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You can get a diesel car and start using biodiesel in it immediately, but there are a few steps you might want to take to ensure problem-free driving.

Boil the fuel tank
Amid the junk left over in any used car's diesel tank are microorganisms. These little creatures thrive on biodiesel, and will most likely cause engine problems, such as clogged fuel filters, if left to grow. You can head off this problem by boiling your diesel tank, making a clean environment that is free of microorganisms.

While an experienced do-it-yourselfer could pull the tank and boil it out, it's a fairly big job and can be more easily accomplished by a mechanic. Shops that specialize in radiator work are a good choice, as they have the proper equipment. You should find radiator shops in the phone book, and call first to see if they would be willing to handle this type of job.

Replace fuel hoses
Another important step is replacing the fuel hoses. Although most newer diesel cars from the mid-1990s on use hoses that can stand up to the corrosive effects of biodiesel, older cars use rubber hoses that will break down over time. The first sign of a hose going bad is when it sweats--when a thin film of biodiesel can be felt covering the outside of the hose.

There are two sets of hoses to replace: those coming from the tank to the fuel filter, and the injector return hoses. The first hose runs through the engine compartment to the fuel filter, and can easily be replaced. Viton is a popular synthetic hose to use. You can unscrew the hose clamps for the original fuel hose and replace it with a Viton fuel hose. A good trick is to use two pieces of Viton fuel hose and put a prefilter between them. Prefilters can be bought from most automotive supply stores and are less expensive than the car's fuel filter. It's also a good idea to lay in a supply of fuel filters and keep them in the car. When you first start using biodiesel a lot of gunk will get cleaned out of the tank and fuel lines, then get trapped in the fuel filter.

For the injector return hoses, you might want to take your car to a mechanic. These hoses can have delicate threading that's easy to strip if you're not an experienced mechanic. The injectors also work under high pressure, so you need to be careful with this part of your car.