A Simple Energy Plan................................

by Warlock 1 Replies latest social current

  • Warlock
    Warlock

    Since drilling for oil is not allowed, then:

    1. For now, everyone buy a Honda or Toyota.

    2. Slowly convert vehicles to run on natural gas.

    That's all.

    Warlock

  • beksbks
    beksbks

    http://www.greasecar.com/mnep_view.cfm?mnepID=66

    On a warm Saturday morning at their garage at 845 E. Main St., next to Electric Blue Print & Supply, Hanka pops the hood of his silver 2003 VW Passat Wagon to display just how the kit works on his engine, a 1.9L TDI (turbocharged direct injection). He explains that the car is started using diesel fuel, which gives the vegetable oil time to heat up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. This initial step is essential for the vegetable oil to attain a similar viscosity to that of diesel. Inman nods along in agreement, saying, "Heat is good."

    Once heated, a pump removes all of the diesel fuel from the fuel lines and replaces it with vegetable oil. The high-pressure injectors then push the organic fuel into the engines' cylinders at 16,000 psi. The rest is combustion and, with any luck, efficient engineering.

    On Hanka's car, clear tubing lets you witness the fuels swapping places. At first the sight seems vulgar, like watching an overindulgent drunk puke up his last eight drinks, but then you remember it was the booze that got him so wasted in the first place. The moment seems purifying.

    At this point, the two walk behind the car. Inman points to the tailpipe and asks, "Smells like egg rolls, doesn't it?" It definitely isn't the sulfurous scent that's typical of diesel fuel, but it is a pungent aroma, more interestingly different than anything. Inman explains that the smell of the exhaust usually resembles whatever food was fried in a given batch of oil.

    This is one of the more ingenious aspects of the business — not that the exhaust smells good but that the fuel is recycled, and therefore, cheap.

    In essence, anyone running a car on vegetable oil need only mine as far as the nearest McDonald's, but Hanka and Inman prefer independent businesses with more authentic cuisine. Whenever there is a need, the guys hit up one of five "regulars" and take about 10-15 gallons of used vegetable oil in 5-gallon waste pails sitting out back. One of Inman's favorites is Great Wall on Brownsboro Road because it's near his home in Crescent Hill.

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