Go Go Green Cars

There has been a lot of talk about biodiesel being a good fuel alternative for diesel. It is possible to make your own biodiesel. Typically biodiesel is made by chemically altering oil with the help of a catalyst and methanol. Basically the oil is heated to start the chemical reaction; the catalyst and alcohol are mixed and allowed to settle.

Then all but the top layer is drained off and then is it “washed” to remove the water and impurities. Then the biodiesel must be “dried” in containers to remove the water and then it is filtered before using. Biodiesel can be made using common household items. You can purchase biodiesel systems to make it at home. There are many websites that can answer any questions you may have about making and using biodiesel.

You have to be very careful with biodiesel because it is a toxic chemical. Be sure to use caution when you are preparing it, handling and storing it. It should be made in a well ventilated area and away from children and animals. Make sure you always wear protective gear when making or handling biodiesel, including masks and splash proof goggles. You have to also remember to properly dispose of any byproduct.

Biodiesel can be used in any diesel powered vehicle. Most people who use it for the first time say it reduces engine noise and the engine runs smoother. Other reports have said there are slightly lower tailpipe emissions and a reduction in maintenance.

There are also drawbacks to using Biodiesel. Fuel lines in older diesel engines have been known to become weak, especially rubber ones, because of the biodiesel. Biodiesel will gel and clog fuel lines in cold climates. Also many automakers warranties will not cover engine or fuel system problems caused by biodiesel use.

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel that can be used in most diesel vehicles.

Ethanol also known as ethyl alcohol is being produced in the United States from corn. It is the same grain alcohol used in making whiskey and moonshine. Pure ethanol burns with a colorless flame and could be a safety hazard. E85 is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline and is sold as a fuel. E85 is starting to be available in more filling stations across the nation.

E85 is considered an alternative fuel and Gasohol or E10 is not considered an alternative fuel. This is because Gasohol only has 10% Ethanol and 90% gasoline. Ethanol can be produced from domestic feedstock and does not have to be imported like petroleum. If Ethanol was used by millions of vehicles it could make a dramatic impact on the United States dependence on imported oil. Another benefit is that it is a renewable biofuel that has modest reductions of harmful emissions.

A FFV is a flexible fuel vehicle which automakers developed so a vehicle can be run on E85, gasoline or a combination of the two. The reason for this is because there is a limited availability of E85 at gas stations. The FFV’s first came out in the 1990’s, however most of these models have never had E85 in their fuel tanks. This is because even though the number of E85 filling stations is increasing there are still very few places where you can get this alternative fuel.

Usually you will not notice any difference when you are operating a vehicle on E85 instead of gasoline. Ethanol produces less energy than gasoline but has a higher octane rating. Currently, E85 is more expensive than gasoline because of the added expense of blending it with gasoline. These are just a few facts you should know if you are considering using E85 as an alternative fuel.