Hi,has anyone got any thoughts about running on cooking oil? I have been thinking about putting it in my 96 Rover 420 SLDI,but would value some comments first.Would it harm the diesel pump and the turbo or anything else,does anyone know?.I would only run upto 33%.How does the law stand on this now? Many Thanks Andrew...
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I do like my Diesels to be Turbocharged for that extra OOMPH!!!!
Edited by Webmaster on 20/12/2007 at 21:48
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There are a number of forums that specialise in SVO/WVO/Biodiesel. The people there are more suited to advise you than the people here, I'd fathom.
Injection Doc will be along in a minute to tell you you're crazy for even considering it. :o)
As for the law: provided the vegetable oil you use meets the fiscal definition of Biodiesel then you have no duty to pay. You must keep basic, persistent records of how much you use for at least 6 years. Pura vegetable oil was analysed in a lab and found to meet the definition of biodiesel, it is therefore tax free and costs 56p a litre from Tesco currently however only sold in 1L bottles.
Edited by pendulum on 19/12/2007 at 10:32
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You have to buy it in makro in 50 litre drums
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I was in Makro two days ago: cheapest was Chef's Choice at 64.something pence a litre in 20 litre drums.
I saw no 50 litre drums?
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I will sit back & smile. Of a saving of approximatley £125 per 12000 miles When the pump shears & scraps the car I wonder if he will wonder if the cooking oil really made a saving. there was a TSB issued by rover on these running on cooking oil& what happens.
At least it will leave some diesel in the pumps for me when the world is running low.
vehicles designed to run on cooking oil have heaters in the fuel tanks & switch from diesel to chip vat via a temp sensor to ensure the viscosity of the oil isn't too thick.
Ooh I wonder how that 1.6TDCI focus is getting on? bet that wont get anymore cooking oil!
Doc
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Hi Doc,I thankyou for your candid answer,I appreciate it,that is the reason why I asked the question,I value peoples opinions and I take notice of them,which is why I shall not be running on cooking oil,the last thing I want to do is damage my car for a small saving.If it was a case of gain gain gain,I would use it,but I am not going to.Just testing the water here.Many Thanks Again,,,Andrew...PS,I assume by your answer you don't run on it :).
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I do like my Diesels to be Turbocharged for that extra OOMPH!!!!
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It is a shame if you dismiss the whole idea of using SVO on the opinion of one bloke who is rigorously and notoriously against it - had you explored more suitable forums not only would you have learned about the suitability (or not) of your car for single tank blend, but also alternatives such as twin tank conversions, biodiesel (a more safe bet), etc.
If you are interested in cars and tinkering then it is an interesting thing to get in to, with financial rewards at the end too.
It involves calculated risks, not silly ones.
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Thank you pendulum, I have already mentioned the twin tank senario & the heater being a must to reduce the chance of pump damage due to viscosity.
The Veg oil is reported by vehicle manufactures to cause degregation of the fuel lines, " rubber hoses" excess lacquar on the injector nozzels efecting combustion, performance & emmisions, excessive carbon on valves & pistons causing poor heat distribution leading to increase risk of cracked head or burnt valves & unwanted deposits left behind in the fuel pump so is it worth it for the saving & cost of fitting twin tanks?
So do you run a CR & would you run at more than 5% confidently? & what savings at 5% compared with the risks. as I calculated if you could by oil at 45pltr in 12000 miles you would only save £125 is it worth it?.
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How about just an pre-filter in-line heat exchanger rather than a heater in the tank? I thought tank heaters are for chip lard/animal fats? I would have thought that running on say up to 33% SVO in Summer would be minimal risk. I have some friends with BMW CR diesels who run n DERV only and their pumps have gone before, twice in one case and he's only on 170K! with full BMWSH. I guess it is difficult t guage when a car is worn and not new. Maybe if you think along the lines of that the car is expendable then it's worth a try.
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So do you run a CR & would you run at more than 5% confidently?
I have stated in enough threads for you to know that I do not run a CR diesel, and have made it perfectly clear that veg oil in a CR (or indeed, any expensive modern vehicle) is not something I would ever do or encourage.
I drive a '95 ZX 1.9TD with Bosche pump. Would I run at more than 5%? Well there's 50% SVO in the tank right now, so I guess I would. Starts first time, idles fine, goes fine.
I've already saved, in fuel costs, a sum that is fastly approaching the cost of what the car is now worth. The vehicle could pack up tomorrow and I'd feel like I got my money's worth from it. So yes, the saving has been worth it.
Others results may vary: as I have said all along, it's not without risk: but it is about sensible and calculated risks and there are things you can do to reduce the risks. Buying a car that's well known for running well on SVO without any modifications in the first place is one of the best things you can do - and it is what I did.
Edited by pendulum on 20/12/2007 at 23:51
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Interesting and valid opinions all round.
Anyway for my contribution.
I used to use cooking oil in older cars eg pre-96 rover 1,8's, escorts, cavaliers, mondeos and have found the only problem being the viscosity during the winter months. Too thick and takes longer to start, little bit of missing here and there, and need to change the fuel filter more often.
I found thining it down with a bit of petrol/thinners etc helps and during the summer I have run cars on 100% veg oil, over a few thousand miles with no adverse effects.
I saw the post from Jon on his Focus, he has it running and is £300 lighter of wallet.
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