Friday, 29 June 2007

Yesterday evening, I was on the Late Show on BBC London radio, presented by Jumoke Fashola.
Thank you to Becky and Jamoke for giving me a chance to explain the project, and for nicknaming me "the veg fat man". The interview went out live just ater 11pm on BBC London 94.9.

Wednesday, 27 June 2007

New carpets fitted, much more plush :)
We have now changed the main oil filter, what a nice easy job, one bolt to undo.

Thanks mercedes !

The car is pretty much ready for the trip, just need to look at some play in the driveshaft (probably flexdisc) and get a new front tyre.

The car will be going to the Retro Car Show at santa pod on the 7th July. Come see it at the mercedes190.co.uk area. It should also be going down the 1/4 mile strip.

Monday, 25 June 2007

I took the car to Glastonbury festival, powered by vegetable oil. The car drove well for the 280 mile round trip and I managed not to get it too dirty, even when we got stuck in the mud and had to be pushed out.

There was lots of interest in the car, thanks to the stickers that we added the week before. People stopped me in the car park to ask how it ran on vegetable oil and they were surprised when I explained how easy it was.
Inside the festival, it was very muddy. I normally enjoy relaxing in the green fields and theatre/circus area, but it wasn't that relaxing being ankle-deep in mud the whole time. The green fields had lots of information on alternative fuels, including vegetable oil. There were various campaigns to persuade individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. The tractors and generators used at the festival were powered by biodiesel.
The music was fantastic, as always. My favourites were the Automatic, the Arctic Monkeys and the Kaiser Chiefs. Shirley Bassey was great at the Pyramid stage on Sunday afternoon. Tens of thousands of people in wellies, standing ankle-deep in mud, all singing along to Big Spender... that was one of those Glastonbury moments that will be remembered for a long time.

Friday, 22 June 2007

The car is currently at Glastonbury festival having a bit of a break from it all. It was filled up from Costco modified soya oil (49p/litre) and is still running fine, no cold starting problems and very smooth once warmed up. Soya oil is far from carbon neutral but we are working towards carbon neutral and we want to know which oils work well and which don't. I have picked up some nice thick front carpets from a 2.5-16v (cosworth) which will hopefully help keep the noise from the diesel engine down, its quieter when running on vegetable oil due to the lubrication properties but its still a 20 year old diesel lump thats seen plenty of miles. Due to the recent announcement that the date has been set for the HMRC rule change the europe trip will be moved up a gear, its more important than ever to alert people to the possibility of using this fuel. We are planning for the end of August. I just need to learn how to say 'Can I have your old cooking oil' in lots of languages :)

Wednesday, 20 June 2007

HMRC have recently revised the rules on the use of vegetable oil as fuel.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/briefs/excise-duty/brief4307.htm

Basically, as of 30/07/2007 anyone who uses less than 2,500 litres of vegetable oil per year will not need to pay any tax. We think this it's about time but do commend the decision and look forward to the difference it will make in encouraging people to think about using sustainable environmentally friendly fuels.

Monday, 18 June 2007


The vinyl stickers have arrived. After throwing a bucket of water over the car I have applied them all. Thanks to rich for the excellent service and price.
I can certainly say its drawing peoples attention, I am amazed at how many people read the car as I go past. Its still running very well on 100% vegetable oil, still making us very hungry wherever we go in it !

Friday, 8 June 2007

I have now tidied up the electrics and run cables for the great alpine speakers now residing on the rear shelf. One of the glow plugs isnt working so replacements have been ordered. Tidied it up a bit inside by replacing some tatty parts of the dash and some new carpets are expected soon.

I have changed the fuel pre-filter and bought the actual canister type filter which will be fitted soon. When switching to running on vegetable oil the new fuel will tend to bring any crud that is in the fuel lines forward to get caught in the filters. This isnt a problem but it means when you switch over the filters should be replaced and then again a few months later. My pre-filter is clear so I will hopefully see this in action.