Hello Mates:

I just came in from running the MVVS D7 and here are the results:
Weather 42deg F or 12deg C. Just stopped raining.
Fuel: Davis with 6 oz. of castor oil/gallon added it is at least a year or two old but kept in the original screw capped metal gallon tin.
The contra piston was lowered until it was very close to the piston but in no danger of hitting the piston.
After priming through the venturi, choking the venturi. and placing four drops of fuel in the exhaust port, the engine started.
The prop was a Cox gray 8x4 Finger Slicer!!!!
The nv was adjusted for max speed and then opened slightly. The compression was backed off to a point where it began to slow down.
All was well but the exhaust goo was black????? Same fuel that I run I my ST G20/15D. The ST produces a clear exhaust residue?????
Is there something wrong with my MVVS like aluminum is being rubbed off of the engine internally? This is the only Diesel that produces a black exhaust residue. ????

The restarts were obtained by slightly increasing the compression from the best running setting. choking the fuel Iine to get the fuel to the nv and placing a few drops of fuel into the exhaust port. The restarts were not all that easy but easier than a cold start.

Should I add a bit of ether to my fuel as some of it may have been lost over the year(s). I was thinking of adding about 30% ether to the fuel and see if that aids starting. I will mix a small batch to see if indeed I need more ether in my fuel.

Comments/suggestions?

Tia,

franchi