Tonya Kay is an actress, TV personality, professional dancer and danger artist living in Los Angeles. A vegetarian of 28 years, vegan for 18 of those and raw vegan for the last 11, Tonya Kay pioneers the green health movement with appearances, publications and green media (available at 
| Running Your Car on Waste Vegetable Oil, Part 5: Risks and Rewards |
| Thursday, 29 September 2011 | Tonya Kay | Blog Entry |
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No Pain, No Gain I converted my car at Greasel in Missouri and would not recommend their conversion to anyone, I am sorry to say. Greasel custom-welded a second tank for my system and before I had made the road trip home to California, that tank sprung a leak, spilling gallons of diesel fuel all over the road—the exact thing I was trying to avoid by paying a large sum of money to have the tank custom-welded per Greasel's own design. I also experienced immediate electrical problems with my car, repeatedly shorting out the new circuits they had installed for the three electric heating pads and the fuel-selector valve. Within the first year, I ended up rewiring the entire system and adding relays myself. I've replaced the Pollak fuel-selector valve five times in five years, and the $300 electric-transfer pump Greasel sold me burnt out within a year and half. Basically everything they touched on my car malfunctioned. And, with the exception of the transfer pump, each malfunction stranded me either while parked or driving, rendering my car completely inoperable. Greasel has since changed names and apparently ownership. They are now called Golden Fuel Systems. Perhaps they have learned more about converting VW TDI Jettas over the past five years. I certainly have. Electrical Glitches Finding a Mechanic Other Lessons Along the Way I have learned how to crack fuel injectors, bleed lines and suck fuel into the carb with my mouth. Most importantly, if I had all the cash in the world to start this exact project over again, this time I would buy a brand new VW Jetta, try the expensive German Elsbett WVO conversion system on a custom two-tank system straight from the get-go, and add in-line heaters myself before it's all over. W-V-O vs. O-L-D Jetta Heart Attack When running my Jetta for five months on diesel, the car ran wonderfully, started quickly every time, never smoked and had consistent power. The problems came when I started using WVO. Hmmm... So all this sounds a little daunting. And still, would I do it again? I would and I did. A Tale of Two Vans The WVO Chevy powered down while driving five times within the first 5,000 miles. The biodiesel Ford has had no issues. I did not choose to continue troubleshooting the Chevy van; the way I see it, troubleshooting should be left to personal transportation and never a company vehicle. In the future, I will be doing all my research and development off the clock. When I know I've got my system right, then and only then will I place that vehicle into the work force. The Bottom Line Most importantly, though, committing to run on WVO has placed me in a new category of environmentalist, and proven to myself that I am not afraid to go all the way for the things I believe in. You aren't really one of those people until you are one of them. So now I am. Before, I was just a follower, waiting for someone else to do the hard work. My personal environmental integrity has increased three-fold and my enthusiasm to take on other, bigger, experimental green projects has grown. I am free to experiment. Operative word: free. Do I think there is one alternative-fuel answer that will heal the pollution, the politics and the consumerism of world society? No. But I do believe that alternative fuels in general can. I encourage everyone out there to experiment and contribute to the diversification of fuel reliance. Research and develop WVO delivery systems, manufacture your own local waste-stock biodiesel, build an electric car that powers off solar panels, forge a way to import the 80 mpg, manual, diesel Smart Car from Europe. And if you want to teach your children about alternatives to petroleum-based transportation, keep those bicycles in excellent repair, and start getting the whole family into shape by riding them to the store together to pick up groceries. I don't have the answer because there isn't one. There are many. It's time to choose one, two or ten of them and get started. Read Part 1: Converting Your Car Help the Earth, Spread the Word: Share this article with friends. Copy and paste this shortened link http://bit.ly/qMqfi8 or click on the "Email This" or "Share This" links below right. [Sign up to be notified each time Tonya publishes a new Clean and Green Everyday blog entry on EcoHearth.– Ed.] [See a complete list of writing by Tonya Kay on EcoHearth.com or visit her Clean and Green Everyday blog. – Ed.]
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Written by Tonya Kay , March 13, 2011
Good for you! I'm so glad to hear it. It sounds like you have a great approach and positive attitude. Of course, 2 years on a new engine is not what I consider a long-term sustainability test, but with your track record, I think the new car could work out well over the years running veg, too. Thank you for sharing.
