How to Make Your Own Biodiesel Fuel From Common Ingredients

Since it is made mostly from recycled vegetable oils, Biodiesel fuel is gaining tremendous popularity as an alternative, or "green" fuel. Most modern diesel engines will run very nicely on Biodiesel fuel. This article will show you how to make Biodiesel fuel from common household ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• Methanol (a bottle of HEET)
• Sodium Hydroxide (also known as lye)
• New vegetable oil
• Saucepan
• Glass bottle/container

Instructions

1. 

   Working outdoors or in a very well ventilated space, pour one cup of methanol into a glass container. Heet, a fuel additive available at any auto parts store, works nicely.

2. 

   Next, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of sodium hydroxide (lye) to the mixture. Lye can be ordered from many websites, or found in the form of household drain opener at many stores.

3. Stir or swish the mixture around until the lye is dissolved completely.

4. 

   Slowly heat 4 cups of fresh vegetable oil in a saucepan until it reaches a temperature of 125°-140°.

5. Using gloves, pour the heated oil into a plastic bottle and add the methanol/lye mixture. Cover with a lid and shake the mixture vigorously for about 30 seconds.

6. A dark layer of glycerin will form beneath a lighter layer of Biodiesel fuel. This is normal. Allow the mixture to sit for 2-3 days. The Biodiesel will become clearer over time.

7. Pour the Biodesiel out of the glass container, taking care to leave the darker glycerin behind. Your Biodiesel fuel is now ready to use. You can add it to any modern diesel engine without having to make any modifications.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when mixing ingredients.