I am just getting started into the biodiesel world and am really excited about the potential that it has for my farm. I think that I could definitely benefit by making my own fuel. I just tried to make a small batch with the Dr. Pepper method and it is not ending up as I think it should. The end result after 24 hours is only about an inch of Biodiesel on the top of the other liquid. It is cold here but I only am outside for a few minutes to mix the lye and methanol. I then bring out the heated oil, mix them by shaking for 10 seconds and then the mix goes inside of a heated room. Can someone give me ome ideas as to why I am only getting such a small amount. I'm using Red Devil Lye, and HEET methanol in the yellow bottle. I mix the two in a glass beaker with a plastic spoon till all of the lye is dissolved. Thanks for any input.

I'm sorry, I don't have an answer to your question. I just finished my first batch of Dr. Pepper bio. It's been sitting for 3 hours and is just as you described, an inch of clear liquid on top of 5 inches cloudy liquid. I did everything exactly the same except I mixed my methyloxide in a glass jar by shaking.

try out the alternative fuel source forum at Ford-trucks they've got a pretty good crew there. I'll be posting something about this bio over there if it doesn't settle out more soon. my sn is the same maybe we can both get an answer.
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=168

good luck
-matt

that initial shaking for 10 seconds didn't start the reaction, and it just separated right back out. I heated mine a little later, and shook it a little longer. I don't know what effect this had on the bio, but that started the reaction, and the glycerin settled out on the bottom like it should.
-matt

I have been looking on the various threads for info on how to buy a small amount of lye to use for the Dr. Pepper method. I have been to a lot of grocery stores etc but can't find any. Is there a suggested way to get lye? Can you use something like Drano crystals? Any help appreciated.

Thx

I did things very similarly as you did too the first couple times I used this method. However, I found that mixing the oil with the sodium methoxide in the glass beaker doesn't seem to work. I think it has something to do with how the water in the air bonds with the methoxide. Try following the directions word by word to eliminate any problems. One way to do this is to mix the oil with the methoxide in a soda bottle with the lid closed as suggested. This keeps the solution enclosed and prevents it from absorbing water. Give that a try and I think it'll work better for you!

I just made my first Dr. P batch last night. The area I live in is famous for meth production so you can imagine the looks that I got from people walking around the store with glass measuring cups, a small scale, a pound of generic lye, methanol, a 100-400F thermometer and rubber gloves. I was able to get a pound of Rooto 100% lye drain cleaner for 1.49, in a white vitamin looking bottle. My wvo has been sitting for 3 months-2weeks. I think I grabbed about a month old jug. Each has about a 2 inch thick layer of crud on the bottom. I poured out a liter off the top and heated it in the kitchen to 150C and let cool without the slightest hint of popping. I mixed my Methoxide in a mason jar by shaking violently for less than a minute, stopping every 4-5 seconds to loosen the top and bleed off the pressure building from the chemical reaction. Oil was at 57C when I mixed. Shook the hell out of it for ten seconds and when I checked in an hour later I had about and inch of "used motor oil" well separated at the bottom. Now am I supposed to drain this out BEFORE washing or drain it WITH the first washing?