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Written by Sir Henry , March 13, 2011
It's unfortunate that you've had so many problems with converted cars and vans, Tonya. My experiences have been completely different. Most likely because I've chosen cars that need no conversion to run on WVO.
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The first was a 1995 Citroen Xantia 1.9 turbo diesel which I bought used with 285K miles on the clock. Even running on WVO it would still return 50 miles per Imperial Gallon (4.545 litres) on a run and not much less 'in town'. When I gave it to my niece's significant other over a year later it was still using the original main filter even though I'd not fitted an inline filter. When the car finally 'failed to proceed' I just changed the filter, primed the fuel system with the OEM manual priming pump and it fired up again first turn of the key! During that long, hot summer I even experimented with some out of date, but otherwise fresh, palm oil. I wouldn't advise anyone to do the same as it is a temperamental substance which can stay solid at anything below 20 C, although adding 10 per cent unleaded to it and allowing it to 'mature' for a month or two can reduce this considerably. About 4 times a year I take a trip to Belgium (I live in the UK) which, excluding the 2 hour ferry each way, is a 600 mile jaunt which I accomplish in around 26 hours including sightseeing for several hours while on the continent. The car never gave me a single moment's worry on any of these trips or at any other time. I continued to supply my nephew with oil until he crashed it into another car and disposed of it via another uncle. My current diesel vehicle is a Toyota Estima 2.2 turbo diesel with 196 K kilometers on the clock which I've owned for just over 2 years. I bought it as a non-runner so it's had a new (used) short motor, gearbox and torque converer fitted, but is otherwise just as it left the factory. It's an 8-seater MPV gray import as this model was specifically designed for and sold in the Japanese home market only. I use it mostly for long trips and/or to tow my one tonne caravan (what the yanks call a trailer home) all over the UK when going to long weekend car club meets of which we hold about a dozen during the 'warmer' months from March to November. Being a large 'car' with an automatic gearbox and permanant 4-wheel drive I only get 30 mpg running solo at motorway speeds (70 mph in the UK, 120 kph on the continent), a lttle less around town and as little as 17 mpg when towing the 'van (again at motorway speeds - 60 mph when towing). The only time I had any fuelling problems with this one was after I'd fitted an inline filter. Since the pipe run from the fuel tank to the main filter is shorter than the length of the filter(s) I chose to purchase I had to fit a completely new, longer fuel line. Unfortunately the hose I used - which was just something I had to hand - was too rigid and didn't seal properly around the stub pipes and dripped a little oil, but most impoertantly sucked in a lot of air. Once I replaced it with hose which was meant for the job all my troubles simply melted away and have not returned in several hundred miles of trouble-free (and cheap) motoring. I wouldn't describe myself as an eco-warrior, but I am a committed Alternative Fuel proponent. I've even had my 'town car' converted to LPG. She's a 1976 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow! Now you know why I need to save every possible penny of my motoring costs LOL.
Written by Tonya Kay , March 01, 2011
Wow, impressive mode of learning and very honorable. I kind of threw myself into it. I had experience with auto body and home carpentry - just enough to be dangerous - but mostly, for me, I just have a really curious mind that absorbs information eagerly, listens attentively to people whom know more than I, and enjoys the feeling of competency learning and action generates combined.
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You'd be a great person to know more about this. Do it. I didn't continue with traditional schooling after high school, but I have studied at a bunch of "technical" schools: artistic technology:-) So maybe a summer mechanical program would be a great crash course. I'm not sure where you live, but maybe assisting a WVO system installer for a summer might be more specific to what you are interested in. Whatever you do, learn everything there is to know about the fuel-delivery system of diesel engines if you wanna explore alternative fuels. Touch them, take them apart. Put them back together. I've had to learn which fuel line and at what point in the system to suck to draw fuel into your mouth, creating a vacuum when cracking and bleeding the fuel injectors doesn't work (diesel Jettas are real pains in the butt when you get a little air into your fuel line from say, changing the fuel filter or a seal pulling up). It would be really cool to know how to take the main tank down (or to just have the lift or pit to do it). Imagine how easy an oil change would be with one of those, too! My perspective on engines now is that cars are machines and humans built machines and if we can build something that moves my body through space, relatively safely, at 80 mph over rain, through wind and desert sun, with the comfort of satellite stereos and even little individual tv screens, then I can learn how at least the fuel-delivery system works to tap in and do a little work in the direction of actual evolution. You can do this. It will be fun.
