Diesel’s are much more efficient than gasoline engines. Many get 30% better mileage. And even more efficient is a diesel that runs not on diesel… but vegetable oil.
“When the prices of fuel started increasing every time I hit the pump paying like $5 a gallon. It slowly got up to almost 5 dollars a gallon, never quite hit it but, that’s when I started looking for alternative fuel sources.”
-Chad Ogren, Runs on Cooking Oil
And he found one. Chad’s pickup is powered by used cooking oil. He gets it free from restaurants by offering them a cleanup service. Then he filters it and runs his truck on it.
He had to perform a series of modifications, including adding of filters, pumps and a heater before he could start saving 150-bucks a week on diesel. But, there is a catch — if you break down, you’re on your own.
“None of the parts are patented, it’s all homemade stuff so there’s no warranties or guarantees on anything.”
-Chad Ogren, Runs on Cooking Oil
In fact, cooking oil can void a manufacturer’s warranty. And then there’s another catch: refining that oil. A process that can be a little sticky.
“Some of the guys call it liquid gold, but I just find that it’s a big mess.”
-Chad Ogren, Runs on Cooking Oil
Running a diesel on cooking oil may sound odd, but the inventor of the of the diesel, Rudolf Diesel, originally intended farmers to use peanut oil to power it. Still, taking this step back in time isn’t for sissies.
“You got to be interested in it and want to do it because a lot of people give up on it.”
-Chad Ogren, Runs on Cooking Oil
Of course, you can always buy biodiesel rather than making it yourself. But while that might save the planet, it won’t save you money. Besides, wouldn’t you rather your car smell like french fries?
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