These instructions are for using the Lovecraft Home Fueling Station HFS

Filtering waste vegetable oil (WVO) is very simple and easy. However, doing it wrong can cause performance issues.

There are 2 basic steps to doing this right:

1. Settling- This is the most important step. Letting wvo settle removes the debris that can clog your fuel system.

2. Filtering- Filtering removes any remaining debris that can clog your fuel system.

First, make sure that the wvo is not hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or shortening based.  It should say 100% soybean oil, or 100% corn oil, etc. on the outside if the box. Preservatives will not cause a problem.
Second, let the wvo settle for at least 24 hours. (2 weeks is ideal) The top layer will be translucent, shiny, and have a brown to yellow tint. Very clean oil will not have a cloudy bottom layer.
Third, pour the top layer of wvo into the home fueling station through the filter.

Fourth, let the wvo settle in the home fueling station for at least 24 hours before pumping the filtered wvo out . The pump will not work until 10 gallons of wvo are in the home fueling station barrel. There will always be wvo in the bottom of the barrel that should not be pumped out. This is a safeguard that allows any water or sediment that may have gone in the barrel to have a place to settle.

To clean the home fueling station filter pull it up and out of the home fueling station. Now turn the filter inside out and clean with dish washing detergent and warm water. 

Common mistakes:

1. Pouring wvo through a filter cloth directly into a vehicle. This does not allow the water any place to settle and will cause  performance issues. There are also very fine particles in wvo that will make it through most filters. This debris then settles in the vehicles fuel tank and will eventually clog the fuel lines.

2. Some restaurants use 100% vegetable oil but also mix in a little creamy shortening. Best to collect the wvo in the same containers the restaurants throw it out in. If the box is labeled hydrogenated or creamy shortening do not use this wvo. You will also notice that the oil does not settle correctly, staying cloudy.

3. All waste vegetable oil needs filtering no matter how clean it looks. Vegan restaurant or hamburger joint, all wvo will need filtering.

4. Heating before filtering. Heating the oil to quicken the flow through the filter is a bad idea. Doing so will melt fats and allow it to pass through the filter and eventually clogging the fuel lines.

Hydrogenation of oils, with removal of essential fatty acids, is used in the food industry for the sole purpose of prolonging the shelf life of processed foods.

Hydrogenated oil and partially hydrogenated oil are the trans fat that you hear so much about lately. Just as it is bad for your heart and clogs your arteries, its is bad for your fuel system. Currently Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago are trying to ban the use of hydrogenated oil. As well as fast food franchises such as Wendy's, Taco Bell, K.F.C., and many more.

Once you understand how to collect and filter your oil, it is very simple, easy, and quick, and can be done without getting your hands dirty. filling up your vehicle can be as easy - or easier - than going to the gas station.

 The basics:

  Using an electric fuel pump like this  http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_508_508

Pump the cleaner, top portion of oil from a restaurants waste oil container, into the 5 gallon cubies that the oil was purchased in, usually in the same restaurants dumpster (this will also allow you to see what kind of oil they're using.

Lay some cardboard down to collect spills or drips...being sure to never leave a mess, if you intend to ever be allowed to collect their oil again. A good rule of thumb, is to be clean, quick, and don't waste their time with unnecessary conversation (restaurants are often busy, stressfull places)

Take the 5 gallon plastic cubies home, pull them out of their cardboard boxes (if they have them) and let settle for as long as you can (minimum 24 hours) You will begin to see a line of separation, as the food particles and water settle to the bottom. If you don't see a line, the oil is probably very clean...like sushi oil.

Pour the clean top layer of oil into your home fueling stations bag filter, until it is full. Let your oil settle again (in the home fueling station) for at least 24 hours before you pump into your car.

Yes, but you need to be a bit more careful, because it is harder to settle the oil on the road. We recommend carrying containers of pre filtered oil with you. See our forums section for info on collecting and refueling on the road.