Written by Jacob S. , February 28, 2011
Hello Tonya,
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My name is Jacob and I am currently a senior attending school in the lower Appalachian mountains and looking into renewable resources as a career path. First off, very compelling story...I put off 30 minutes of my AP Environmental Science work to read the 5 links you have provided! I am throwing around the idea of converting a car, but know very little in the way of automotives (spent too much time learning the trumpet and taking other classes instead!) and my family has a limited knowledge of what's under the hood. I would think I should get some basic auto mechanic instruction before I take on this task...perhaps at a community college or auto repair shop...what would you recommend would be the best path to take at this point (I am hoping to pursue this in the summer)? - Jacob S.
Written by Tonya Kay , November 24, 2010
Thanks, yes Cole has complaints from me, I can attest. Thank you for your support. I am running biodiesel currently and she's going strong! I will contact you the next time I do some adjustments, however with your advice to simply NOT run a Jetta TDI on WVO, I guess there won't be elsewhere to go!
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Written by DIY BIOFUELS , November 24, 2010
please call me 8182882224
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I will get your jetta back running again and I wont replace half your engine doing it :)
Written by DIY BIOFUELS , November 24, 2010
hey tonya
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I am located in the VALLEY all I do is work on converted diesels I wish i met you before you started your journey as i would of sent you in a much better direction I advise against running wvo in any newer VW tdi they are just too delicate and expensive to repair biodiesel works great in tdi's tho MERCEDES diesels are what you want to run WVO in cole=bad news ALOT of people are pissed off at that guy
Written by Tonya Kay , August 05, 2010
Glad to help any way I can! And I'm glad to know that you are out there doing the important work, too. FYI, my Jetta is a slow starter no matter what fuel I run and I did just replace the fuel pump. I guess I could do the injectors, too, but it has always started - it just takes a few revs to get there when cold. And I'm running single tank, like I suggest no one should. This autumn I'm looking forward to installing a fuel selector switch of highter quality (I've melted 5 of them!) and a block heater right before the injectors, too. Best of luck to us all!
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Written by Penny , August 05, 2010
Tonya,
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I bought the car converted but I'd estimate it probably has around 20,000 miles not on it since the conversion. I am faithful about starting and shutting down on diesel so I suspect I have a fuel pump issue. I'll look into getting a pressure test done as well. Thanks so much for your help and the wealth of information you have on your site. Reading your site in advance contributed to the purchase of my Jetta and other than the start up problems I've recently had, I really love the car. I also own a Dodge Cummins motorhome that has been converted and it seems to run great on WVO as well. Thanks again! Penny
Written by Tonya Kay , August 04, 2010
Hi, Penny. How many miles had your Jetta on it when you purchased it? When was it purchased? How long have you been running straight waste vegetable oil? Are you running single or dual tank?
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I am no mechanic, but I've seen a lot of engines and been inside them out of pure interest. Yes, I have replaced the fuel pump in my Jetta after about 20,000 miles on WVO and at about mile 220,000 on the engine. Now, it does seem that a fuel pump might need replaced on an engine with over 200,000 miles on it at some point. It does seem that WVO would indeed shorten the life of any fuel pump (just put a few drops of oil vs. diesel or biodisiel on your finger tips and you will feel why). Another reason for slow start could be gummed injectors. But either way, there are only two solutions: you should be starting on thin fuel via your secondary tank and purging before shut down. THAT would eliminate your question: is the WVO causing slow start or degraded pump longevity. The secondary tank for thin start up and shut down is a key factor in longevity with your car. I could go on and on, but if you aren't starting on thin fuel (or had not been) and don't intend to (tisk, tisk) then consider adding more heat via a heat block directly prior to the injectors. A cold car wont be able to heat its veggie oil, but the heat block MIGHT help that initial start up. It also sounds like you might need a fuel pump or new injectors. There are pressure tests that mechanics can do to tell if your fuel pump is bad. It's too expensive to replace without making sure.
Written by Penny , August 04, 2010
Tonya,
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Thanks for sharing all your knowledge. I purchased a 2002 Jetta about 5 months ago but I am finding that it is becoming increasingly difficult to start, even though I've not been running on WVO for a month or so now. My german mechanic who doesn't like converted cars told me the fuel pumps can go bad from the WVO wearing out the seals. Have you heard of this or had experience? The car starts fine if warm but needs a lot of pedal pumping to start cold. Let me know your thoughts. Penny
Written by Pilgrim , July 29, 2010
I am so glad to hear that! I will start saving for a pair of my own :)
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Written by Tonya Kay , July 24, 2010
They are fantastic! Thank you! They strobe like LEDs do and they only light when in motion. So stops are not featured moves. I love them!
