| With all the talk about the issues with the | | | | The biggest advantage of course to making biodiesel |
| environment coupled with ever increasing fuel prices, | | | | at home is simply that it is cheaper to burn than |
| many are exploring the advantages of making | | | | standard diesel fuel. Even though most information |
| biodiesel at home. | | | | shows that there may not be a general increase in |
| There are different types of oils used to make | | | | power and actual miles per gallon (may be a little less |
| biodiesel, ranging from any of the basic vegetable oils | | | | over regular diesel fuel), but from a cost standpoint |
| or even mineral oil. The additives used vary | | | | you will still be money ahead. Looking at it from the |
| depending on where the information for the mix was | | | | sense of miles per dollar versus mile per gallon, by |
| obtained and can also depend on availability at the | | | | acquiring the ingredients and making it yourself, the |
| time. | | | | average cost of a gallon of bio-diesel can be as low |
| The additives serve different purposes but for the | | | | as 25 percent or even lower than the average cost |
| most part are mixed in a proportion that enhances | | | | of a gallon of regular diesel fuel. Simply put, for the |
| the octane of the mixture and keeps the viscosity of | | | | same amount of money you could possibly go 4 |
| the fuel in a state that is free flowing and easier for | | | | times further on the same amount of bio-diesel gallon |
| the engine to burn. No matter the type of oil or | | | | wise than with diesel. |
| other ingredients that are used to make biodiesel, the | | | | Another thing that some have noted is that the |
| absolute most important thing is that it MUST be as | | | | engine seems to run a little quieter with biodiesel and |
| clean and free of particles as possible. There is no | | | | does not give off as much smoke. There is |
| reason old, used deep fryer oil cannot be used to | | | | speculation that, because of the general make-up of |
| make biodiesel. However it is very important to | | | | the oils used, biodiesel is actually better for your |
| understand that it must be filtered and any free | | | | engine because it is a good overall lubricant. Last but |
| floating materials should be removed. If not, at the | | | | not least, using biodiesel is about being friendly to the |
| very least the fuel filter may plug prematurely and | | | | environment. |
| other damage to the engine may occur. | | | | |