slope-soarer
Posts: 226
Joined: 10/12/2004
From: Barrow in Furness, UNITED KINGDOM
Status: offline
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Oh heck !
Unfortunately I know, from past experience, that numerous people can all attend a meeting/conference/training session, whatever. Talking to a number of them after such an event will make you wonder whch meeting they actually attended as it didn't bear much resemblance to what you heard and saw !
I will try and make it as clear as possible for those who seem to be reading some phantom comments as opposed to the real ones.
Davis diesel heads are UNDOUBTEDLY a fine piece of kit. They have done a lot for the world of model diesels and the engineering is ,reportedy, very good.... I haven't been in a position to handle one myself.
Davis, along with other suppliers provide ready made model diesel fuel. It will be of excellent quality and will do the job intended. Some make their fuel ingredients and quantities available, some do not.... although it shouldn't be too hard to work out approximately what they are using and in what quantities. Have a guess.... what would be the most likely ingredient to be increased from fuel for engines with roller bearings to fuel for plain bushed engines ? Go on it doesn't take a genius to work it out ! What is the likely mix for 1/2A engines ? It's not rocket science , or black magic.
Davis fuel used with either Davis conversion heads or Paw engines, or other diesels will probably work just fine. For those who want to buy a head, or a complete engine and also use commercially made fuel then.... there quest is over, they already have what they seek for easy starting and steady running.
The only BIG problem could come if the circumstances are right. Someone uses a Conversion head and commercial fuel. After initially setting the compression and needle he finds that he never needs to alter them again. The engine starts everytime and runs well so what's to alter ? Nothing - usually. The problem arises if the fuel is considerably altered from that normally used. Our modeller will shove it in the tank, start up as per normal and when the engine gets up to temperature then..... there may well be a big problem as in the case of the Canadian quoted.
If he NEVER uses a radically different fuel mix then our modeller will have a happy life and enjoy his engines !
The POINT I was making(not a derogatory comment) was that..... engines with conversion heads seem to have the settings left alone after initial setup. When started the engine brrrppps for a bit until the heat builds up and the compression comes up to normal running levels. This does NOT detract from an engine with conversion head, it's just the way people normally use them.
Other engines NEED an increase in compression in order to get a good start, this is backed off as the engine comes up to normal temperature.
The difference in the way the two engines are started leads to the conversion head engine being more susceptible to damage than the one which is normally altered for every start.... you can see the trap ! If the oil content is markedly increased then the conversion headed engine is the most likely to be caught out.... not because it is inferior.... but because of the way it is normally operated and because the operator hasn't appreciated the possible danger. If the same commercial fuel is always used then the problem will not arise. What happens if there is a delay in getting the normal fuel and our intrepid adventurer decides to make some to tide him over. He knows of a mix that always used to be used and make some up..... after all, he never did know what was in the commercial stuff he was getting.....??? If he is a UK modeller then he can just go to Model Technics website and see there the ingredients and quantities used in their fuels !
Simple isn't it. No slanderous remarks, no accusations of lying just an attempt to clarify an event that was supposed to have happened but was being obfuscated by indicating it was caused by a silly choice of fuel ! There was nothing wrong with the fuel mix just that the potential problem wasn't appreciated by the user.
There are those who are trying to find alternative ways of running diesel engines, we are not trying to drag those who are quite happy to use commercial fuel into our camp. Of course it works well and it suits many people to just buy it and use it..... no problem there.
There are also those who are prepared to look at alternatives, isn't that how the human race progresses with the constant search for knowledge ? We don't insult the commercial fuel users yet.... there are some users AND suppliers that seem to see us as a threat to the future of model diesel engines ? Hmmmmmm. To those who are happy with just using commercial products then great, you are home and dry ! Some of us will still persist in trying to find different ways and also develop better understanding. We sometimes need someone to make us think "outside the box" when that happens then some will be overcome with curiosity and start delving further.
Both camps should be happy and should certainly not denigrate each other. If modern diesel engines and fuel are so good then why are the majority of modellers using GLOW and increasingly ELECTRIC ???
Now why is it that those using alternative "homebrew" fuel are told they should buy the
commercial stuff because it works ? MY fuel WORKS, easily and efficiently every time I use it. I don't reckon that everyone should use it, but I am happy to give the ingredients and quantities for those who are possibly interested. I will also relate my experiences of using it... I have no commercial interest or gain in mind just a healthy curiosity and the urge to do things differently.
Just because YOU use (or sell) commercial fuel doesn't mean everyone should. Just because I and others make our own fuel doesn't mean that everyone should.
Just look at the topics on this group. The ones involving fuel mixes and alternative ingredients have a huge number of posts. How many are there discussing commercialy sold fuel ? Which topic seems to generate the most interest ?
Reg
Reg
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All Forums >> Glow Engines, Gas Engines, Fuel & Mfg Support Forums >> Everything Diesel >> RE: compression comparison and exhaust color 
RE: compression comparison and exhaust color - 