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Written by Pilgrim , July 24, 2010
Hey, Tonya!
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How's the propeller poi working out? I was thinking about purchasing them myself and would love to hear what you think of them.
Written by Tonya Kay , June 26, 2010
Thanks, Mark! And yes, I would absolutely purchase a VW Jetta again - this car ROCKS! I love driving it in the city - it is peppy, small and holds my stilts, groceries and performance gear. Knowing what I know now about WVO, yes again, I would purchase a WVO and this time build from what I've learned.
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I personally would not purchase a Mercedes for personal reasons, not conversion reasons - but that's just me:-)
Written by Mark C. , June 26, 2010
Hi Tonya,
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First off, what a wonderful account of your WVO experience. I'm glad to finally find a detailed and informative blog that is not only factually honest but also not veiled with idealism. I've been considering purchasing a used diesel for a WVO conversion and will undoubtedly check your blog often. I guess a general question would be would you buy another VW if you had the choice? I hear a lot about the diesel Mercedes being workhorses, but while not ugly, they're not the easiest to maneuver around metro LA! Thanks! Mark
Written by derek , June 22, 2010
85 300d 2 tank marshall nc recomend grease car 3way valves no problems 20k mi however i have been decanting large drums on my grease tower then bubble drying the grease at 180 via air compressor through upside down hot water heater then center fuging .5 micron continues pass i get a beatiful translucent amber oil but after a few hundred miles my secondary filter bogs down when i first started b efore the centerfuge i was going 1500+ mi between filter changes i got contaminated and have these awful bugs i cut a filter open and its a black slick covering the media but no debrie in tank or lines i feel like the paper filter media is prime habitat for the bugs if even the slightest amount of water is present my oil starts off with almost no water as air displaces the oil as the tank get burned is were the water enters my system i theorize im at the end of my rope with these secondary filters i have tried startron and purging the wvo side and running diesel w/diesel cleen on the wvo side since i have found no particals in the system im going to remove my grease car heated spin on filter and relay on my inline primary filter for any large particals that may damage injectors or ip pump f if i fry my ip pump i got a parts car has anyone figured out these bugs?
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Written by Pilgrim , June 22, 2010
http://www.lightupandjuggle.com/
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Click on the led propeller poi on left hand side to see the wind poi :). I found the pricing a bit confusing so I called and spoke with Nick. The prices are for one poi, not for one set.
Written by Pilgrim , June 18, 2010
Thanks, Tonya. I have thought about LED poi for some time and I think I will buy a pair. I really wish I had a set when I was spinning this weekend at a farm at night with my regular practice set. I found a company that manufactures their products in Canada, has rechargeable poi sets and even one set that charges from the wind you generate as you spin (no batteries, no recharging - very eco friendly, but somewhat limited colour range).
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Written by Tonya Kay , June 02, 2010
For your health, proper fuel handling when fire spinning is essential. You can not remove the risk of burning toxic chemicals around your body completely, but you can minimize your health risk by: using an outer pail, wearing gloves, working only in extremely well ventilated areas, using a funnel, ect.
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These things, too, will minimize your damage to the environment. You don't have to drip on the ground with precautions. BUT by definition, if fire spinning, you will always be burning a flammable, toxic chemical into the atmostphere and around your body breathing in. So no, it is not safe. I only do it for paid performances anymore myself. Never for party fun and never on my own for practice. I've picked up recharageable LED poi or flag poi which are safe indoors and have many brilliant color options. I burn whatever I can get my hands on for fuel. The less toxic the fuel, the dimmer it burns and the lower it's ignition point. Straight cooking oil has such a high ignition point, it essentially will not burn. Biodiesel is slightly better, but not much. Lamp oil is the safest (health wise) oil that will ignite and burns a long, dim light. I often mix lamp oil and lighter fluid or white gas. The latter ignites well and burns bright. The former gives longevity. None are safe or environmental. Poi spinning though, is a great exercise and artistic form of expression! And getting to know fire as a powerful element is essential human training! But at some point you may like LED poi or flag poi better than fire, like myself.
