'91 Fourtrak 2.8 TDX

Hi.

First read the article/post by 'assassin'. This is a unbiased view/comment from a well qualified person,read all of it and all the posts relevant to Veg Oil.

Are you planning to use a veg oil/diesel mix using new Rapeseed Oil, ex supermarket or recyled fast food oil, or straight veg oil (SVO).

I use a 50/50 New Pure Rapeseed Oil mix,summer and winter, as per the price differental with diesel. At the present 'Pura' brand Pure Rapeseed Oil is £1.08, diesel localy is £1,31 (prices per liter) so I still am mixing. Cost is the reason, not any green issuses.

My trucks fuel system is still original, so I have not had any problems with seals or rubber componets, fuel line corrosion/ perforations have been dealt
with using a nylon re-enforced fuel line, oil/filter changes are made 3 times a year, now using a semi sythetic oil instead of a straight mineral oil, (oil/filter changes are more related to use than milage). pre oil changes a injector/system cleaner is put through the system with a tank of straight diesel, also a engine flush is used prior to the oil change. ( I would do all this even if I was using straight diesel). Oil is cheap compared to a new/repair to engine).

I cannot say whether the milage is better or worse for running a veg oil mix,I have not noted any power loss.

I will admit there is more smoke on start up, have not had any problems with winter/cold starting, (get your heater/glow plugs checked) yes, there is the noticable smell, but you get used to it.

Before you use a veg oil mix replace your oil/filter+fuel filter, carry a spare and the tools to bleed the system with. ( I change the fuel filter with each oil change also, maybe over the top but they are cheap) Veg oil can loosen the crap in the fuel tank/lines. Though I have never had a problem with blocking fuel filters, but carry a spare one just in case!.

I respect what others have to say on the effects veg oil can have on an engine,and it is my choice to run on a 50/50 veg oil mix. I have a truck which has a low monetry value, with a engine that has done 'clock plus 58 thou' miles', some will say just run in, never been pulled apart, only engine parts have been cam belts and heater plugs. I have the full service history. An engine which has a really good reliability and been around for years, built for running on poor fuel and lack of maintaince in third world countries.

One must read 'assassins' article,it is unbiased, gives good advice, just the facts, and make up your own mind, taking in the relationship of costs per liter of in my case 'Pure New Rapeseed Oil' via Diesel and the risks that are outlined in 'assassins' article. I still do not know what the outcome of running a veg oil mix will be in the long term, but will post on this site any problems I have. As for MOT's have not had a problem, passed the last 'smoke test' with no problem. I have been using this mix for aprox two years on a regular basis.

Edward (ews)