Mother's Motor Oil Recycler

(Page 2 of 2)

January/February 1981
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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"Naturally, the heat is transferred to both the copper and the fluid passing within, and as a result of the 215°F temperatures achieved, water vapor and—of course—higher volatiles such as unburned gasoline are driven from the liquid and exit out the high end of the pipe as fumes. I've achieved my best processing results when operating the device with the control valve nearly shut to maintain a drip... simply because both the filter and the evaporator are then given more time to work."

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The researcher has also discovered that a 60-watt bulb may not provide enough heat to maintain the necessary temperature (above the boiling point of water) in the vaporizing chamber . . . especially if the apparatus is used in an extremely cold garage. So, if your work area is especially chilly, he suggests you use a 75-watt lamp.

Despite its "Rube Goldberg" appearance, the inexpensive device has proved to be fairly effective. We sent "before" and "after" crankcase oil samples to an independent petroleum analysis laboratory, and the results—though not earth—shattering—indicated that the homebuilt recycler did an adequate job.

For instance, wear-causing iron, silicon, and chromium particles were reduced by 31, 7.4, and 16.6%. respectively. At the same time, the concentrations of some beneficial additives—including magnesium, boron, and phosphorous detergents—increased to the tune of between 200 and 389% . . . while the Total Acid Number (a measure of low pH) decreased by 9.2%, probably as a result of the alkaline effect of the detergents. (We attribute these "bonus" figures to the substances put in the toilet tissue during its manufacture.) The final test showed that the viscosity was reduced by 10.4% . . . but it was still well within the acceptable limit, having an equivalent of about SAE 30W.

Dennis prefers to recycle the oil from his own vehicles, rather than collect "strange" lubricant from the service station (where it may contain higher levels of dirt, antifreeze, and gasoline than does his "used" lubricant). But either way, he's saving cash with his T.P. reprocessor . . . and further pinches his pennies by not changing the paper till the device becomes hopelessly clogged!

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  • Michael Hilliker 2/9/2009 2:09:11 PM

    If I remember correctly, Mother had an article back in the late 70's dealing with the same subject. I lost my old copies of TMEN in a divorce. Really miss them.

  • halloyd 5/11/2007 1:04:08 PM

    Is it possible to get the graphics included in the original
    article published in January/February article about recycling motor
    oil?
    Mother Responds: The graphics are in the Image Gallery to the
    top right of the article, under "Related."

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