Written by Pilgrim , June 01, 2010
Tonya, great articles as always! Since I do not drive as of yet what sparked my interest was the fire spinning fuel. I have been practicing for a bit since I have ordered your DVD a few years back. I am considering getting into fire spinning. Have you found any green fuels you would recommend? I had a chat with someone about this and they said they use white gas. I asked if beeswax or regular oil could be used, but they were not so sure (and I doubt they would as well). Any advice would be appreciated as I too do not wish to expose myself, the audience or anything I drip on to pollution.
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Written by Tonya Kay , June 01, 2010
Anyway, it's a rough call - do you search for a WVO mechanic or a good mechanic? Not that the two are necessarily mutually exclusive, but they certainly can be. Let's assume that the WVO mechanic, whom might be good or not, is hard to locate and a distance away. Even 10 miles is too far when you are having start problems or loosing power completely! So ... my opinion is this: if you want system suggestions or even system installs done, calling around and talking to WVO mechanics with actual experience on YOUR car is vital. Depending on how far away they are, it may or may not be worth going to them for the actual install of those system ideas. BUT if you are having shut down problems, severe power issues or start problems, then that requires immediate trouble shooting to keep you safe. You want to trouble shoot the car running on diesel or biodiesel first, just to make sure the car itself has no issues. Then when you know the car runs perfectly on thin oil, then trouble shoot that WVO system. We need you safe and able to drive to your job and affairs first, then get into your green ideals.
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The most essential qualities a "good mechanic" has for me, whether they specifically do WVO installations or not, is LOCATION - I want to be able to push my car there, if I need to, rather than keep forking out a tow bill! Also important is a long history in my city of doing honest, good work - ask around - find out which mechanic in your area has actually been around the longest - there is a reason their business has thrived for 30 years. Find a mechanic with a diesel specialty - working on diesel engines is FAR DIFFERENT than working on gasoline engines. Unfortunately, in California, since diesels have actually be illegal for sale for so long here, there are naturally fewer mechanics that have diesel trouble shooting knowledge. THEN, my WVO consideration comes in: are they open minded to learning from me, learning from the internet and working on a WVO system that challenges their expertise in newness.
Written by Tonya Kay , June 01, 2010
Could it be your oil? Yes, it is always the oil. But not how you are thinking, probably. If your old car has had EVERYTHING replaced and is essentially a new car, then it's the oil. Without touching or driving your car, I wouldn't know. At this point, I can feel a lot of things in my car early. But a batch of partially hydrogenated oil or just plain gunk (at any point in the car's life) could have left sludge or even algae bloom in your tank. Big problems there. Maybe the hoses are gelled up and need replaced. I like see-through hoses, if available: you can see through them:-) Your fuel injectors might need replaced. You said it's a '79? That old of a car PROBABLY doesn't have fancy gagues and sensors, but if it does, those electronic things can go bad and wreak havvock in the car's brain. I don't know how many pumps you have and have replaced, but no matter what the situation, it's the oil running through it that can gum, gel, sludge, algae and create these concerns. So at this point picky oil selection is essential. At all points picky oil selection is essential. And getting your car to WVO working condition.
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My good mechanic is John at Magic Touch in Hollywood - amazing mechanic, won't stop until he's fixed it, honest and responsible to his repairs. Nico Kastrup in Ventura works on WVO and is a good mechanic - younger than John, but with the same spirit and less experience - does WVO conversions. Calling around to biodiesel places and asking for good diesel mechanic repairman (willing to work on WVO) references might yield the word-of-mouth reputation references you are looking for, too, and in different locations, possibly closer to your home. Some local biodiesl resources to LA are: LA City Biodiesel (I do company business at his pump in Chatsworth, delivers bio, too), Vert Biodiesel (does wet host deliveries, specializing in on-set service) and Standard Biodiesel (not sure if they are still operating, but have been in the scene for a bit).
Written by Tonya Kay , June 01, 2010
Anyway, it's a rough call - do you search for a WVO mechanic or a good mechanic? Not that the two are necessarily mutually exclusive, but they certainly can be. Let's assume that the WVO mechanic, whom might be good or not, is hard to locate and a distance away. Even 10 miles is too far when you are having start problems or loosing power completely! So ... my opinion is this: if you want system suggestions or even system installs done, calling around and talking to WVO mechanics with actual experience on YOUR car is vital. Depending on how far away they are, it may or may not be worth going to them for the actual install of those system ideas. BUT if you are having shut down problems, severe power issues or start problems, then that requires immediate trouble shooting to keep you safe. You want to trouble shoot the car running on diesel or biodiesel first, just to make sure the car itself has no issues. Then when you know the car runs perfectly on thin oil, then trouble shoot that WVO system. We need you safe and able to drive to your job and affairs first, then get into your green ideals.
