On Oct 8, 2008, at 1:49 PM, Luther wrote:
Mathieu, you state 160F as the minimum temperature for heating the WVO
to reach similar viscosity as diesel. I have heated many gallons of
WVO to 220F or so (boiling off water) and it is still not as viscous
as diesel. My guess, is that even around 300F or higher, the
viscosity is still not similar and still could cause IP damage, not
combust completely, leak past rings into engine oil, or clog up
injectors and prechambers. All of the research I have read shows
minor or major engine failure anywhere from 10,000mi to 50,000mi. Why
run WVO and risk $500-$10,000 engine repairs or rebuilds when you can
make biodiesel for less than $1/gallon? Not worth the risk in my
book.
Luther
Luther,
My number of 160 F is derived from the general consensus of what was
deemed acceptable by the WVO community at large (4 or so years ago when
I began investigating the option) as well as a viscosity vs.
temperature chart of both fluids. While that chart is highly suspect
due to the variety of oils and fats found in WVO, it is inherently not
reliable. I do not doubt in the least your findings.
For the record, I do have three client cars in my service with in
excess of 50k miles on WVO, all OM61x variants. While they have their
issues, they still running fairly well, all things considered.
I am quite aware of the damage WVO does to these motors. However, this
is not going to persuade folks to run bio or pump diesel instead. Fact
is some folks are going to run WVO regardless, it is their choice. I am
only the guy who fixes their car when it breaks.
However, I will state that when folks contact me regarding a WVO
conversion, I do recommend against it and suggest they look into
bio-diesel. These motors seem to take to it quite well and there is no
need for intrusive surgery and a plumbing supply store under the hood.
On that note, I am all in favor of bio-diesel if manufactured properly.
Poor lab practices in the production of bio can cause its own myriad of
issues as well. A proper titration is critical. Folks who "push" their
reaction with an excess of methanol are only serving to destroy any
rubber in their fuel system, waste methanol, and in the end are only
kidding themselves.
As I tell folks, there is no free lunch. Everything has its pros and
cons. The only question is when will the piper have to be paid.
Mathieu
www.oldworldauto.com
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