The Trouble with Biodiesel

I've finally got a full-time Internet connection in my truck, so I hope to be able to do some more writing. Supposedly I should be able to connect anywhere the Cingular GSM network works, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile, I've finished training as a truck driver, and am managing to see a lot of the US. So far I've been in more than 32 states. It's a very interesting profession from that standpoint - if you like landscape, you would probably enjoy at least that aspect of trucking. I'm typically out driving for two to three weeks at a time.

The last time I was out, I discovered a major problem with running biodiesel in your car. Fortunately there's an easy workaround to the problem, but it sure was something that I hadn't thought of!

I got in from a trip and tried to start my truck. The temperature was right around freezing, so I was expecting that I might have some trouble because at that temperature biodiesel starts to gel. Sure enough, although it started right up, it only ran for five minutes. So I pulled the fuel filter to see what was going on. It was empty. But, the fuel was still liquid so I was somewhat puzzled. To make a long story short, I finally figured out that no fuel was coming from the tank. There were several holes in the rubber fuel line coming out of the bottom of the tank. At first I thought someone had vandalized my car and perhaps stolen the fuel, but on further inspection I found that the cuts were really teeth marks. Yes, bunnies had chewed through the hose and had gone on a biodiesel binge.

Fortunately I was able to obtain a piece of hose with a stainless steel shroud, so I did manage to get home that day. But beware if you park your biodiesel powered car anywhere where bunnies can get at your fuel. Your car may be vandalized, as mine was.

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Launching Biodiesel Fuel Rebate Program

CaseStack Kicks Off the Green Rebate Program
Logistics Leader Supports the Environment and Economy by
Launching Biodiesel-fuel Rebate Program

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — CaseStack, Inc. announces today the beginning of a two month Green Rebate Program designed to promote the use of biodiesel fuel. This environmentally-friendly program works by offering a rebate to truck drivers who fill up with biodiesel fuel while carrying a CaseStack load.

The Green Rebate Program, which begins July 1st and ends September 1st 2006, offers a rebate of 10 cents per gallon, up to $50.00 for the truck drivers. Beginning June 23rd, complete detailed information can be obtained through CaseStack’s website (www.casestack.com), by calling toll free 1-866-567-6644 or by texting the word ‘green’ to 30364.

Biodiesel is the fuel of the future, a clean burning alternative fuel, made from mixing vegetable oils and diesel fuel in a simple and inexpensive transformation process. Biodiesel is biodegradable and non-flammable. There is no mechanical conversion needed; the fuel works in any diesel engine and can be used in existing engines as well as in fuel injection equipment.

The positive effects of biodiesel are limitless. Not only does it emit fewer harmful pollutants into our atmosphere as compared to conventional diesel but it also reduces tailpipe emissions and visible smoke. Biodiesel supports the welfare of Americans by being less hazardous to truck drivers and promoting the revival of American farmers through soy consumption.

Companies can also participate by taking part in the Green Consolidation Program where they can contribute seamlessly to the environment without making drastic changes to their operations. CaseStack will identify all participating companies as Green Partners and include them in all recognition marketing such as national and regional targeted advertising campaigns, PR announcements and viral marketing. The Green Consolidation Program is the first of many goodwill programs CaseStack plans on implementing over the years.

“Sustainability is good business

Funny

Its is very funny to read. Definetly the biodiesel has its side effect. I hope it is not the poison, but it gives some side effects to human body. Let us see :-)

My Personal Blog

Nice one

It is nice exsperience to share with. Bunnies chewing the pipe !! It makes good humour. But, keeps us alert also.

Nobody gets to live life backward. Look ahead, that is where your future lies.

Local needs help

Hello,

I was wondering if you could provide any information to a novice that is looking to do a conversion to wvo?

thank you in advance.

It's in the works, but...

right now I don't have time to finish the project. There are plenty of other sites that explain how to do it, just do a Google search. You can keep checking back here, but right now I only have three days off every three weeks - not enough time for projects, unfortunately. At this point, I'm only accumulating the parts I need to do the conversion. My target for putting up an article is sometime in April.

Thanks for your interest!