Fryer Grease Powers 2009 Volkswagen Tdi: Is It Possible?

Running a car on fryer grease is an intriguing concept, and it is possible to convert some Volkswagen models to run on straight vegetable oil (SVO) or waste vegetable oil (WVO). However, it is important to note that not all Volkswagen models can be converted, and there are potential risks and complications associated with using fryer grease as fuel.

The process of converting a car to run on fryer grease typically involves installing a secondary fuel system, which includes a separate tank for the vegetable oil, heated fuel lines, and additional filters. The engine must be started and run on regular diesel until it reaches the proper temperature before switching to vegetable oil.

While using fryer grease as fuel can provide economic and environmental benefits, there are also some challenges and potential drawbacks. One of the main challenges is sourcing and filtering the vegetable oil, which can be time-consuming and messy. Additionally, there have been reports of engine failures and complications associated with the use of WVO, particularly in newer and more complex TDI engines.

Before considering converting a car to run on fryer grease, it is essential to carefully research the process, understand the potential risks, and ensure that the vehicle is compatible with such a conversion.

The process of converting a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease

Converting a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease involves several steps and modifications to the vehicle's engine and fuel system. Here is a detailed guide on the process:

Step 1: Source of Fryer Grease

Before converting your Volkswagen, ensure a reliable source of fryer grease or waste vegetable oil (WVO). Most restaurants will be happy to provide their used fryer grease for free since they typically have to pay for its disposal. Look for restaurants with higher-quality cooking oil, as this tends to be better for your engine.

Step 2: Acquire a Diesel Volkswagen

The conversion process only works with diesel engines, so ensure you have a diesel Volkswagen model. Any diesel Volkswagen, such as the Jetta TDI or Golf, can be suitable for conversion.

Step 3: Purchase a Conversion Kit

Buy a conversion kit from online or physical retailers. The cost of the kit can range from $1,000 to $1,500. The kit includes the necessary components to modify the engine, such as an extra fuel tank, fuel lines, and injectors for the vegetable oil.

Step 4: Install the Conversion Kit

You can choose to install the kit yourself if you have mechanical knowledge, or you can hire a mechanic to do it for you, which may cost around $1,000. The installation process involves:

• Altering the engine to accommodate the extra fuel tank, lines, and injectors for vegetable oil.
• Setting up the engine to initially run on diesel to warm up and then switch to vegetable oil.
• Configuring the system to purge the vegetable oil from the fuel lines and switch back to diesel before shutting down.
• Installing a heating system to heat the vegetable oil before injection, as it needs to be heated to around 160°F to lower its viscosity.

Step 5: Set Up Vegetable Oil Storage and Filtering

You will need proper containers to transport and store the vegetable oil at home. Additionally, set up a filtering system to remove food particles from the WVO, turning it into straight vegetable oil (SVO), which your car will run on. You can either take the oil to a shop for filtering or set up your own system using strainers, heaters, and oil drums.

Step 6: Maintain Your Converted Volkswagen

Owning a converted Volkswagen requires some additional maintenance. Remember to:

• Regularly purge the fuel lines of vegetable oil and switch back to diesel before shutting down the engine.
• Carry a spare vegetable oil filter and a turkey baster to fill the new filter, preventing air bubbles in the system.
• Be mindful of the reduced trunk space due to the additional fuel tank and spare oil containers.
• Change the vegetable oil filter regularly as part of your maintenance routine.

Converting a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease involves sourcing WVO, acquiring a diesel Volkswagen, purchasing and installing a conversion kit, setting up vegetable oil storage and filtering, and performing regular maintenance specific to the converted vehicle. This process allows your Volkswagen to run on a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective fuel source.

The cost of converting a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease

Converting a diesel car to run on fryer grease (also known as waste vegetable oil or WVO) involves installing a parallel fuel system that can handle the corrosive qualities of vegetable oil. This system also needs to be heated to keep the oil's viscosity low.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI:

• The cost of a conversion kit from FryBrid ranges from $995 to $2,000.
• Basic kit installation service is priced at $895, according to a 2006 forum post.
• The cost of an onboard filtration system invented by Joel Woolf of Veg Powered Systems is about $500.

Volkswagen Golf:

The cost of converting a Volkswagen Golf to run on vegetable oil is not explicitly mentioned, but it involves similar modifications to other diesel vehicles.

General Costs for Diesel Vehicles:

• Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems estimates the cost of their conversion kits to be between $995 and $2,000.
• Lovecraft Bio-Fuels offers kits starting at $425 and installed kits starting at $870.
• Custom-built systems can be cheaper; Ty Martin converted his truck for $250.

In addition to the cost of the conversion kit, there may be additional costs for extra parts or modifications, such as:

• A second tank for the vegetable oil.
• Switching hardware for the fuel lines.
• An aftermarket pump to move the vegetable oil from its tank.
• Water-separating fuel filters with heat exchangers.
• Automated controller or manual switch for fuel selection.
• Gauges for fuel pressure, vegetable oil temperature, and fuel level.

It is important to note that converting a diesel car to run on fryer grease may have legal implications, as it is technically illegal in some places due to tax and EPA regulations. However, the enforcement of these laws has been inconsistent.

Overall, the cost of converting a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the specific model and the type of conversion kit used.