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The most essential qualities a "good mechanic" has for me, whether they specifically do WVO installations or not, is LOCATION - I want to be able to push my car there, if I need to, rather than keep forking out a tow bill! Also important is a long history in my city of doing honest, good work - ask around - find out which mechanic in your area has actually been around the longest - there is a reason their business has thrived for 30 years. Find a mechanic with a diesel specialty - working on diesel engines is FAR DIFFERENT than working on gasoline engines. Unfortunately, in California, since diesels have actually be illegal for sale for so long here, there are naturally fewer mechanics that have diesel trouble shooting knowledge. THEN, my WVO consideration comes in: are they open minded to learning from me, learning from the internet and working on a WVO system that challenges their expertise in newness.
Written by Tonya Kay , June 01, 2010
Hey, Emily! I'm sorry to hear that you are having a rough start. Unless you are driving one of those fabeled '80s Mercedes, then it's my belief that every car is going to have it's own kink work-out period. My VW Jetta sure did! And my 2001 Chevy delivery van started to, before I realized that R&D on a company van was just not going to work for the business and I switched over to biodiesel successfully for that vehicle.
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It's funny that the only advice I would give about WVO in LA (to avoid Cole at Green Diesel at all costs) is exactly where you are at currently. My fatal complaint about Cole is that he lied about the product he was selling me, charged me for the condition he said it was in, but wasn't, then when the product was immediately bad, he repeatedly said he'd give me new for free to replace it, but after a year and over 20 phone calls on my end, he was just all talk, bad business and no where to be found. That's as specific as I am going to get on this forum. Stay away from Cole is my advice. But regarding the oil he sold you, especially if you are PAYING for prefiltered oil, it should be golden in color. Brown/gold is okay, but just plain brown is not. Even with prefiltered sales, you can request a sample jar of the oil. With that jar, I would place it in the sun and let it settle, unmolested, for one month. If you see ANY separation occur, then you are not getting the prefiltering that you are paying for. Yes, also immediately note the color. I know you have not been doing this long, but imagine virgin canola oil for sale in the store - that's the ideal golden color. The further the oil is away from that color, the dirtier it is. It's all just degrees of ideal. I've put partially hydrogenated oil in my car - and it run! For a while. Then the car wouldn't start. Eventually, after a lot of R&D picking around, my good mechanic discovered 7 gallons of sludge in my main tank. He looked at me like I was the devil when he told me. Like he had seen an atrocity that he had never hoped to see in this lifetime.
Written by Emily , May 31, 2010
Hey Tonya. Great articles! I have '79 diesel VW rabbit that I bought supposedly already converted to a two tank WVO system. I found out later that the conversion was not complete, so I have had a hell of a time actually making this thing work. I also live in LA, and although the whole process has been harder than I thought it would be, I think the one thing that has been extra hard is not being able to find anyone that I can take the car to, or learn from to fix it myself. Who is your good mechanic??? Where did Lovecraft go? The only person I've found who says they work on conversions is located really far from me, and I'm not thrilled about the idea of going back to him. Also, while I plan to filter oil myself as soon as I have the set up (I love yours and will probably end up adopting it!), I got myself a 55 gallon drum of filtered WVO from Cole at Green Diesel, which I am still sitting on. Since I am such a newbie, I actually don't know what good oil really looks like yet. This oil did not work in my car, and so I have been assuming that there is still something wrong with the system itself. After driving for less than 10 miles on that oil I lost power, and was burping lots of smoke, and was not stranded only because I could switch back to the primary diesel tank, which still worked. This was immediately after I got the car back from said conversion mechanic, and all the heaters, the filters and the pumps were new. The car runs basically fine on the diesel, but is still pretty smoky sometimes. Needless to say, all this does not make me feel like the eco-example I was hoping to be! Now I am wondering if possibly this oil is suspect? It is pretty dark in color and very thick. What were your problems with Cole? Were they oil related?
