WVO Mix

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Originally Posted by firemediceric

My truck is running fine, but I hope my injectors don't look like his.

They do, or they will soon. The PSD is the most forgiving engine out there to throw this stuff in, but it is only a matter of time. I have yet to see a credible case that has very many miles on it, but I have seen several that ended up severely coked-up. Usually, injectors are just collateral damage - it is the ringland coking that does the real damage.

Here's the deal. First, VO can and will seperate from diesel. When it does, the thick VO is resting in bottom of tank and is first thing sucked up and squirted (or attempt to squirt) into the still-COLD injection chamber. EVEN a 'good' blend is still much thicker than good 'ole #2. The result is like trying to spray honey w/a windex bottle. This complete lack of atomisation leads to incomplete combustion. This is easily seen at the tailpipe - its called SMOKE. So, as these big drops of VO make thier way to a hot surface like the piston, heads, valves, etc - they tend to stick and burn. It probably looks like a good, seasoned BBQ grill in there.

Thats only 1/2 the problem. The big problem is the VO that gets past the rings and contaminates the engine oil. You see, diesels do not make full compression until warm. During that time, some of the combustion gasses (we just determined there is likely more than 'gasses' present) get past the rings. This is why diesels have really black oil after a short time. VO rapidly polymerizes, or forms long, sticky chains, in the engine oil environment. Even a small amount of VO reduces the ability of the oil to properly lubricate the engine. This is what UOA can tell you. I think minimizing cold starts and nearly all highway miles can mask this 'symptom' in some cases, but the coking does not go away.

Its very likely a UOA (used oil analysis) will show you the damage being done, most people I've convinced to do this stopped blending.

I upgraded my injectors after 50k miles on VO, Swamps said my old injectors looked better than most w/similar overall mileage. No contamination (VO) in diesel tank, never switch until VO is HOT and getting 190* plus VO on the highway.

I recently changed my system around and now have far less heat than I did before. I still get plenty hot, but had to do some mods to maintain HOT VO in slow, no load driving in cold weather. I am shocked how cold-blooded these trucks actually are!! In 40* weather it is not uncommon to see coolant temps below 180* - and thats w/a 203* t-stat! I found I needed to increase the coolant flow in order to maintain VO temps as close to coolant temps as possible. Considering some heating does occur before the first couple injectors on each head, 150-160* before the heads is prolly OK in a deadheaded PSD.

Check it out, how long will it take you to recover your $4k if 75% of your fuel was $0.10 -$0.15/gallon? Don't forget that $4k system has a huge proven track record and almost garuntees you won't be buying a set of injectors, or worse. AND it will work in any weather. (I assume you're referring to DFA/Vegistroke or Frybrid's V3 system) How much will it cost you (besides parts and labor) if your truck breaks down? What if it dies on the way to the hospital w/wife in labor? Or taking mother-in-law to airport? Or miles from home on vacation with the family? I promise wifey will not be proud of you anymore while yer all waiting for the tow truck. Ya won't get any sympathy from the poor mechanic who has to try and fix it for ya either!!

These engines can easily last 500K and much more if well maintained. The argument that 'I've saved enough for a new engine' just cracks me up. All that time and effort to put crap in your tank just to need a new engine? I've saved enough for a few new engines, but I'd rather buy cool parts for the one I've got instead!!