Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Diesel Truck Expenses ..

The Informer has received the following email asking us to start a new discussion on possibly saving the town some money on fuel expenses .. We'd welcome feedback from everyone on this subject and if you have other cost saving ideas, please bring them forward.

I would like it if there is a way we can start a new blog to address the issues of the diesel truck expenses. I sincerely believe that it is time for the town to get a veggie conversion kit for the diesel truck instead of forking over thousands in diesel fuel expenses. I have done some research and discovered that a veggie oil conversion kit and labor would run an average of 2 grand. There is a such a mechanic in Rhode Island. Is it possible that this blog can address money saving methods for the town to survive?
Thank you.

Sincerely Yours,
Silverhawk Spirit-Carroll

9 comments:

the Winchester Informer said...

This could be an excellent way to save many thousands of dollars for the town and us tax payers and we could probably supply some if not most of the fuel ourselves by simply recycling and converting the oil everyone here in town uses.

Anonymous said...

This would not be cost effective for anything but personal use.veg oils need additives in cold weather to stop jelling. once a diesel jells up,you don't want to know what it involves to get running again.

the Winchester Informer said...

True, but using Bio-Diesel or straight vegetable oil, does work in cold weather. In cold weather vegetable oil crystallizes, forming solid wax crystals that can quickly block the fuel filters. One solution to the all-weather problem with two-tank kits is to change the filter in winter, using a 30-micron filter instead of the standard 10-micron filter (or less), so the wax crystals just go straight through without blocking the filter and melt in the injection pump, allegedly without causing any stress or damage. Also going straight through into the injection pump however; will be any solid particles of between 10 and 30 microns that the specified standard filter would have stopped. This may/may not cause problems. It's been said that as the final filter, that micron rating will cause problems with the injection equipment in terms of wear/injector plugging, etc. So,it's been recommended to use a Fuel Manager 5 Micron element (there are many lengths to choose from) as the final filter. If the system is 'common rail' then it's recommended to use a the Fuel Manager 2 Micron. The best way to prevent freeze up or gunk ups is to preheat the used strained oil before use. This could be accomplished I think, simply by storing it inside ( non-flammable ) in a heated garage, like the town barn or similar structure. I'm also sure it could all be done for less than what the town is spending on fuel now and provide many green benefits. Of course, they'd have to adopt new policies and stop driving the equipment around town like taxis.
We could also look into using a two tank system; using straight diesel for start-ups and shut-downs and the waste oil for operation. In any case, it's an idea that may be worth looking into if the town is serious about cutting back expenses.

One last thought, it could be a substitute for #2 fuel oil as well and save the town money this way too. Thoughts?

Anonymous said...

I am sure there are pros and cons on using recycled oil. much research would have to be done to determine the origanal cost and how long before you se the benefit. I am under the impression that the town used to use waste oil for the town barn heat but stopped this practice. maybe it should be looked into again. if the furnace hasn't disappeard that is. also how about hiring a full or part time mechanic to do light repairs and maintenance. This may save some money over farming it out.

Anonymous said...

Ideas like this are what the town should be discussing instead of ways of hiding spending by shuffling money from one account to another.

Anonymous said...

Hello Folks,
I have found an intersting website that you could look into and see for yourself how this vegie oil conversion kit would benefit the vehicles: http://www.frybrid.com

It is time to reconsider how we utilize our resources and make life enjoyable for all peoples in this town. At this point in time, it is easy to see that the general population of America is leaning towards becoming eco-safe and green; therefore, it is time to stop putting this off and start implementing better management of our finances especially when it will enable our town to utilize the spared funds towards more urgent projects. After all, only a foolish person would continue this downward spiral of not using waste to save money. What do you say?

cope homan said...

There is a company that makes a machine for about 3500.00. it comes with full tec support and it is a very way to reuse used fry oil.I my self have looked into many of these and found one that is of the best matterals and is so easy to use you can produce oil in the fist day of use.And for the use such as making oil for a town they have bulk tanks that can be keeped in side for the winter,and the best thing is you can make as much or as little as you want or need i think a ivestment like this would be good for the taxe payers.The biggest part is getting used oil and i am sure if the town was to go to mc or burger king could get oil for nothing or little to nothing it only takes one person to make the fuel.

Anonymous said...

Ummmmmmm..... how many fryolaters do you think we have here in town to supply our road crew with used veggie oil? when a large amount of people convert diesels over to veggie oil veggie oil will go up as fast in price as diesel did,It seems like a good idea but just like solar and wind power it will not be practical for some time to come

the Winchester Informer said...

You're right, there's hardly any business in Winchester at all, never mind those that use fryolaters; but there is plenty of used oil in Keene and other areas and if done right this idea could provide some benefits for the future. Of course getting our town officials to look into it instead of wasting more tax dollars with there beautify downtown project, would take some doing.