why such a variance in power day to day?

[BlackTieTD]

hi guys,
been tooling around town in my TD rabbit and over the past few months i've been wondering more and more what are the factors that contribute to the engine performing differently on a given day?

for example, i just left school and blasted into the office, car was as fast as it ever is.... but some days it will be a slug.

i imagine it has a lot to do with temperature and humidity... as well as how long i let the engine warm up before driving... but what other factors are there?

i'd like to discuss this a little so i can understand how to keep my diesel happy, and kicking hard all the time.

[QuickTD]

Temperature is a major factor, both for air and fuel density. Fuel density having a greater influence, IMO anyway. I notice my car is a real slug after being warmed up and then parked and "heat soaking" the pump. It will clear up after a few minutes of driving. I've often wondered if controlling the fuel temperature in some thermostatic fashion would deliver more consistant performance. A peltier junction could heat the fuel in winter as well as cool it in the summer. Too bad pricess auto is out of them in thier surplus section, might have to knock my coolatron on the head in the name of science...

[BlackTieTD]

hey QTD, thanks for the reply. coming to the GTG on the 23rd?

[QuickTD]

Your welcome, I hope to make it out on the 23rd. Have we settled on your place for the GTG? If so, let me know if I can bring anything... Oh and post your address.  

[BlackTieTD]

my place is certainly an option.. unless we can find something else (indoors maybe?) then why not? i think if everyone brings a little something for food then we should be fine.  

[QuickTD]

I'd host it, but I'm 3 hours away for the Toronto crowd. Maybe I'll have one in the summer, when Grand bend is worth visiting.

 If everyone attending could post in the GTG thread we could maybe get a head (and car) count to be sure you'll have the space...