Keeping a vehicle operational in a zombie apocalypse will be quite difficult, but all that work will be for nothing if you can’t find gas. With the collapse of the infrastructure needed to make and distribute gasoline, you will have to get creative to keep your motor running.

Making vehicle fuel from scrap plastic without a pyrolysis machine is challenging but not impossible. Here’s an alternative method that utilizes a homemade setup for transforming scrap plastic into fuel.

Materials Needed:

1. Scrap plastic (clean and free of contaminants)
2. Shredder or granulator
3. Metal container (with lid)
4. Heat source (e.g., stove, fire pit)
5. Metal pipe or tube
6. Condenser (e.g., copper coil)
7. Cooling system (e.g., running water or a fan)
8. Distillation apparatus
9. Storage containers

Step 1: Preparation and Shredding

1. Collect clean scrap plastic and ensure it is free of contaminants.
2. Use a shredder or granulator to break down the plastic into smaller pieces. Uniform size is preferable for consistent results.

Step 2: Preparing the Homemade Setup

1. Find a metal container that can withstand heat and has a tight-fitting lid. It should be large enough to hold the shredded plastic and have an opening to attach the metal pipe or tube.
2. Drill a hole into the container’s lid, ensuring it matches the diameter of the metal pipe or tube.
3. Attach the metal pipe or tube firmly into the hole, making sure it reaches the bottom of the container.

Step 3: Conversion Process

1. Place the shredded plastic into the metal container.
2. Close the container with the lid, ensuring a tight seal around the metal pipe or tube.
3. Set up a heat source, such as a stove or fire pit, and position the metal container above it.
4. Apply heat to the container, ensuring the plastic inside starts to melt.
5. As the plastic melts, it will release vapor through the metal pipe or tube.

Step 4: Condensation

1. Connect the metal pipe or tube to a condenser, such as a copper coil.
2. Set up a cooling system for the condenser. This can involve running water through it or using a fan to blow air over it.
3. The vapor will cool down within the condenser, converting into liquid fuel.
4. Collect the liquid fuel in a separate container.

Step 5: Distillation

1. Transfer the collected liquid fuel into a distillation apparatus.
2. Heat the liquid fuel in the distillation apparatus to separate it into different fractions based on their boiling points.
3. Collect the desired fraction of fuel, typically within the gasoline or diesel range, into storage containers.

Step 6: Storage and Use

1. Store the produced vehicle fuel in appropriate, labeled containers in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources.
2. Use the fuel in vehicles that can run on alternative fuels or explore options for blending it with conventional fuels.

Note: This alternative method requires careful attention and experimentation to achieve optimal results. It is essential to prioritize safety by following all necessary precautions when handling heat sources and working with potentially flammable materials.