Our Reason for Change

Sustained operation of our company is an integral piece of Green Guru Gear's mission and cost efficient transportation is one of the most difficult tasks that humans face today. In light of this difficulty, we have taken steps to reduce our transportation footprint by modifying current vehicles into waste vegetable oil (WVO) powered machines.

Eco Ambulance

Our Eco Ambulance is the first in the line of WVO powered vehicles. It is our Road Tour machine as well as a material hauling beast. With thousands of miles under our belt powered by WVO, we have excited hundreds of thousands of people from coast to coast on our Road Tour. If you want your brand on our vehicle, become a sponsor. Contact us with your inquiry.

Conversion

Conversion of these diesel cars and trucks is a relatively simple process. There are three main components to convert a diesel to a WVO and biodiesel powered vehicle. These components are the tank, the heaters, and the valves. Since WVO has a higher viscosity than diesel it needs to be kept in a separate tank and heated to flow like conventional diesel. With some vehicles, in higher temperature environments, one can mix WVO directly with biodiesel or diesel. Our favorite setup is a two tank system. This allows the vehicle to be started with diesel or biodiesel. Then once the WVO is heated to approximately 160° Fahrenheit, the fuel type may be switched over to the WVO tank.

Valves

To switch the fuel types, there is a 6-way valve that diverts the flow of diesel/biodiesel and replaces it with the heated WVO. This flows into a separate, heated oil filter. The heated oil filter helps to reheat the oil after its travel from the tank. The fuel then flows to the engine where it is combusted. When shutting the engine down, there must be either biodiesel or diesel in the lines for the next startup. To accomplish this, there is a 3-way valve for the purge system. The purge clears the lines of WVO replacing it with conventional fuel. If there is WVO in the system for the next start, the engine will most likely not start. To fix this, one must manually purge the lines and replace with conventional diesel or biodiesel.

Heating

Heating of the WVO is based around the existing coolant system of the diesel engine and electric heat. Coolant systems usually run the water/Ethylene Glycol mix at approximately 180° Fahrenheit. We tap off the coolant for the heating of the oil and the lines that run to and from the WVO tank. The oil filter is heated by means of a 12 volt electric heater. We have a temperature gauge tapped in the fuel line. This may not be the most optimal placement, but it was simple and we have a good understanding as to when the oil is at operating temperature. Optimally, we would have a temperature probe in the tank, in the fuel line and in the exhaust manifold. The pyrometer in the exhaust manifold is highly important as to make sure the fuel is operating at the correct temperature.

The Right WVO

The WVO is a variable fuel because of the differing types of oil that goes into the mix. Sometimes the oil can burn too hot for an engine, which can lead to total engine failure. The pyrometer will help diagnose whether the fuel is burning within the temperature range. Titration is the process of determining the unknown concentration of free fatty acids in WVO. This is an important process in the quality valuation of the WVO. That said, we don't test our oil and have run into some issues because of it. If the oil burns too hot, it can harm integral parts of the engine. Conversely, if one does not wait long enough for the WVO to heat up, it can cause harmful carbon buildup, which can damage the engine.

Filtration

Filtration of WVO can take some patience and must be done correctly to mitigate engine damage. There are several systems available, which will filter the oil down to 5 microns. We use filter socks that remove the large particles. That is stored in 55 gallon drums. When we need to use that, we heat it up, and run the WVO through a motorized pump system with three inline filters. When choosing a mechanical pump, get the most heavy duty as possible. We recommend using a high output grease pump with a warranty. We use a 10 micron filter, a water filter and a 5 micron filter with a grease pump moving the WVO. Water in fuel is a bad thing. It will damage your engine. The filtering process is crucial to the longevity of your diesel engine.

Sourcing

We setup contracts with our suppliers that describe what we do, when we will pickup, and their benefits. Because there are recycling programs for large chains already in existence, sourcing may take some work developing relationships with local companies. Search for smaller restaurants that have clean oil containers with rain protection. You want vegetable oil not meat oil, so ask if they combine the two.

We have a great time converting and using these vehicles. It's a relatively simple process and can be very rewarding. Take your time, do your research and be a part of a movement that supports domestic, renewable fuels.