plugs & a bit of wiring, you're ready to go with this 1 tank system! Costs $800 shipped. Reciprocal Arts / Greasemonkey Conversions Greasecar Veggie Van Fat of the Land German Veggie Oil Extravaganza Diesel Net Biodiesel International German Veggie Oil Extravaganza


	Watt Automotive, Santa Rosa, CA - This guy does gas to diesel conversions, in addition to knowing veg conversions! Cleanest shop I've ever seen.


	J C Whitney - Hoses, solenoids & other parts Real Goods - Solar, wind & everything else for the eco-home Neoterric - Good pump supplies & veg therm heater gets rave reviews from users


	From the Fryer to the Fuel Tank - Veg car's bible. Good analysis of domestic oil economy. The Car & The City - the most concise indictment of the car, with workable solutions for redesigning urban infrastructure Northwest Environment Watch - other great books & research Department of Energy - resource guide Permaculture Institute of Northern California - because Permaculture is THE WAY. Consumer Reports - read this before buying a car. There is a membership fee, but it's worth it.