How to Run a VW Diesel on Used Cooking Oil

Older VW models should not be converted .

Cooking oil can be used to run a diesel engine in several different ways. It can be used as-is, which is called SVO, although it is very viscous. It can be mixed with petroleum-based fuels, which will thin it out. Or, it can be converted to a type of fuel called biodiesel, which can be used to run any diesel engine. Straight vegetable oil is the easiest and usually cheapest way, although you have to purchase a conversion kit for you VW to make it work. Many conversion kits exist and will come equipped with detailed installation instructions.

Things You'll Need

• Cooking oil, usually used
• Coffee filter or filter bags
• large storage containers
• SVO conversion kit
• diesel engine vehicle that can be converted

Instructions

Converting VW to run on cooking oil

1. Make sure that your VW has a diesel engine and that it can be converted. Older models usually cannot be due to rubber seals that can deteriorate. Collect used cooking oil and filter it to remove all the particulates.

2. There are many different conversion kits available from different companies, and each will come with its own set of detailed installation instructions. A better option if you are unfamiliar with working on cars is to take your vehicle to a mechanic to install the conversion kit for you. A two-tank conversion kit is recommended for Volkswagens.

3. Fill the SVO tank with the filtered cooking oil. Make sure there is still regular diesel oil in the other tank. Start the car using the regular diesel. After heating to optimum temperature, your conversion kit should switch automatically to the vegetable oil. If you will be stopping your car for over an hour, be sure to switch back to regular diesel for the last 10 minutes of your drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Jetta TDI diesels seem to have the most success with these conversions, even in cold weather. Older models have more problems.

• Some mechanics have recommended using biodiesel in your regular engine until the warranty runs out, and then converting the engine to run on SVO.

• Have a mechanic install your conversion kit if you are at all hesitant to install it yourself.

• Older models of diesel cars have had reports of leaks in fuel-injection pumps due to running on vegetable oil for a long time.

References

• "CTBiodzl": An Elsbett Single Tank System
• "Plant Drive": The "TDI-SVO controversy"

Resources

• "Build It Solar": Conversion of VW Jetta Diesel to Burn Vegetable Oil