ExplorOz Trek Fuel

Submitted: Thursday, Jan 02, 2003 at 01:00

ThreadID: 2778 Views:2996 Replies:5 FollowUps:12

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ExplorOz Team - David

Hi,

Well as per our last newsletter, I am starting to write and install some really cool new site features. Some of you will be aware that I shutdown the site for 30mins today to install some new software. So what was it?

The TrekFuel Database
We have had many requests for real trek fuel usage information so I wrote a new system that allows you to enter your fuel usage and distances for each of our trek notes. The system then takes your entered data and builds the table of fuel requirements for each trek. It uses a collection of averages for each engine size and fuel type. This system is currently only linked to our trek notes and relates to the specific trek you select (similiar to TrekFeedback). You will be able to see your results in real time and the system will even calculate your Km/L and L/100Km.

So dig out your fuel books and start entering the data into the TrekFuel Database. Access is via the TrekNotes, pick the trek you wish to update and you will see the icon to update the TrekFuel.

We will also soon add the ability for you to enter your highway usage and non trek specific data however we want to get the trek notes updated first.

Hope you like it and as always any problems let me know directly at david@itbeyond.com.au or post here for the next few days.

Have Fun
David

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Reply By: OziExplorer - Thursday, Jan 02, 2003 at 01:00

Reply By: ExplorOz Team - David - Friday, Jan 03, 2003 at 01:00

Reply By: Joe - Friday, Jan 03, 2003 at 01:00

Reply By: Greg - Friday, Jan 03, 2003 at 01:00

Friday, Jan 03, 2003 at 01:00

David congrats on a great idea. I have just put my usage for Anne Beadell but feel the figures don't tell the complete story. My vehicle was a 3.5 DOHC Pajero and an auto with a roof rack. I am sure that if I was driving a manual without the rack that my consumption would have been around 6.5kpl.

I recently drove a 3.0l manual Pajero both directions across the Simpson and achieved around 6kpl whilst a similar vehicle without a roof rack did significantly betterusing 10-20 litres less in each direction. Odometer readings can also make a big difference and I would say most vehicles have optimistic odometers unless they have fitted larger diameter wheels/tyres and then we often see the opposite effect.

What you have will do the job as long as readers realise the shortcomings. I would like to see engine size changed to litres.

AnswerID: 10531

Follow Up By: Exploroz Team - David - Friday, Jan 03, 2003 at 01:00

Friday, Jan 03, 2003 at 01:00

OK feedback accepted however if we get enough fuel data responses than the averages will work out. It is best to err on the side of caution and this is why I shown each line showing the km/l etc this will allow poeple to make ther own judgement anyway I will think about the engine size version and work out wht this means in terms of programming. Can I build a list of engine sizes - If this is the case then it would be easier. How many sizes are there.

More feedback please and I will see what I can do.

David

FollowupID: 5549

Follow Up By: Joe - Saturday, Jan 04, 2003 at 01:00

Saturday, Jan 04, 2003 at 01:00

Greg,

I also have the DOHC Pajero, and i have always been concerned over the need for PULP. I have run it on ULP with Nulon octane booster (definitely needed to stop it pinging), but never for more than three consecutive tanks.

I assume that you have to do the same, and have you had any problems as a result?

FollowupID: 5560

Follow Up By: Greg - Saturday, Jan 04, 2003 at 01:00

Saturday, Jan 04, 2003 at 01:00

David re the engine size list I would suggest you sort the list from largest to smallest. This is a relatively easy prog. task. The other option is to arrange in groups.

Joe re the ULP. I usually run on Optimax or Ultimate (98 octane) but have found no problems with ULP except for a substantial power drop mostly noticed under very heavy load. Pinging has been at an absolute minimum in fact very rare. I have extractors and free flow exhaust.

FollowupID: 5565

Follow Up By: Exploroz Team - David - Monday, Jan 06, 2003 at 01:00

Monday, Jan 06, 2003 at 01:00

Thanks Joe and Greg,
I have updated the TrekFuel system and have added fields for Engine CC and also comments. This should cover us. It will not be there for the data already entered but all new data will have the new fields.

Thanks for your feedback.
David

FollowupID: 5665

Follow Up By: Steve & Wendy - Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003 at 01:00

Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003 at 01:00

Hi Greg,

We have a DOHC 3.5 l Pajero and have always used ULP. I guess we have no basis for comparision re power etc. We have had the car from new but have only noticed pinging recently.

Could you please give me more info on "Nulon octane booster" ? is this some sort of additive you pour into the tank ? Where can it be purchased. We are in Perth.

Regards,
Steve.

FollowupID: 5675

Follow Up By: Joe - Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003 at 01:00

Tuesday, Jan 07, 2003 at 01:00

Steve/Wendy,

I also ran my Pajero on ULP from new, but after two years it started pinging so I moved on to the PULP (as recommended for this engine) and I haven't run ULP (much) since then.

The fuel consumption improved with PULP so I have not had to pay any extra money per kilometre travelled, but it is a pain outback.

Octane booster is an additive that you can purchase from most large servos or places like Autobarn. It raises the octane level of the fuel and it is this that stops the pinging.

Pinging is actually "pre-ignition" or the burning of the fuel/air mixture before it is supposed to be burnt by the spark from the spark plug.

How does it occur? Well in high compression engines (like ours, although ours are really marginal) it can occur from the heat generated when compressing the fuel/air mixture - rather like a diesel in fact.
It can also occur when there is a build up of carbon in the combustion chamber. This not only increases the compression ratio (by removing a little free space), but also can cause pre-ignition by glowing hot itself.

WARNING - If you let an engine keep pinging it will eventually burn holes through its pistons. There may be other unwelcome results too, but the holed pistons is one that I have personally experienced.

Good luck.

FollowupID: 5680