Tunes for alt fuel (atf)
 

Has anyone done any tunes for this type of fuel to limit smoke at idle? I still would love to get this done. I tried to set up a live tune but it didn't work out :(. Coming to cali any time soon?
Mike

What do you think Cody, something with slightly advanced SOI and maybe ICP in the idle and low RPM ranges?

Just out of curiosity what ratio of atf are you running?

The thing about ATF is that it's going to add a bit of viscosity (thickness) to the diesel fuel. Probably not measurable, but temperature may have an affect on it. Secondly, the ATF is going to combust slower (slower flame speed) and likely add a bit of lag to the actual ignition point.

As far as the ratio goes (ATF to fuel), that will have everything to do with the efficiency of the engine. You're certainly not going to hurt anything by running factory or aftermarket tuning designed for fuel-only use. However, I agree that a smidgen of SOI increase may help. However......if you're running ATF tunes without ATF, you may run into some combustion noise and possible engine damage. But, like I said, a SMIDGEN of advance....probably not enough to matter actually.

Sorry for the delay in responding, I've been busy at the shop.I have run 100% with no adverse affect in power or mileage. It just smokes in traffic. On the highway maybe a hint more black smoke. It sure runs quiet.I only put atf in one tank and use it when on the highway, but would like to use it more often if possible.
Mike

I ran about 70% used motor oil in my '94 PS it smoked a lot at idle but ran good other wise, had more power, boost and EGT, but fowled a few injectors after 4-5K miles. The injector(s) were dumping fuel.

I ran this truck on waist veggi oil for a 150k mile before this and only had to replace one injector.

We've done VO, WO, and TFO tuning, all with great success. The key is atomization and careful attention to SOI (timing) curves as these make all the difference in performance and efficiency.

There are a number of systems out there that piggy-back the stock fuel system and activate when the engine reaches a specific temperature. These are preferable as they help eliminate cold start issue that may occur when using alternate fuels. I don't have any specific information on these, but a few members run this type of setup and have been extremely happy with it.

I hope this helps.

Bill, If I send you my 6 pos , could you come up with a few "atf" tunes for me? Unless you are coming to the west coast sometime soon. I would still love to host a live tune at the shop.
Mike
www.crossenterprises.com

Mike,

I talked to Ryan a while back and he was supposed to get in touch with you about trying to set up another event out there. I would love to get something going Sept-Oct. Since I won't be going to SEMA this year, there certainly won't be any conflict. :)

Let me know what you think. :2thumbs:

Take care.

I have the Vegistroke V3 (automated, heated parallel fuel system) on my Excursion and custom VO tunes from Bill in my Gryphon. I'm very, very happy with this setup. The system uses hot engine coolant to pre-heat the alternative fuel, which thins it out for proper spray pattern and full combustion. It also keeps air out of the fuel lines. The automation feature ensures adequate purge of the alternative fuel every single shut-down, so that the next start is always done on diesel. Also, if the alternative fuel tank runs out or the filter plugs or pump quits, it automatically reverts to diesel with no interruption in the engine running.

I believe ATF's viscosity is closer to diesel than cold veg oil or cold motor oil and I've read on various forums that people run it in blends with diesel to fuel Powerstrokes without a lot of issues. With veg oil, if it isn't pre-heated to at least 160*F before it hits the injectors of a warmed motor, carbon will build up and eventually foul the injectors, cylinders, etc. Also, as I understand it, a cold motor has some amount of fuel blow-by and causes the fuel to mix in with the crankcase oil. Not a huge problem with diesel fuel if oil changes are regular, but definitely a problem with veg oil. The crank shaft slapping around in a mixture of veg oil and motor oil will cause a mayonaise-like substance to form in the engine and will quickly toast it. I have no idea whether or not this is a problem with ATF or with mixing synthetics and petroleum-based oils together, etc.

With your current approach, starting on diesel in one tank and switching to ATF in the other when the engine's warm, you're probably avoiding the majority of the cold-start, blow-by issues. But I'm no expert on ATF and I don't know if burning cold ATF will cause injector problems over time.

I apologize for my commentary if it was unwanted and/or unnecessary. In any case, Bill is all over the tuning modifications and I've been running his custom VO tunes for about a year now as happy as a clam. :cheesy smile:

Eric,

You input is absolutely appreciated! :2thumbs: The more people know about what options are available, the better.

Big Oil (no, not the twin HPOP setups) has had a stranglehold on the diesel industry for way to long. There is absolutely no good reason for the price of diesel being higher than gasoline other than the damn fuel companies being greedy. I say screw 'em all and burn any waste oil you can get your hands on.

Any information or links you can provide for your oil system would be greatly appreciated. :)

Your input is greatly appreciated.I will get an oil sample done to see if what you are saying is happening as I was unsure if that was a possibility.


Bill, I have not heard from anyone but I would be happy to have an open house at the shop. Live tune, BBQ, Raffle, all sounds good to me.
Mike
www.crossenterprises.com

Does anyone REALLY know how happy clams are? Are they happier than, say, oysters or mussels?

And what about Bob?

Well, oysters make me happier than clams, so "happy as an oyster-eater" it is from now on... :cheesy smile:

The Vegistroke is not the "cheap" way of doing it, but mechanically inclined individuals can replicate a lot of the components if they have the time and know-how. Personally, I like using their stuff because it's been tested and proven and they stand behind it as well as Power Hungry. They are diesel performance guys first and veg-heads second.

Dino Fuel Alternatives: Dino Fuel Alternatives | Alternative Fuel, Vegetable Oil Fuel Systems, Vegistroke & Bio Diesel - this is the ideal alternative fuel system for Powerstrokes (veg, motor oil, ATF, whatever). They have a free forum, too, with lots of helpful, greasy hicks on it. 99% of us are burning veg, not other stuff, though.

Photo album of installation pics on my Excursion: Vegistroke Installation on 4-5-09 pictures by muns53 - Photobucket - not difficult with help from someone who knows what they are doing. There's plenty of us across the country if a person wanted to see it live before pulling the trigger on a purchase and to help with an install afterwards.

WVO Designs centrifuges: WVO Centrifuge and Conversion Designs - they make an outstanding centrifuge with built-in pre-heater to clean the fuel (veg oil, motor oil, ATF, etc.). They also sell parts for DIY-ers.

My shed where I filter and store the oil: The Grease Shack pictures by muns53 - Photobucket - this is easy for anyone to replicate and it doesn't take up much space.

Now I've laid bare all my knowledge... slim pickings! Ha! :notallthere: