Howdy All,
I have now talked to a few folks who have driven these vehicles on Wood Gas, and here is what I have heard. This info is what I think I have observed watching Wayne Keith’s videos also.
Please, let me know if my observations are correct?
First off, a Wood Gas powered vehicle is underpowered compared to if it were run on Gasoline. So, a larger displacement motor of about 1-1/2 times the displacement will give a comparable amount of power compared to the original sized engine? Like the power of a 300 cubic engine on gasoline would be comparable to a 460 cubic engine running on Wood Gas?
Second, there is a loss of power when the gasifier is put to the test, like hauling a load up a steep hill, which either has to have a blend of gasoline added, or change gears to a lower ratio while climbing a hill in “Crawling” mode?
Third, that you can run these gasifiers in any weather, so long as you (The operator) doesn’t mind getting wet, or cold, or snowed on, etc?
Lastly, these do need ongoing draining, checking, and such. Not for someone like my wife who wants to be on her way 5 seconds after start-up.
While reading what I just typed, I have come to the conclusion that this is just like the old days, when I drove an old “Over the road” tractor, moving goods around. It was so underpowered, that on hills I had to shift into the basement gears, and sometimes in the sub-basement, depending on weight being towed. Then going down the backside, that’s where you would be able to get some real speed.
The old truck wasn’t fast, but kept up with traffic on the level. I had to check everything before and after a trip. She had a 12 gal gas tank behind the seat and didn’t go far before I had to stop and refill the gas tank, either by a filling station or the gas cans carried behind the cab.
Always had things that needed to be work on, and it had little quirks. Had to fill the carburetor through the vent tube on top if it sat more than a day, or it cranked over a minute before it picked up the gasoline from the tank, as the check valve never worked well.
Did all this regardless of the whether or daylight. Sounds a lot like driving a Wood Gas vehicle.
All I can say, is them were some of the best days of my life, and wouldn’t mind doing it all over. Can any of you folks remember things like this, or relate to my post???
Ken Winiarski
