Hi, ppl.
I started using homebrew about 2 months ago, switching from red diesel. Until about 30% mix of homebrew with diesel nothing happened...at 50% there was a lot of smoke, but still going (below 0 C). Warmer days (+15C) lured me into going to 70% homebrew, but sudden onset of snow and cold weather last week...
I couldn't start my engine at all!!! I had to siphon fuel from tank (i have a nice submersible pump) and put 10 litre of clean diesel inside. For about 20 miles there was a lot of smoke, mostly black,but sometimes white-grey one. Now engine is ok, although still a bit shaky on startup, and idling roughly on 1/3 homebrew.
Any tips on how to use more homebrew during winter? Maybe i could make a dual tank system, start on diesel, than switch on homebrew? When i had to make a 600 mile trip, i started the engine on a few litres of diesel in the tank, than i fill her up when she warmed. A lot of smoke, but nice ride otherwise. Had to carry additional jerrycan of homebrew to last till home.
I wish it is summer, diesel is damm expensiwe where i live.
P.S. I used methanol to thin it down before filtering, about 10% in homebrew.
Also, i got problems running on clean DERV!?! That vile thing ate my fuel return lines and sprayed my windshield with diesel on the highway?!
Red diesel is better, no additives and a lot of sulfur and parrafin.
P.P.S. I use 10 micron filter socks, and i make about 50 litres at a go. Easier that way, since i work in my garden often enough.