Free Fuel

Submitted: Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 11:32
ThreadID: 31794 Views:2065 Replies:3 FollowUps:3
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http://members.tripod.com/~highforest/woodgas/woodfired.html

I wonder if any members have considered an update on this idea

Click here

Could make for some real good looking rigs!

John
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Reply By: Member - Mike DID - Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 12:03

Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 12:03
When we were travelling through the centre in 1991 we came across a Rambler Wagon with a 200 litre drum mounted on the back - a wood gas generator.

It was during the Gulf War and Unleaded Petrol cost a frightening $1.20 a litre in the middle of the Tanami Desert.

Mike
AnswerID: 160901

Follow Up By: Mr Fawlty - Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 18:22

Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 18:22
I'd hate to think what fuel would be out there now, over $2/ ltr I suspect....
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FollowupID: 415700

Follow Up By: Willem - Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 21:46

Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 21:46
The original owner of the car was the late Kurt Johannsen. A book 'Son of the Red Centre' was written about him. It is a good read. He drove that Rambler to Brisbane from the Alice and back again just picking up bits of wood long the roadside. I think he used to tow a trailer to carry the initial wood load.

His son was the fella who ran out of fuel in Antartica with his plane maybe 2004/2005 and nobody would help him out with fuel. Finally the Brits did and he was able to fly back to Aus.
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FollowupID: 415743

Reply By: Member - Beatit (QLD) - Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 15:12

Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 15:12
Looks very interesting. Just worried about how many time this fellow pulled his engine apart. I wonder how the tranport people feel about this sort of thing. I can just imagine pulling up at some mobile roadworthy check and being asked to explain - what are my chances of them letting me continue with my journey? AND lets not forget about your ever caring insurance company.

Still like the idea though.

Kind regards
AnswerID: 160944

Reply By: Mr Fawlty - Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 18:16

Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 18:16
These are old news, used to use them in WWII on trucks & busses & cars (not that there were many about) In Sydney they were made at a factory in Marickville, Sydney Gas Producers I think they were called. Another trick in the pre bottled gas age was an enormous bladder on the roof of the vehicle filled with coal gas which worked as well. The of course who could ever forget Sentinal Steam trucks, still a few in Sydney in the 50's & early 60's not that long ago...
With modern technology I can't see why they couldn't be made more efficiently in both operation & cost....
AnswerID: 160978

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew W (SA) - Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 19:45

Thursday, Mar 16, 2006 at 19:45
This guy has obviously brought it right up to date.

I just love the thought of a 1000 degree burner on the back of my bus.

I can't believe that even in 1987 they could get away with this as novel as it is - I love the second accelerator and the hand controlled air flow!

Ciao for now
Andrew who is sure his 1987 Telstar Turbo would have run great on wood
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