Anyone Running Their Galaxy On Veg Oil/diesel Mix?

[Ex-Galaxy person]

Hi All,

 

Apologies to those who have already read this - I did post within another thread, but I think the question was at a bit of a tangent to the thread - or maybe nobody replied 'cos nobody is doing this!

 

I've done a couple of seaches on the forum, but given the recent discussion on PPO/Biodiesel/Veg oil, and reading that some folks are using 33% mix or 55% mix of veg oil to fossil diesel on other cars, I just wanted to confirm whether anyone was using veg oil in their Galaxy, either from purified recycled veg oil, or straight out of the container from a supermarket.

 

I've got a Mk1 TDi (110 bhp engine) - it's not the PD engine. I'm seriously interested in going the veg oil route, but don't want to screw the engine up! So, anyone using a veg oil mix on their Mk1 diesel (NOT PD engine)? If so, for how long (mileage/time) and is there a major difference in performance or fuel economy?

 

cheers,

 

Phillip

[Biscuit]

Hi Phillip

I dont run my Galaxy on veg oil/diesel

but they tried it at my work on the wagons

it just clogged the injectors, fuel filters and broke the pump we use to fill the wagons up

plus it stinks to high heaven!!!

hope this helps

[Ex-Galaxy person]

Just to add further research to my original post...

 

I came across a German database that had records of people who have run or are running their Galaxy/Sharan/Alhambra diesels on a Straight Vegetable Oil (SVO) mix. Here's the link:

 

Link to German SVO database

 

This link goes directly to a Ford Galaxy record; note that this is a Google translated page (as is the whole database); it's amusing to read just for the translation!

 

Interestingly, this record was the only one I found with any indication of any problems - and this seemed to be related to the conversion and not the use of the SVO. Other who were just using a mix (with no conversion) seemed to report no problems (others being Alhambra/Sharan drivers that I quickly looked at).

 

To view other vehicles, just use the links at the top of the page - you'll have to scroll through pages per marque - there doesn't seem to be a search facility for particular models.

 

If I get time I'll do a thorough search and post links for each record.

[burundi]

Hi Phillip, I have used SVO from the supermarket in my 90bhp TDI without issue, never more than a 50/50 mix though, i've not had any issues with filters etc but I don't run a 50/50 mix all the time. i had lots of timing issues recently so I stopped running SVO to rule it out and haven't got back into using it again.

 

The issues were not related to the use of SVO and have since been resolved.

 

Also, I only use it when the ambient temp is normally above 10 degrees celcius to ensure the SVO doesn't get too viscous.

 

Ta

Burundi

[codhead]

You might want to look at the replies I gave on another thread here and here

[syedorf]

i work at an independent merc specialist and we get 124 [old e class] diesels all the time they go through a lot of heater plugs and smell mingin but seem to run fine in warm weather some of these cars have over 200k on the clock i definitely wouldnt use it on newer cars though and i was also wondering about the emissions test for the mot test i might give it a go in my 1.9 tdi alhambra 97r small mix at first

[Cisa]

Hello again. I have never used Vegetable oil but I have run my galaxy for about 2 years consecutively with home made bio diesel, at a 50/50 mix with petro diesel with no problems at all. If you are interested in SVO try looking at www.elsbett.de, as they have kits for any car wich comprises an extra tank for oil and probably, depending on car, a new set of injectors. The car will start on diesel and when is warm enough, you switch tothe other tank, and then again to diesel to stop the engine. I hope this is usefull.

[Ex-Galaxy person]

I have run my galaxy for about 2 years consecutively with home made bio diesel, at a 50/50 mix with petro diesel with no problems at all. If you are interested in SVO try looking at www.elsbett.de, as they have kits for any car

 

Thanks for this - I've seen the elsbett site, but I don't think I want to go the SVO conversion route. I've read other sources on the web where people are mixing SVO with ordinary diesel with some success - one of these was on a PD engine. Received wisdom is that some engines take SVO no problem at all; others (more modern) require mixing with petro diesel and this should only be done during the summer months.

 

I'm more interested in the home produced biodiesel route - my research to date indicated that you didn't need to mix it with petro diesel - I'm therefore interested to know why you do this - I guess it has to do with the process used. The kit from http://www.etruk.com seems to remove the glycerine from the waste veg oil, which would obviously reduce the viscosity. As I understand it, it's the relative viscosity of biodiesel that's the big issue.

 

Does your process reduce the viscosity at all? I'm assuming it's the viscosity issue that makes it desirable to mix it with petro-diesel?

 

cheers,

 

Phillip

[ianskill]

hi,i used svo in my 2005 tdi,around 30% with no problems at all.

[Saif Rehman]

hi,i used svo in my 2005 tdi,around 30% with no problems at all.

 

A couple of questions mate if you don't mind.....

 

1. How long have you been using it?

2. What, if any, is the difference in mpg and performance?

3. Any of the so-called 'dreaded' smell?

4. What price per litre?

 

Many thanks

[ianskill]

hi there,i have only used it since feb this year when i got the car.i dont use svo that often unless i travel fair distance and have around 3/4 tank,1/4 tank being svo.i hadnt noticed any difference in mpg or performance with only very slight veg oil smell. i did use the morrisons veg oil at

[mrchipz]

Don't do it! Just don't.

If you like your engine running fine then don't.

The diesel is not only used as a fuel but lubricates the fuel pump and other bits.

Using other oils will not do that lubricating bit as well.

May run ok for a while but if your planning on keeping your car for a while you'll regret it.

If you need more convincing then look at the forums on www.tdiclub.com.

They have some very good advice on the VW tdi engine that Galaxy's use.

It might work out cheaper in the short term but not in the long.

Edited October 17, 2007 by mrchipz

[marinabrid]

can the mixing of these oils affect the tempramental booster heater ?