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FAQ's

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions.

Can my vehicle (make and model) be converted with the kit?

Due to the vast number of vehicles or engines on the market, it is almost impossible to make a type-specific statement.

The kit is universally designed to fit most diesel vehicles, provided there is sufficient space in the engine compartment and for an additional tank.

Where can I order the conversion kit?

Directly from DieselVeg

Where can I have my vehicle converted?

At DieselVeg

The conversion can be performed by any reputable garage/mechanic.

Hints:

No special tools are necessary.

Takes about 6 - 12 hours depending on the type of vehicle (auto/truck).

Requires an understanding of diesel engines and should be installed by a skilled specialist (e.g. auto mechanic)!

Is the conversion permanent?

No, it can be returned to its original state, e.g. when selling the vehicle, it can simply be removed with a few twists of the wrists. All of the components can be reused.

Are there any long-term studies related to operating diesel vehicles with vegetable oil?

Tests and studies have shown, that heated vegetable oil has nearly the same properties as diesel fuel and burns just as effectively in most engines.

Can the new generation of diesel engines (direct injection, common rail) be operated with vegetable oil?

Yes new technology is available

How do injection pumps react operating on vegetable oil?

Bosch injection pumps have shown the best results when operating on vegetable oil. Lucas / CAV injection pumps are only partially suitable. See our injection pump section

Can I operate my vehicle on vegetable oil during the winter months or at freezing temperatures?

In our experience over the last two winters, no further thinning of vegetable oil has been necessary, but in extreme weather a 10% mix of diesel would probably do the trick

How does vegetable oil effect the engine’s properties?

Usually, the engine’s properties (operation, performance, consumption, ...) remain unchanged.

Does operating an engine on vegetable oil effect its regularly scheduled maintenance?

As a rule, the maintenance intervals remain unchanged and should be adhered to as specified by the manufacturer, however all diesel engines inherently contaminate their engine oil with fuel and carbon via the bores, engine oil contaminated with diesel will get thinner, but engine oil contaminated with vegetable oil will get sticky. Regularly checking the oil on the dip-stick, rubbing a small amount between thumb and forefinger can tell you a lot, if it gets sticky, change the oil. Fully synthetic diesel engine oil is recommended.

Can parking heaters operate with vegetable oil?

Parking heaters are not suitable for operating with vegetable oil. If your vehicle has a parking heater, you should consult with the manufacturer beforehand to see whether an additional conversion is possible. With the two-tank system, parking heaters can still operate on diesel fuel.

Can normal diesel fuel be mixed with vegetable oil?

Yes, normal diesel fuel can be mixed with vegetable oil. When filling your tank, it is also possible to switch back and forth between vegetable oil and diesel fuel.

How expensive is vegetable oil and where can I purchase it?

Vegetable oil is a foodstuff and usually not subject to a mineral oil tax. Vegetable oil is a natural product and an inexpensive alternative to conventional diesel fuel. Smaller quantities of vegetable oil can be purchased in any supermarket or wholesale store. In the long term, it is more preferable to purchase vegetable oil from suppliers (e.g. oil mills) in the region. Recycled vegetable oil can also be used provided that it has been cleaned and filtered.

Is it generally permitted to drive using vegetable oil?

Up to now, we are not aware of any country having specific provisions prohibiting the use of vegetable oil.

Does installing a kit affect MOT tests?

No, providing it has been installed to professional standards.

Does installing a kit affect Insurance?

Some insurance companies have little experience with veg oil conversions so they tend to err on the safe side and may load the premium, it is our intention to help create an approved standard for safe and professional installation of vegetable oil kit and as with the LPG trade insurance will be made easier. NFU Mutual the National Farmers Union insurance company have indicated that they will insure vehicles that run on vegetable oil. We have found the services of Adrian Flux http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/index.htm to be extremely competitive and converted vehicles are welcome. It has also been reported to us that Norwich Union and the Co-Op now have no problems with insuring veg burners and are not loading premiums.

What is the difference between vegetable oil and biodiesel?

Vegetable Oil

All biofuels (e.g. cold-pressed vegetable oils) are CO2-neutral and free of sulphur and pollutants in their pure, untreated state. This means they produce only a fraction of the harmful substances as compared to burning mineral diesel.

Additional advantages of vegetable oil

inexpensive

non-toxic

biodegradable

water reactivity 0

flash point aprox. 240°C (reduces the risk of fire or accident)

requires less energy to produce

locally produced

protection of limited fossil fuels

Biodiesel = Rapemethylester = RME

Biodiesel is chemically produced and substantially more expensive than vegetable oil. Except for a few new vehicles, most are not suited for using biodiesel. The majority of diesel vehicles must first be converted, in order to guarantee they will operate on biodiesel. The problem is the durability of the plastic and rubber components, which come into contact with the fuel. If biodiesel is used in a system that has not been adapted, the fuel can leak from places where it frequently backs up, which weakens and dissolves the fuel system´s components. When using pure, untreated vegetable oil, these problems will not occur.

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