 Stories About: advice AND Ask Umbra AND biofuels AND cars
| Headline |
Author |
Published |
Section |
To Top It Off
On diesel vs. standard gasoline cars |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Nov 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I've always heard bad things about diesel fuel. However, I know someone who has a diesel VW that gets 50 miles to the gallon. I'm wondering if you could do a cost-benefit analysis for me. I know I can't afford a hybrid anytime soon, and was wondering if it would be better to buy a used diesel car that gets excellent gas mileage or a regular used car that gets in the 30 to 40 mpg range. Anne Nelson, N.H. Dea ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars, fuel efficiency, oil, placemaking (all these topics) |
|
|
Changes of Engine
On biodiesel vs. straight veggie oil |
Umbra Fisk |
17 Aug 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have the opportunity to convert a 1979 non-turbo Mercedes into a non-diesel. The question I have is: to which should I switch, biodiesel or vegetable oil? I can't seem to find out which one is best, just that these two are better than any petroleum-based fuels, which we already know (thanks for your earlier column on hybrids vs. veggie oil). Also, is it possible to switch from biodiesel to veggie oil, ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars, placemaking, renewable energy (all these topics) |
|
|
A Vroom of One's Own
On whether to eco-retrofit an old car |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Apr 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| My husband is an environmentalist. He wants one of the new alternative-fuel cars, but I have a dream to surprise him for his birthday with a 1970 muscle car (a Malibu or something like that) from his youth, which I would retrofit with a biodiesel or natural-gas engine. My questions are: 1. Should I put in a biodiesel engine or a natural-gas engine? 2. Who can do this for me in California (preferably the Bay Area ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars (all these topics) |
|
|
Veggie Tailpipes
On converting your car to straight veggie oil |
Umbra Fisk |
17 Mar 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, A few years ago, I bought a Prius because it was (and still is, unfortunately) the best car that's offered in our messed-up world. I'm now going to buy an old diesel Mercedes and convert it to run on used vegetable oil. I think this might be the best way to go. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks! Jilli Tarzana, Calif. Dearest Jilli, I answered the main part of your question in my last column ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars, placemaking (all these topics) |
|
|
SVO Speedwagon
On hybrids vs. veggie-oil cars |
Umbra Fisk |
14 Mar 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I currently drive a 2002 Toyota Prius that gets about 40 to 42 miles per gallon on the highway, which is where most of my driving takes place. However, I've recently become enamored with biodiesel vehicles, and specifically with straight vegetable oil (SVO) vehicles. I'm interested in investing in an SVO system fueled by, hopefully, recycled oil from local restaurants. I've looked into your column archives, and i ... |
|
| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars, electric vehicles, hybrids, placemaking, Prius (all these topics) |
|
|
Grease Be With You
Advice on converting to biodiesel |
Umbra Fisk |
10 Oct 2002 |
Ask Umbra |
| Umbra, I own a diesel VW Golf, which I bought thinking it was a better choice for the environment than a gasoline engine. Therefore, I was disappointed to read your message that diesel is probably a worse choice. However, you didn't talk at all about biodiesel. Can you give us a rundown on this fuel -- how to get it, how it may be beneficial, and what you might have to do to ensure your car can run on it safely? Thank ... |
|
| Topics: advice, agriculture, Ask Umbra, biofuels, cars, energy, food and agriculture, green living, greenhouse-gas emissions, placemaking (all these topics) |
|
|
|
|
©2008. Grist Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Gloom and doom with a sense of humor®.