Whenever we talk about biodiesel we mean the process of converting waste vegetable oil into an alternative fuel called biodiesel (or biodiesel conversion) which is then poured into tanks of unmodified diesel instead of petroleum-based diesel. However, there is another practice that comes to mind for many: the term “biodiesel” comes up. This phenomenon involves converting the engine in place of oil, modifying a normal diesel engine so that it can run on unmodified waste vegetable oil (grease, grease, lard, etc.), essentially making it a “biodiesel engine.” .

Hence the now famous and aptly named Grease Car. With Greasecar being a shining example out of many, the engine-to-biodiesel conversion is gaining widespread appeal and no wonder – imagine stopping behind McDonald’s and getting all the free fuel you can get! can carry! It’s true. Restaurants have to pay to take away used vegetable oil. People who need to fuel a biodiesel engine are doing them a favor – they get it for free.

Many fast food restaurants, in fact, prefer that you establish committed relationships with them and go regularly to pick up a consistent amount. That way, they can adjust your contract with your actual waste disposal provider accordingly.

A New York City man has driven over 3,000 miles in his 1985 biodiesel-engine modified Mercedes pickup with free frying oil he gets from his corner deli.

Biodiesel engine conversion appeals to many because it is a process that only needs to be done once, where actually biodiesel conversion has to be done every time the tank runs dry. However, with the burgeoning growth of biodiesel filling stations across the country, that advantage won’t outweigh so much for long.

If you are interested in owning your own biodiesel engine, you can purchase pre-packaged biodiesel engine conversion kits to assist you. These conversion kits come with complete instructions and all the necessary equipment to modify any diesel-powered car to run on pure residual vegetable oil.

You can even buy a heavier duty biodiesel engine conversion kit built especially for heavy duty trucks.

Once a standard diesel engine is converted to a biodiesel engine, may they still run on regular petroleum based diesel (which is a very good thing – imagine yourself stranded at a gas station because there is no vegetable oil in sight!)

Waste vegetable oil used in a converted biodiesel engine must first be filtered to prevent clogging of fuel lines. It is recommended, in fact, to filter it more than once, through successively smaller mesh filters (they are measured in “microns”, the lower the number of microns, the finer the mesh). You can find different size filters at most auto supply stores.

Now, there are many among us who, well aware of our own mechanical limitations, would not want to risk “playing with” our cars in that way, and most of the biodiesel information on this website will be directed primarily at these people, with such information on where to buy biodiesel fuel and how to do your own biodiesel conversion. However, if you feel able to convert your diesel engine to a “biodiesel engine,” more power to you. Get yourself a kit or a complete book on the subject and then be on your way. And whichever route you go, we wish you the happiest of trips!