Biodiesel and the FDC

From: Bjorn Brandstedt (super_deuce@hotmail.com)
Date: Sat Sep 17 2005 - 09:14:11 PDT


Did some research for a future article on biodiesel and found this on the
fuel density compensator:

The FDC is actually only calibrated for the common fuels expected to be used
in the multifuel engine, #1 and #2 diesel, kerosene and gasoline. Those
fuels nicely fit the rule that a more dense fuel has a higher heating value.
However, biodiesel does not. It is more viscous than #2 diesel, but has a
lower heating value. Therefore the compensator works against the purpose of
adjusting the fuel delivery for a constant power output, it will decrease
the fuel delivery when biodiesel is used.

So if you are burning biodiesel manually turn up the fuel delivery for a
comparative constant power output.
In defense of the FDC, biodiesel has more oxygen and will provide more power
because of it. One reference stated that biodiesel can produce more than 13%
more power at full throttle (for an engine without an FDC)....

_________________
Bjorn
MVPA 19212

1968 M49A2C modified. 1972 HIAB 765A crane and 1960 M756 pipeline truck bed.
11.00-20 NDCC singles.
M103A3 trailer.



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