All this talk about quality is good, I did import some engines about a year ago, and I went out of my way to get the best available.  I spoke with 4 manufacturers, and in the end chose to do business with Atul, who makes the Powerline brand.  I made it very clear that I was willing to pay up for quality, and that sand was unacceptable.  He assured me that meeting these requirements was possible and he would deliver a top quality product. 

I requested a build report for each engine, where the various components were measured against an acceptable spec range that was provided before the order was placed.  Each assembler would then sign the “build sheet” and the production manager would have an accountability trail.  Each engine that went out had this build report in it.  The idea being that if there is at least some level of accountability to a set of predefined measures, the quality would be improved.  This is also very easy to audit/ verify by the end user.  I have had no reports that anything was out of spec.  Because of the EPA and hassle factors I never got into the business in a meaningful way.  Had I decided to get more involved, I would have built upon this first step. 

While this is in no means the answer to all of the problems, it is a very simple and free step in the right direction.  So for anyone else who sells these things, why not verify that the major parts are built to spec.

Scott

rbodell

Since you are only using the diesel to reduce viscosity, you may be able to save quite a bit of money by using some heat rope around the high pressure line.  Have a 2 tank system, start and stop on diesel then switch to 100% wmo.

 To pre warm the fuel, run the wmo through ¼” copper wrapped around the exhaust pipe so it will flow easily through the pump, when heated to 250 deg F (after the pump) with hear rope it should flow like diesel.

It seems worth a try, the parts should cost <$20 and annualized you could save some real money as diesel approaches $4 per gallon.

If you do give it a shot let us know how it goes.

Scott

the heat rope is powered by 120v AC

I have an underground exhaust.  The exhaust is routed outside of the gen shed via 2" black pipe into the top of a buried 30 gallon drum.  The exhaust exits out of the top and into a gentle bend into 4" black corrugated drainage pipe.  After a run of 51 hrs the plastic was only warm to the touch.

This system quiets the noise enough for me to run at night.

Scott

John
Clean everything out.
Run the engine for 60hrs,
Starting and stopping on diedel.  Do not switch over to veg till the engine is up to temp, 200f, and make sure ALL OF THE veg oil is purged prior to shutting down. 

Scott

Chris
If your target market is the type of person who frequents this board, I think you will have a hard time selling any substantial number of prenium engines.  You need to keep in mind that the members here are typically of the "frugal" nature.  I just have a hard time seeing someone here spending $3000 for a 6/1.

I am notsaying that that a premium engin shouldn't carry a premium price, I just think the members here would rather buy a barebones engine that they can tinker with.

Or I could be wrong

Good luck

Scott

here is the study you requested. 

http://www.me.columbia.edu/me3410/spring06/group01/index.html


Scott

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Scott