does anybody know about running diesel engines on straight vegetable oil?

Answer 1

Depends on the age of the engine / type of injection system if this is acceptable.

An older indirect injection engine will run fine - may need an occasional dose of injector cleaner or an occasional tankful of high-quality normal diesel fuel (with detergents) just to keep everything clean, but should otherwise be fine.

However newer engines with higher-pressure direct injection systems, especially those with either common-rail or pumpe-duse injection systems won't work quite so well. The lubricity of the vegetable oil may not be enough to keep the high-pressure pumps properly lubricated. Also, the smaller nozzles in the injectors are more likely to get gummed-up with the oil.

In cold weather starting the engine will be difficult or even impossible, as the vegetable oil's viscosity increases significantly as its temperature falls (put a small amount in the fridge to see what happens). Normal diesel fuel has additives to prevent this (most suppliers actually use different fuel formulations for winter and summer). You may have to add a fuel heater, and insulated or heated fuel lines.

Also bear in mind that if you are using the engine in a road vehicle in the UK you will have to inform HM Revenue and Customs, and pay the relevant fuel duty on the oil - it is illegal to use on the public roads any fuel on which the duty has not been paid.

Answer 2

I think that theres nothing to know. Oh wait is vegetable oil a suitable biofuel? I know that practically all diesel engines need No work on them to run biofuel.

Answer 3

Yes ive heard it can be done,but I think it makes your car smoke a lot or smell of chips or something like that.

Answer 4

I saw this done on Top Gear and apparently, it works. I have never been brave enough to try it.

Answer 5

You will have no problem it just smells a bit