Biodiesel or expensive air?
Posted by DavidM in Driving | 21 March 2007
I went to Enfuels for my regular biodiesel fill-up on Friday. I'd run the tank down as, although I don't want to be on 100% biodiesel just yet (especially with the cold snap expected this week), things are running welll so I want to up the proportion of biodiesel.
As Joe filled the tank he told me they're getting more interest. A couple of weeks ago they had a few people asking about it but few buying. Now it sounds like local press coverage is working and more people are converting.
As we were chatting I noticed steam coming out of my car's petrol tank and we both go a bit concerned. Joe hadn't seen that happen before.
As with anything new you automatically worry something has gone horribly wrong. I want to use biodiesel but it's an expensive mistake if it trashes the engine.
However, we quickly worked out the problem. Enfuels had now reached the milestone of selling their first 1,000 litres and the tank was empty. As the filling equipment is quite simple (think 1950's pumps) it was now pumping in air.
Partly relieved we laughed about it but then had another problem. How much biodiesel had I actually had? The pump said nearly 60 litres which we knew was wrong. Fortunately I'd told Joe when I arrived that I was about a third full so we could work it out to roughly 40 litres.
What tickled me was Joe worrying he would charge too much and me concerned that I didn't underpay. You don't get that at the Esso garage.
We had a chuckle about paying 89p a litre for air - that makes breathing a pretty expensive pastime.
And they even gave me a free sticker for my car so I now proudly show the world that the car in front is greener!
