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In the past few pieces I've written for DriverSense, I have detailed new and cleaner fuels for both gas and diesel engines. Both Flex Fuel (E85) and biodiesel are indeed cleaner burning fuels, especially in newer autos specially designed for these fuels. However, for those who own an older gas or diesel powered auto, you too can join the green revolution if you so choose by adding a few new parts to your outdated auto. All it takes is around $1000 USD and, if you are a do-it-yourselfer, a little elbow grease. Depending on your vehicle, the cost may, in fact, be significantly lower. For those who are not handy with cars, all it takes is a bit of research in your local telephone directory. In this piece, I will tell you how to join the green revolution.
Why Do I Need To Upgrade?
Older vehicles are already capable of running newer environmentally friendly fuels with little or no problems, especially to the engine itself. However, it should be noted that even though the engine itself will in most cases do just fine, the fuel delivery system may not be capable of handling the new fuels. In both cases, the natural ingredients in Flex Fuel and biodiesel tend to decrease the durability and strength of the rubber based components of the fuel system (“elastomer degradation”), notably, rubber fuel sections of fuel lines and rubber fuel pump seals. Keep in mind that newer vehicles are impervious to these effects and we are talking specifically about older vehicles.
What Do I Need?
So you have made the decision to upgrade your older auto’s fuel system in order to run Flex Fuel or biodiesel. You are now asking yourself what exactly do I need in order to do so? Keep in mind that if you are going to have a local mechanic or dealership do the conversion for you, check with them first to ensure that both of you are on the same page in terms of parts.
For those wishing to run E85 or biodiesel in your older gas powered auto, this is a partial list of what you need: fuel injectors, fuel lines (it depends), fuel rails, fuel lines, fuel pump seal, ECU control module and O2 sensors.
You may not need all of these parts, depending on the age of your vehicle, as for example, if your vehicle is a bit newer, your fuel lines may in fact be more than capable of running greener fuels. Do not worry about acquiring these parts on their own, as in the next section, I will detail a few kits out there with all the necessary components.
Where Can I Acquire These Parts?
For those out there who are interested in further researching a conversion to E85 check out these company’s websites for more information:
www.fullflexint.com
www.flextek.com
www.driveflexfuel.com
www.mye85kit.com
For those out there who are interested in moving over to biodiesel, check out this company’s website, http://www.hydrogencarkits.net/biodiesel-kits/, as they appear to be on the ball in regard to what you need through various companies (keep in mind that if you do a cursory search for biodiesel conversion kits, you are going to get a lot of sites for vegetable oil kits, which in most states and provinces are illegal).
Is It Practical?
The question of whether or not to retrofit your older standard fuel-burning auto with the above-mentioned equipment is a matter of self-choice. If you feel that you can spare an extra $1000 at the most and a bit of time, go for it. If you cannot, that is quite all right, as all of us are under a degree of financial strain right now. However, we are all capable of saving up a bit of extra cash here and there, and the extra time will allow for further research.
If you are the do-it-yourself type, you have the added luxury of doing the upgrade a lot cheaper. For those who do not consider themselves overly handy in auto matters, be sure to research local repair shops (or dealers) that are competent when it comes to working with fuel systems. If you are familiar with any local mechanics, give them a call and they can fill you in on the details and potential added costs. A mechanic may be able to obtain the above-mentioned parts at a discount rate.
Photo: www.otcpicks.com
Sources:
domesticfuel.com
www.midwestbiodieselproducts.com
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