The ATG Heated Vegetable Oil System Explained
The key to running a Diesel Engine on vegetable oil is to reduce the viscosity of the oil using a Heated Oil Conversion. The higher the temperature the thinner the vegetable oil becomes. Using cold vegetable oil without further modification, although the engine might run, would cause high emissions and possible engine damage, this is not recommended. So the oil must be heated to around 70 degrees C or higher, giving it a fuel viscosity of around 10 centistokes (kinematic viscosity measurement), making it reliable for use in most Diesel engines.
Most Diesel manufacturers specify 10 or 15 centistokes. In winter Diesel fuel thickens and makes starting difficult. Luckily it looks like harsh winters are a thing of the past. Fitting one of our Heated Oil Kits eliminates this problem by preheating the cold Diesel or vegetable oil to 10 centistokes before it enters the combustion chamber. Making starting easier and reducing all that smoke, which is, wasted unused fuel that we see coming from Diesel's on cold days.
An engine running on vegetable oil which has been heated to around 70 degrees C will have the similar injector coking and better engine wear as it would have running on normal diesel, with significantly lower less toxic emissions.
Several different companies including us at DieselVeg have explored the modifications needed, and our kits indeed exceed this.
Method
Oil is heated using circulating coolant water through a heat exchanger and an electrical Diesel-Therm heater within the engine bay to required temperature then a cockpit switch is operated to changeover once up to temperature, or auto switch via temperature sensor with new controller. Other benefits include no loss of power, a cleaner exhaust, a better lubricated engine, and cleaner fuel emission. About 2 minutes before you get to your destination, switch back to diesel to clear the injection pump and fuel lines of vegetable oil. If you forget then a buzzer will sound for two seconds when you switch your engine off, if this happens simply re-start, switch to diesel and run for 2 minutes
Key benefits :
- Competitive all round conversion
- High Compatibility
- Universal fitting
- Low cost, environmentally friendly motoring
- Quick Payback
- Veg oil will always be available even when fuel is in short
The ATG Kit Contents
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The kit is available in 12 and 24 volt models & 8mm (cars, vans), 10mm (Large cars, vans, lorries), 13mm (large commercials) internal diameter fuel line & switching systems and comes supplied for the DIYer with detailed installation instructions, including:
- electric Diesel-Therm continuous-flow heater
- temperature switch (regulates the temperature)
- 3-way solenoid valve (switching between tanks)
- 3-way solenoid valve (venting)
- New control system
- carrier plate
- fuel lines
- fuel filter
- FULL comprehensive installation instructions
- relays
- cable set with connectors and protective caps
- fuse box with 16 A fuse
- miscellaneous materials
- heat exchanger included
- additional tank (optional 12 - 91 Litre., 0,3 bar pressure checked, air vent, constructed of Eltex, CE-certified)
- tank straps (optional)
DIY or Professional Fitting
At DieselVeg we specialise in installing the ATG two tank system and have more satisfied customers than we can easily recount. We have the knowledge and expertise necessary to fulfill this task and that's why we would recommend you have us fit the conversion system. However, we accept that their are many competent DIY mechanics out there, and we also accept that doing the job yourself may be financially more attractive to you that having us do it. That's why we both supply and fit the ATG diesel to vegetable oil conversion system.
Not Sure - Need Help?
Please remember, not every diesel engine can be converted and not everyone is sure what lies beneath the bonnet of their car. Consequently if you require any guidance or assistance, please contact us - we're happy to help.