Cost of Conveting

[kb&2dogs]

could someone tell me what is the actual cost of converting to veggie? What exactly is involved in converting? It sounds like a lot of work. I'm sure to hear the benefits outweigh the work, but I would be interested (in $) what the cost is and how much work is involved. Thanks!

[BCDelica]

Hi Guys,

I would like to try and answer those questions, not that'd surprise anybody.....

Say under $1000 if you do it yourself with a system (including processing) and get creative sourcings pumps and such. $4000, or so, if you have a system professionally installed and purchase a prebuilt processing system. There has been good feedback about the Plantdrive installer on Cobble hill. Check out Lost1's system, couldn't get any more practical then his.

Doing things fairly cheap, and using my first Delica's existing tank, my first system was around $1000 including a processing system. That doesn't include the last minute trips to the store for extra connectors, hose clamps and extra hose. I have changed pumps and filter housings over the years, and still plan to completely redesign my processing system. I really want a separate filling and process area, with spill containment built in. My second system came in around $750 for tank, converter, and install supplies. A third system sits under my dresser with switchs, thermocouple, converter, and a coolant heated racor filter for a planned bush buggy. May be I might sell it for something new and improved, with a 12v filter like Andy's - for shorter driving they are the way to go. Then put the newer system in a Delica and the old one in the bush rig, but that sounds like just to much work. That's enough about me though.

Converting requires installing a WVO tank, plumping it to the injector pump, placing WVO heaters and filters in the crowded engine bay, joining the fluid switches/solenoids to the diesel system, wiring any gauges, and wiring in the electrics a switch and power. Sounds simple, I believe if I could do it anybody could. I would say a mechanical person could complete a WVO install in one day and build a WVO process system the next

Yes the benefits out weigh the work. Cost can run as high as you want to go, one of the nicest system I've seen was a Veggiestroke system that cost over $3500 for system, installation and a prebuilt tank. A system like that was beautifully installed and covered by a limited warranty, worth every penny when this fellow recovered those costs in little over a year and a half driving - and never got his hands dirty. And, extends the life of his injector pump, saving a wicked expensive rebuild..

A hugely important detail is where are you getting/processing your WVO? You can buy processed WVO in Campbell River and Vancouver right now (FryFuel - 1-888-379-3835, Rick is charging ~$0.60l for processed WVO), and wouldn't doubt if some one has it available in Vic. If you process yourself do you have the space (and can it handle a possible spill) and a good WVO supply? Some costs of processing are (giving full retail estimates of my system); tidy tank pump $250, high quality processing and transfer pump $400, good prefilters $100-$300, delivery filter (and housing) $50-$100, barrels $35 (blue cider barrels which seem to be standard for WVO handling), plumbing $? plastic, black iron, etc, kitty litter $10.

Also ask around, from my experience any one running WVO or SVO would be very happy to help.

Kev

[BCDelica]

BTW - I'll be kicking in vic next weekend, how about a coffee?

[kb&2dogs]

Sounds like too much work, and having to store/clean the fuel would be a huge hassle. Think we'll stick to good ol diesel for the time being. Thanks for the info.

[Kuan]

What about biodiesel? There should be some local suppliers in Victoria.

[kb&2dogs]

I think someone was talking about bio when we had our little get together in Victoria a few weeks back, but only heard of one supplier, don't know about cost tho. Something to think about, but I don't know if we have to change anything on the van, and if so, is bio available in the states/Mexico, cuz we're going on a road trip in December and I'd hate to commit to something that isn't available down there and we'd be screwed. Any feedback?

[Adrock]

with bio and WVO you can run your van on dino diesel whenever you want. With bio you just have to change your fuel lines because biodiesel will corrode standard lines, with WVO you will have a second tank, and be able to override the switch to WVO if you dont have any and only want to run on dino.

[mattias]

With bio you just have to change your fuel lines because biodiesel will corrode standard lines

Really? I hadn't heard about replacing fuel lines for biodiesel. . . I thought you only had to change them for WVO. I'm running B100 with stock fuel lines at the moment. Thanks,
Mattias

[BCDelica]

New tip for veggie transfer! My pricey 12v pump for on-road WVO transfer pump died after 1.5 years at the Delica meet, but I have found a great replacement. One of those drill pumps and a 14v cordless drill tranfer 15gals in less than 10mins here in Victoria, without a drop spilled. Great for a $12 pump.

It's been a crazy Delica spotting week; 5 between the ferry and hope, 2 on Denman, 4 in Courtenay Sunday, but only 2 so far spotted in Vic.

Cheers,
Kev

[Kuan]

You may have to replace fuel lines and fuel pump gaskets with Biodiesel. Just keep an eye on it but biodiesel does eat through rubber.

We've been running b20 for about 4 months and no problems yet.

[BCDelica]

Do to solution properties, a dino-diesel/bio-diesel mix or a dino-diesel/WVO mix (<50% WVO), will no cause significant changes to the older diesel lines, or tank coatings, in your Delica. But, 100% bio can affect older fuel lines and diesel tank 'inside' coatings, 100% WVO will.

Running WVO and bio-diesel are worth it, just yesterday I saw 15l of Canola for just $1.25 a liter. It may not be too long down the road where that's cheaper then dino-diesel at the pump!

[docsavage]

After helping convert Josh's van to WVO, I am definately converting mine before the end of August. To me there is no cost to converting only money to be made. I currently spend about $60 to $100 a week on fuel, if I take any road trips add $200 - $300 in a month (ie: going to Red Deer and back was about $300). For a few hours a month cleaning WVO, I can be paying myself alot of money. Of course, I live rurally and the commute to town is 70 km return so my payback time is very short. Also, I can take more trips because I know that I don't have to spend much on fuel.

I realize that converting is not for everyone, which is good, as we still need to grow food more than fuel. However, in my situation it makes sense economically and enviromentally to use up the waste oil which is either landfilled here or hauled to Armstrong to be rendered into livestock feed.

James

[josh]

If you take the cost of a liter of fuel and work it out... even the most lavish of WVO conversions would be paid of with an equivalent of less than 40 tanks of fuel. Mine will be paid off in under 20 tanks. That to me justifies being able to be an environmental warrior. I mean just think about it... all you are doing is buying your first 20 tanks ahead of time... and then fuel is FREE! all that and your fuel burns cleaner, saves your fuel pump (which ironically costs as much to repair as doing a WVO conversion) and uses a waste product. Look into it seriously. It just makes sense and feels good.

Josh

[bryanc]

I was reading about a place in germany that uses sewage to grow algae that they then turn into bio diesel , now that's using a waste product to power your vehicle. so if we ever have more people wanting wvo than we have wvo there's always going to be lot's of s##t to spare, that soundslike a way better idea than dumping it in the ocean the way we do in vic!
bryan

[mattias]

For a few hours a month cleaning WVO, I can be paying myself alot of money.

I love the idea of converting to WVO. Do you get used oil straight from the supplier's fryer, or do they do anything to it before they give it to you? If it's just a matter of filtering out the bits of fries or fish from the oil before you put it in your tank then I'm sold.

Josh, what's involved in your process from fryer to your tank? Thanks everyone, this forum is fantastic.