Things You'll Need:
- Socket set
- Screwdrivers
- Fuel-tank heater
- In-line fuel filter
- In-line fuel heater
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Step 1
Install an electrically heated fuel tank, and run large-bore fuel lines to the front of the vehicle. Install an inline fuel filter between the tank and the engine. Some trucks and SUVs have dual fuel tanks from the factory; the second factory tank can be used for vegetable oil by installing an electric heater around it. Install a switchable valve to control which fuel will flow to the engine. For smaller vehicles with only one stock fuel tank, a WVO tank can be installed in the trunk; tanks, heaters and parts are available from the links listed in Resources below.
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Step 2
Install a fuel line heater directly before the fuel intake manifold on the engine, where the stock fuel line meets the intake. The electric heater can be wired to the vehicle's electrical system through the fuel-selection valve switch; that will activate the heater only when WVO is in use.
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Step 3
Install a temperature gauge to monitor the heaters. An optimal temperature for the oil when it is in the tank is between 140 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while the inline heater can heat the oil to as high as 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher or lower temperatures could cause the fuel to not burn efficiently.
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Step 4
You must filter waste cooking oil before putting it into a fuel tank. Heat the waste oil, preferably pure vegetable oil, in a large steel cooking pot; a pot with a valve inserted into the bottom will work best. Bring the temperature of the oil to between 130 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot oil can then be passed through a large filter such as those used for restaurant and construction applications. These filters resemble larger versions of reusable coffee filters, with a screen material that can handle higher temperatures. Once the larger particles are removed, pour the oil into the WVO tank on the vehicle.
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Step 5
Start and stop the vehicle using regular diesel fuel, and only use the WVO as you drive. Until the engine reaches operating temperature on petro-diesel, the WVO could cool down and collect in the fuel injectors; that "coking" can clog and foul the injector nozzles. Heating the oil and only using it when the engine has warmed up will ensure the WVO will enter the fuel intake at the proper viscosity to burn and not clog the parts en route.
Start the vehicle and run it for the first several minutes on regular diesel. To make sure the WVO in the injection lines is replaced with petroleum diesel for your next start, switch over to diesel fuel about 2 minutes before you arrive at your destination.
