Mad Science
Willsey's '82 6.2L Chevy and '01 6.6L Duramax may sound more like a Frankenstein's monster experiment than diesel trucks, but there's a method to the madness. Willsey discovered there are a few necessary steps to take in order to get the oil to burn properly. Newer engines have a tendency to be a bit finicky, so Willsey's oil refining rig has been set up with a series of filters and hoses to ensure that the oil being pumped through the fuel lines is properly cleared of debris and particulates that would compromise the fuel system. The process starts with a filter that removes large particles that may be settled in the waste oil. Traveling from the first filter through a hose to an oil drum (which seems fitting) the oil is heated between 160 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit over night. After a nice warm day at the petrol-spa, a valve sets pressure in the drum to upwards of 80 PSI. The oil is then sent up to the centrifuge, which spins at around 8000 RPMs (roughly 2000 times the force of gravity), removing particulates smaller than 1 micron (1/10,000 centimeters).
The science of Black Diesel may seem a little intimidating, but don't worry, the next step in the process is a bit easier on the brain synapses. Willsey has been experimenting with Black Diesel for nearly a year and discovered that in newer trucks-such as his '01 Duramax-an adequate fuel/air separation system is necessary to keep the oil running smoothly through the fuel lines. For the Duramax, Willsey runs his Black Diesel through an AirDog pump. In the winter, because of the viscosity of oil, he runs about one-fourth oil/diesel fuel mix and a 50/50 mix in the warmer months. Willsey added that the CP3 fuel system in his Duramax and older engines-like his '82 Chevy-will handle burning waste oil as fuel. This method has been successful and has smoothly (albeit unconventionally) pushed the Duramax around 10,000 miles down the road. But with all of the setup, investing and experimenting we had one question: Are there any advantages?