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Anyway, I'm thrilled to find that there is another WVO'er out there in LA and would love to talk more with you or find out about any resources you have in the area. Thanks!
Written by Tonya Kay , May 14, 2010
Welcome to LA, fellow pioneer! I have in the past paid for pre-filtered fuel to be delivered to me, and do not know currently who is doing it in LA, but please take one word of advice at least: if you find that Cole of Green Diesel is delivering, DO NOT ACCEPT HIS BUSINESS. He was a dishonest businessman with me and it ended up costing me $300.
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Other than that warning to NOT support Cole from Green Diesel, I say it's your trial and error! Collecting yourself is trial and error, too, but at least it is free:-)
Written by Naomi Rheam , May 14, 2010
I think your comment at the end about not being a follower was the thing that hit me the most. I also have learned that this passion that I have to make my life greener and thus the world will only increase as I take more drastic steps.
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I just moved to LA, I have a huge desire to get a car & convert it asap. Do you know any good vendors I can contact? ALos, I have heard of companies that deliver fuel, already filtered to your house? I look forward to talk with you!
Written by Tonya Kay , October 27, 2009
Hey, Kathy. Have a read over all of my WVO articles. There are four and I go into all the gory detail, including where I get my oil. Mostly restaurants. That's the difference between Straight Veggie Oil and Waste Veggie Oil - mine is a reused waste product.
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Written by Kathy , October 26, 2009
GEEEZZZ-I would max out my Triple AAA membership roadside assistance in weeks.
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I am sure you have been asked all kind of questions, here is a few more; Where is someone supposed to get all this veggie oil? Do you check grocery sale papers, and see who has the best price on the Wesson, or Crisco? How many miles per gallon you get?
Written by Vlad & Sky , October 07, 2009
Hey Lil Lady , yes the Chevy Van is Diesel and the Motor is a 6.5 L 1992 Diesel which is supposed to be one of the best for that size Motor and yes me & Sky will probably take a trip out to California with it in the Spring of next year , as for my Fire Fuel send me an E-Mail and I will explain what I use & try to give details on how to blend it :)
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Sky waves Hi back ! , and is looking forward to the next Dance :) In Fire & Ice....Vlad/Eros Fire .
Written by Tonya Kay , October 07, 2009
Vlad, hey is that Chevy van a diesel? I'm sure it is if you are considering converting it to run WVO - way to go! Will you be driving that to California on it's first converted road trip?
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And I am curious - what fuel DO you use for your fire spinning performances? Hi, to Sky!
Written by Vlad & Sky , October 06, 2009
Tonya !! , so nice to see you here since we met in Florida this past August , anyway Iam working on purchasing a 1983 Chevy 4x4 G 30 Van that has a brand new re-built 6.5 L Engine in it so Iam looking to convert it to Veggie Oil and am in the process of doing alot of research into this subject so the more I find out the more I will share this info with others , yeah Iam very Mechanically inclined & have re-done many Motors from the ground up so this should help & as you know both myself & Sky use no white gas for any of our Fire Spinning and we just like it that way & still get a nice Flame when all is done ! , we hope to touch base with you soon when we come out West in the next couple of Months or so .
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Sky says Hellooo ! , she misses you ! . In Fire & Ice....Vlad/Eros Fire .
Written by Tonya Kay , October 05, 2009
Hey, Leon, thanks. Yea, as I mentioned in this article above, I too would try out the Elsbett kit if doing it all again on a VW Jetta. And sure, I'd really like to demo that Tiki fluid! I'll see if I can find you, Leon. Thank you again for sharing another experienced WVO POV.
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Written by Leon Griffin , October 05, 2009
My suggestion for your car is an elsbett kit. They make a single tank system for your car and are a real German company that has been doing VO engines for a long time. The quality of the oil that you put in will continue to be critical but you could simply blend or use strait diesel if it gets cold and probably increase the reliability of your vehicle. Don't even consider Lovecraft, they make the old greasel look well engineered.
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It took me a bit of goggling to get a sample of your work and performances; sorry I found this article based on the veggie. In addition to the fire spinning, are a mean hula hooper too. However, I don't know that either the grill lighter fluid or the tiki torch oil would stand up to your talents if you are using regular lighter fluid. Shoot me an email and I can get you a bottle of the tiki torch oil if you want.
