Pollak valve wired up and control switch installed...

I didn't get around to the plumbing this w/e but I've installed the wiring for the Pollak valve and the On/On control switch is mounted on the dash. To install the switch, I drilled through one of the switch panel blanks.

I've taken the power for the Pollak from the rear window demister as it operates only on auxiliary.

I encountered a problem with the valve operation. The problem was that I only had +12V to one terminal on the Pollak valve. Flicking the switch resulted in no voltage to the other terminal, so the solenoid did not operate back and forth as it should.

Thanks to Tony in West Oz, the problem was identified. I had omitted to bridge the diagonal terminals on the 2-Position, Double Pole Double Throw, On/On switch :( What a klutz I am!

The fun begins...

I'm doing a twin tank conversion. The existing tank will still be used for diesel. I am using two 25litre marine outboard motor fuel tanks in the boot for the WVO. They are easy to handle as I plan to refuel from a 200litre drum in the garage. The tank connectors are self-sealing Honda bayonet fittings to minimise fuel spillage when swapping tanks.

In cold weather I'll use a flat pad home-brew heater under the tank overnight to keep the fuel warm.

Some pics of the installation so far:-

the Kaori "26-plate" brazed plate heat exchanger installed behind the left front headlight. The headlight cover is still removeable OK, but there is a trick required to install the blinker! I will have to move the self-levelling oil reservoir over about 1cm as it is making contact with one of the brass connectors. The mounting bracket was made from galvanised strapping. It is insulated by some 2mm thick rubber to minimise heat transfer to the body. This 26 plate stainless steel HE is copper-brazed in a vacuum and uses a contra-flow system to transfer heat. They are 10x more efficient than tube-type exchangers. It should have plenty of grunt to heat the WVO to almost the same temp as the coolant. Mounted upright like this achieves maximum efficiency.




The Delphi CAV filter mounted on the shock absorber tower next to the standard filter using heavy gauge galvanised brackets. The vibration of the OM617 engine hardly moves the CAV. It will filter the WVO and has a glass inspection bowl. In this position there is easy access to the drain underneath the glass bowl. The standard OEM filter will continue to handle the diesel fuel. The filter mounting arrangement gives me some flexibility as to the final position of the filter when plumbed.




This shot shows the installed CAV filter, the 6-port Pollak valve on the wheel arch, and the heat exchanger ready to accept the plumbing. I have yet to wire the Pollak valve to the fuel changeover switch on the dash.

_________________