Used Motor Oil
Used Motor Oil
(OP)
I was wondering if anyone has any experience using, used motor oil as fuel for their diesel engines. I have heard of a couple of people with dual tank set ups where the motor oil is heated to 160 degrees F via collant lines, then introduced as fuel to the engine via a valve which shuts off the petro diesel at the same time. If this could work it would seem to be a neat way to power a vehicle as used oil is very plentiful. I have seen systems that blend old oil at 10% to diesel fuel, but nothing that runs 100% without heating.





RE: Used Motor Oil
Blacksmith
RE: Used Motor Oil
RE: Used Motor Oil
http://www.stormingmedia.us/45/4579/A457943.html
I haven't read the full article, but the abstract tells me enough that I wouldn't do it in my personal vehicle. This is JP-8 as opposed to diesel; I don't know if the effects would change with diesel or not.
RE: Used Motor Oil
My most recent copy of Techshop has an article promoting the use of waste oil heaters. Part of the reasoning went along the line that shops are responsible for the used oil's ultimate disposal, whether that results in processing or burning. Some responsibility apparently remains with the shop even if an outside environmental services company is contracted to handle it for them. Burning it onsite does at least ensure that it won't get improperly dumped someplace.
But in addition to the concerns that you mentioned, other practical matters of filtration, sludge build-up in the collection tank, burners getting somewhat cranky with age and/or occasional contamination with coolant, and the necessity of having the stuff carted away when shop heat is not required weren't addressed.
Norm