I started off reading about FPHE's, but got to thinking about blends and fuel pressures because one time my returns got crossed. I ran a 25% WVO blend for about 100 miles. The wire on my return 3-way got cut and my diesel tank filled with WVO. [Probably need one good 6-way.]

I see, B.K. Hosken, that you're running a 1985 300D with a significant WVO content. I have the 1983 300SD with 10K on WVO. I was wondering, BK, if you monitor fuel pressure and is it up on blend?

Also, BK, where do you put your FPHE? Will it match up nicely with the 12V electric heater blanket and heated tank/HOH from Greasel? Or is that level of heat from the FPHE input redundant? And do you (or does anyone) use the supplemental injector line heaters?

I'm not too worried, but it got me to thinking that when my car just reaches temp (but before the oil gets "super hot") that fuel pressure is 16-18 psi after the lift pump vs. 13-14 for diesel/BD (30-40 mph). Anyway, my pressure's higher than the 10 psi I hear one guy is running. I think that's at running speed. Mine's about 8 psi at idle and 13-15 psi when piping hot.

And do you monitor temp? If so, with what and where? I know you heat, but you're in FL and I'm in NC. Like I say, I heat with the 12V blanket and the transmission cooler in the WVO tank so it's been heating about 5 minutes when I switch.

I'm sure my temp's above 160F because it's around 210F before I switch. I've run out and put a meat thermometer under the blanket after running hard, and the temp is up there (180), but I have no dynmaic numbers. I have insulated my lines as much as practical.

BK and I have been corresponding. Want to join this back to my thread.

BK writes: Since I'm running a Benz, I'm not really worried about temps too much (or I'd have replaced my 12 plate with a 16 or 20 plate). 150-160 is plenty high enough for me.

I have Fatty wagon injector line heaters on now, but I'm making some heat tape type of my own, similar to Dana L's. I insulated all my fuel lines, pretty much, and I have replaced all the hard lines since I rerouted most of them. I cut the hard line about an inch from the connection to the banjo bolt and slipped 5/16" fuel line over the assembly, since I didn't want to disturb the crush fitting or the banjo bolt. Worked perfectly.

I responded:

I've got a 1983 300SD, myself. Have thought about the injector line heaters. A friend of mine is doing something along the lines of what you're saying by making his own.

So, 150F is okay? I heard that 160 was minimum with a prefered 180. Are the MB injector pumps and injectors just "stouter?" I know theyr're suposed to be, but I ask because I switched over early once at 20F and the car stalled. I'd like to avoid that, for sure. That said, does it come down "running smoothly is warm enough?"

I think we've done the same thing with the "hard lines" if you mean the hard, brown plastic at the injector return(?). Is there another hard line?

If you'll recall, my original post had to do with pressure after the lift pump. I'm trying to get the viscocity to where it's the same pressure, WVO or diesel. I don't know what heat that would be, but it seems a worthwhile goal.

Finally, if the electric band is doing it's job, would a 12- (or 16- or 20-) plate heat exchanger offer much more heat?

Thanks, BK.

Thanks SWMSG for putting this out in the open where others can benefit from it.

Use the [find] button and you will find many answers to questions you have on this board already.

While FPHE are sorta new you'll find that threads and post that discuss where on the engine to plump HOH or HIH systems will answer your question on where to plumb your FPHE to the coolant system.

Check the DIY/FAQ thread too.

ooops, MY BAD..... thought your name looked familure! In review I see you've been a member since 05, I read it first as you joining only a few days ago (Sept 30 06). Hopefully then the above info is old hat to you. Will leave it as a reminder for newbies though.

Thanks again for bringing this info out of PM and posting it in the open for others.