2/19/07

The WVO fuel heating system on my truck, has been not getting the fuel hot enough in idle and unburden driving to work well. I finally have added in 2 200w glow plugs, they are run from the alternator with heavy wire and activated with relays from the cab.  I also installed a relay for the main transfer pump in the bed of the truck.  They all have fuses and I stuffed them into this Tupperware container, it seemed like a good idea, but it turned into a pain.  I made it work and eventually I will find a better solution if this really works.  My primary testing shows that it will, it just takes some time for it to heat up.  The heavy independent wiring really works wonders in getting them hotter.  This is will be a major achievement, and the next steps will revolve around the refinement of the Slay and its tanks and pump setup.

My ‘Fuse-box’ made from Tupperware;

The heater array, made from Brass fittings and Glow plugs.

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The fuel filter jacket, it is also heated electrically.

Gauges and switches for pumps and heaters,.

Wire spaghetti rear view.

5/25/06

The next step in my Waste Vegetable Oil conversion for my truck is an additional set of tanks with the ability to filter the oil while on board.  I was gifted two 50 gal. diesel fuel tanks, (thanks Jim Mason!)  the kind that are generally found on larger trucks.  They have many places to connect hoses, large filler ports, and fuel level sensors.   I built a rack or Slay (I am calling it a slay since I made it on X-Mas and I am going to use it to kill high fuel prices!!)  it will temporarily mounted in the truck bed against the cab.  It is low enough as not to affect the 5thwheel, and will be self contained with pump and filter.

The idea is that I can go to the waste oil container behind a restaurant and empty their 55gal. drum of oil into my first tank, then pump it into the other tank through the filter and then into the trucks oil tank.  Previously I have been getting larger quantities and filtering it at NIMBY, this was working well but my bulk connection is not happening right now and limited my range.  For my trip to BM05 I used 2 55gal. drums in the same way but had no ability to refill them in route, thus limiting my range.

I have put some valves on the tanks to control the oil flow and still have to get a pump and filter system, but hopefully the next month will be profitable and I will be able to afford them.

I also rehabbed a shopping cart to store the tanks and rack when not on the truck.

6/1/06 I was able to do a test run with the tanks in place and full of oil. But did not have the time or energy to attempt a on route pick up, I think I will need to get another filter as I am clogging the motors filter rather quickly. 

Here is what it looks like in place.