I have driven 8000+ miles in my 300SDL on Ken's dual tank WVO system. I
have had no performance problems from ambient temperatures from 17 degrees F
up to 90 degrees F. I added a CoPilot and accompanying switches from
Greasecar to help control my fuel tank source switches, etc. The CoPilot
comes with a fuel line and coolant line thermometer. I have noted that
Ken's system seems to heat up the oil about 65-70 degrees over ambient
temps. thus, if it is 35 degrees outside, my WVO after my final glow plug
heater and before my lift pump is about 105 degrees.
My research suggests that 150-160 degrees is good, but 250 degrees is even
better.
Even though i have noted no degradation in performance at 105 degrees, i was
concerned about excessive choking... so i purchased and installed an
inexpensive hard line electric heaters which are taped to each of the metal
fuel lines to the injectors. My temps at my injectors are now 165 degrees
when it is 35 degrees outside, thus another increase of 60 degrees over
ken's system. It also reaches this temperature within a few minutes (2-3
minutes) on starting the car and i have had no excess battery drain.
Now that the weather is warming up (finally) my temps at my fuel injectors
are exceeding 200 degrees and my wvo temps before my lift pump is about 145
degrees even when driving consistently at 60mph. Should i turn off my hard
line heaters for the summer or is the extra heat OK, good, better????
I really enjoy the simplicity of the system and it has been working great
for me, but like most of us, I am always trying to improve upon it.
Thanks in advance for the responses.