Written by Tonya Kay , October 02, 2009
As you might know, one of my performance arts is fire spinning and over the years I've been performance spinning, as much as I adore the connection with dance and fire and that energy of sensual transformation, the burning of toxic chemicals at the end of my chains is really becoming a bore to me. I mean, I sit inside of it and breathe it for goodness sake! And as clean and green as I am and serious about my flammable chemical handling, even I have a drop drip off onto the Earth as I spin off excess before lighting up. I wonder ... if people are using that Grill lighter for a BBQ, then would it work for my application? I value the long burn time of low-ignition point fluids, but they also burn quite dimly. What have you seen from your Grill lighter fluid?
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I'm interested in your 3-way hydraulic valve suggestion (though I am avoiding all money spending on cars at this point - ha!). I had previously been hoping that some in-line heaters right before the injectors would give me some fast heat for cool grease start up on a single tank. I had given up on the Pollaks!
Written by Leon Griffin , October 02, 2009
Yea, lighter vehicles can get away with only the injector pump to pull the fuel. WVO would surely strain that system. However, nothing says that you couldn't add a lift pump to the veggie side if that proved to be a problem. Yours may have been on its last legs anyway. As for valves: the pollak are SOO last year and have a bad reputation for failing. The companies that use valves are using 3-way hydraulic valves, Hydraforce is a popular brand but there are many.
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The Tiki torch oil, Grill lighter and Wood treatment are all essentially biodiesel (as the petroleum replacement) plus natural oils and special sauce. Its made up in Charlotte, NC.
Written by Tonya Kay , October 01, 2009
Thank goodness for the mechanics, who build a better world. Seriously. We all move forward when you succeed. Hey, straight pro wvodesigns.com. You know, my car only has one pump. Just the injector pump. No lift pump. Little car, huh? More power on the diesel Cummins? And if had a garage, I'd have that centrifuge. Well done. And it must be long lasting, too. That would minimize my carrying and pouring with a small, in place centrifuge. Nice. About the lighter fluid ... do explain.
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Written by Leon Griffin , October 01, 2009
Tonya, I have a Two tank with check valves, I sifted through a lot of forums to collect the details of the design. I created a site to share it: WVOdesigns.com and have since gone into developing more things for the wvo community such as a Centrifuge to clean the oil. Kinda got pulled into it; I have a background "in the real world" as an heavy truck engineer. If there is one thing that this community needs it is to be helped out of the backyard.
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No need to "test" for blame; proof is in the pudding. You are either sitting on the side of the road when things fail or you are not...
Written by Tonya Kay , October 01, 2009
Leon, thanks for the communal wisdom. I can tell you are a veggie oiler, too, and what you've said about the fuel choice often being blamed for problems that are actually mechanical is intelligent. I find that the fuel is often blamed for old car problems as well. The only way to scientifically test those variables, though, is to take the same exact car, convert it two ways, drive it simultaneously the same, and over time compare the same car to itself. Impossible!
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Question for you, Leon: did you convert to a two tank system? If so, what fuel selector valve did you use? I've had a heck of a time keeping my system two tank due to the continuously failing Polack 6 port.
Written by Leon Griffin , October 01, 2009
Tonya, Thank you so much for your article. It is refreshing to see such an honest review of your experiences. You are absolutely correct; many of the so called conversions are nowhere near the automotive quality that we have grown accustomed to. The nebulous quality of the fuel is always accused but it is inexcusable to sell a system that will decrease the reliability of your vehicle. Keep on it; I have 30k on my F350 and it has never left me sitting even though many things have failed.
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Written by Tonya Kay , September 30, 2009
Since I've only used two conversion kits, mentioned above, and I had trouble with both of them, I can not recommend any other kit. All I would be able to do is tell you from hear-say, which is how I would start if I were you: now you have reviews on two conversion kits from me, begin googling other conversion kits, find forums and people that have actually converted with them, talk to those people and the mechanics directly, gather information, and ... get ready for the ride all the planning in the world could not prepare you for!
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I'm not complaining about gas prices. I'm not wagging a finger at our government's oil wars. I'm not debating what automotive technology is going to save our planet. I'm shutting up, taking responsibility and finding out for myself. I've been running alternative fuels for the past five years. And it hasn't been all rainbow exhaust, green trophies and good times, my friends. Did I mention that day I had to pull chicken skin out of my fuel filter? Or how about the time my car powered down on the highway—while in the fast lane? I've laughed, I've cried. But in the end, all that matters is: would I do it again? 
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