The environmental impact of running a car on fryer grease

Running a car on fryer grease, or waste vegetable oil (WVO), has several environmental benefits. WVO is a renewable resource that emits no more carbon dioxide than the next crop of vegetables will absorb. It is also carbon-neutral, with the vegetables grown to produce vegetable oil consuming more carbon dioxide than is released when that oil is burned.

Burning WVO produces fewer emissions than burning diesel or gasoline. It emits fewer particulates, no sulfur, and less carbon monoxide. It can also be argued that using WVO is a more efficient use of resources. For example, rather than using crops solely for fuel, WVO uses oil that has already been used for cooking.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to the widespread adoption of WVO as a fuel. As the number of conversions rises, users will eventually soak up the supply of used cooking oil. This could put pressure on the supply of oil for other uses, such as in cosmetics and farm feed. Additionally, growing crops for fuel could have unforeseen effects on food prices and supplies.

There are also regulatory hurdles to the adoption of WVO as a fuel. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that using vegetable oil as fuel is a violation of the Clean Air Act, as it has not been thoroughly studied and may not meet the requirements of the Act. As a result, car owners who convert their vehicles to run on WVO could face fines from the EPA.

Despite these challenges, some states, such as Pennsylvania and Arkansas, have taken steps to support the use of WVO as a fuel. These states have automatically exempted grease car owners from fuel taxes, recognizing the environmental benefits of this alternative fuel source.

In conclusion, while running a car on fryer grease has several environmental benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks and regulatory challenges that must be considered. However, with growing concerns about climate change and the impact of fossil fuels, it is likely that we will see continued interest in and experimentation with alternative fuel sources like WVO.

The performance of a Volkswagen running on fryer grease

It is possible to convert a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease, but it is a complex process that requires careful modifications to the fuel system. The performance of such a vehicle will depend on several factors, including the type of oil, the quality of the conversion, and the specific model of the car. Here is an overview of the key considerations regarding the performance of a Volkswagen running on fryer grease:

Fuel System Modifications

To run a Volkswagen on fryer grease, a secondary fuel system needs to be installed. This typically involves adding an independent tank for the vegetable oil, a heating system to lower the oil's viscosity, and a set of valves to control the flow between diesel and vegetable oil. The heating system is crucial as it helps the oil reach a similar viscosity to standard diesel fuel, ensuring it can be pumped through the injectors. The engine must be started on diesel and allowed to warm up before switching to vegetable oil.

Mileage and Cost Savings

A Volkswagen running on fryer grease can achieve impressive fuel economy. For example, the owner of a converted Volkswagen Golf reported getting 48 miles per gallon. In another example, a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI owner achieved a remarkable fuel economy of over 50 miles per gallon when running on soybean oil. The cost of vegetable oil can be lower than diesel fuel, and it is even possible to source waste oil from restaurants for free, resulting in significant cost savings.

Engine Performance and Maintenance

Converting a Volkswagen to run on fryer grease does not appear to have a significant negative impact on engine performance. Owners have reported that their vehicles run quietly and maintain their "zip" when using vegetable oil. However, it is crucial to follow the proper procedures for purging fuel lines and switching back to diesel to prevent issues with oil congealing in cold weather. Additionally, the use of fryer grease may require more frequent filter changes and other maintenance tasks.

Environmental Impact

Vegetable oil, particularly waste oil, is a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel source. It emits no more carbon dioxide than the next year's crop of soybeans can absorb and does not require drilling for extraction. Vegetable oil also burns cleaner than diesel fuel in most categories and emits no sulfur. However, as the number of conversions rises, there may be concerns about the supply of used cooking oil and the potential impact on food prices.

Legal Considerations

It is important to note that converting a car to run on vegetable oil may have legal implications. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that using vegetable oil as fuel is a violation of the Clean Air Act, and modifying a car for this purpose can result in a fine. However, some companies that produce conversion kits, such as Greasecar, are working towards obtaining EPA certification.

The legality of running a car on fryer grease

Running a car on fryer grease, or waste vegetable oil (WVO), is not exactly illegal, but it is not approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) either. This means that while it won't land you in jail, you could be fined for using it.

The Problem with Vegetable Oil

The problem with vegetable oil is that it hasn't been thoroughly studied or approved by the EPA under the Clean Air Act. This is because WVO hasn't been around long enough for the EPA to test its environmental friendliness. As a result, there is no mechanism in place to tax it, which means a loss of revenue for the state.

The EPA's Stance

The EPA could fine you $32,500 per day for using WVO, and charge an additional $2,750 for modifying your car to run on a non-EPA-approved fuel. However, while the EPA has been investigating grease car owners, they have yet to fine anyone.

State Government Agencies' Stance

Some state government agencies have been less understanding than the EPA. Grease car owners in some states have been told they need to register as "fuel receivers", the same as a gas station. This requires buying a $2,500 bond upfront as a guarantee that you'll pay your taxes. There are also stories of people being charged back taxes for the number of gallons of diesel they would have used if they hadn't been running their car on WVO.

The Future of Grease Cars

The hope in the alternative fuel community is that more states will follow the lead of Pennsylvania and Arkansas, which automatically exempt grease car owners from fuel taxes. However, one of the biggest obstacles is the lack of infrastructure to deal with WVO as fuel.

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