The diesel engine was originally intended to run on vegetable oil. It was then found that a petroleum product would also work. When the inventor continued to peruse vegetable based fuel he was “disappeared” in Egypt.
Some early airplanes were lubricated in a total loss system by castor oil (the pilots were in the way of the discharge)
I already knew this as I restored my 71 Suzuki 2 stroke. I rationalized to myself that being an antique and getting good mileage made up for the horrible pollution it put out as a 2 stroke.
Then I came across made in Maine soy based 2-stroke oil. It cost a little over twice what petroleum based oil cost. I was floored; all the trouble with outboards and snowmobiles while this is available? The expense shouldn’t mean anything because these are recreational vehicles in the first place.
Anyway the point of this is does anyone know much about points based ignition?
I am getting continuity with the points open and shut.

diesel engines do work on vegetable oil. it's called biodiesel fuel, from soybean oil. i would have bought a Volkswagen Diesel and run on 100% biodiesel if i would have had the money to do so. instead, i will just wait until my next automobile to do so.

a diesel volkswagen running on biodiesel can get about 50 miles per gallon with absolutely no harm to the environment.

too bad too much money is being wasted on hydrogen automobiles that have been 10 years off for the past 10 years when we have better technology availible now that could benefit everyone (consumers, automobile manufacturers, farmers, the government).

imagine a biodiesel powered hybrid getting near 90 miles per gallon. Volkswagen will have one out within the next 5 years.

chemmie said:

either that or one of these...

if you have questions, go to http://www.tdiclub.com. they have a very comprehensive forum mostly about volkswagen diesels but there is a section on biodiesel fuel. the people there are very knowledgable and could most likely help you.