In a post-apocalyptic world where conventional resources have become scarce, knowing how to make your own fuel will be a crucial survival skill. In this article we will guide you through the basics of creating various types of homemade fuel, where to scavenge materials and supplies necessary, the potential damage these fuels might do to a vehicle, and a reminder of the responsible use of such knowledge.

Part 1: Making Fuel from Scavenged Materials

1. Biofuel (Biodiesel)Materials Needed:
   • Used cooking oil or animal fat
   • Lye (sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide)
   • Methanol or ethanol
   Scavenging Locations:
   • Restaurants and fast-food joints: Used cooking oil is often discarded and can be collected.
   • Farms and butcher shops: Animal fat can be rendered down to produce oil.
   Process:
   • Filter the used cooking oil to remove food particles.
   • Heat the oil to about 130°F (55°C) and maintain the temperature.
   • Mix lye with methanol to create methoxide.
   • Add the methoxide to the heated oil and stir for about an hour.
   • Allow the mixture to settle. Glycerin will separate from the biodiesel.
   • Drain the glycerin and wash the biodiesel with water to remove impurities.
2. Alcohol-Based Fuels (Ethanol)Materials Needed:
   • Organic material (e.g., corn, sugarcane, fruit waste)
   • Yeast
   • Water
   Scavenging Locations:
   • Farms and orchards: Overripe or waste fruits and crops.
   • Breweries and distilleries: Equipment and knowledge about fermentation.
   Process:
   • Mash the organic material into a pulp.
   • Add water and yeast to the pulp and allow it to ferment for several days.
   • Distill the fermented mixture to separate ethanol from the water and other by-products.
   • Filter the ethanol for use as fuel.
3. Wood Gas (Syngas)Materials Needed:
   • Wood or wood chips
   • Metal container (for gasification unit)
   • Piping and fittings
   Scavenging Locations:
   • Forests and wooded areas: Fallen branches and dead trees.
   • Construction sites: Scrap wood and metal containers.
   Process:
   • Construct a gasifier by modifying a metal container to include an air inlet and an outlet for the gas.
   • Fill the container with wood and ignite it in a low-oxygen environment.
   • Collect the gas produced (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane) and filter it before use.

Part 2: Potential Damage to Vehicles

1. Biofuel (Biodiesel)
   • Regular Unleaded Fuel Vehicles: Biodiesel cannot be used in gasoline engines. Attempting to do so can severely damage the engine.
   • Diesel Vehicles: Biodiesel is generally safe for use in diesel engines. However, high concentrations of biodiesel can cause issues such as clogging fuel filters and degrading rubber hoses.
2. Alcohol-Based Fuels (Ethanol)
   • Regular Unleaded Fuel Vehicles: Most modern gasoline engines can handle up to 10-15% ethanol (E10-E15). Higher concentrations can damage fuel systems, corrode engine parts, and cause performance issues.
   • Flex-Fuel Vehicles: Designed to run on higher ethanol concentrations (up to E85), these vehicles can safely use ethanol without significant damage.
3. Wood Gas (Syngas)
   • Regular Unleaded Fuel Vehicles: Adapting a gasoline engine to run on syngas is complex and requires significant modifications. Improperly filtered syngas can introduce tar and particulates, causing severe engine damage.
   • Diesel Vehicles: Diesel engines are generally not suited for wood gas without extensive modifications. Using syngas can result in reduced engine performance and potential damage.

Part 3: Responsible Use of Survival Skills

It is important to remember that the information provided here is intended for use in extreme survival situations and not for illegal or unsafe activities. The knowledge of making homemade fuel can be lifesaving in a post-apocalyptic scenario but should not be used irresponsibly. Here are some final thoughts to consider:

• Safety First: Always prioritize safety when attempting to make or use homemade fuels. Many of the processes involve hazardous chemicals and flammable materials.
• Legal Considerations: In non-apocalyptic circumstances, making and using homemade fuels may violate local laws and regulations.
• Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of producing and using alternative fuels. Aim to minimize pollution and resource depletion.

Having the skills to produce your own fuel can be invaluable in a survival scenario. When the end of world comes you can skip the walking and be one of the few people who are skilled enough to create fuel, which will likely be a rare skill indeed. Understanding the methods, materials, and potential risks involved will help you make informed decisions and prepare effectively. Stay safe, be prepared, and remember that these skills are for ensuring survival in dire situations.