Water Methanol Injection On A Turbo Diesel Engine

Unlike petrol engines, the power in a turbo diesel is largely a function of fuel. The problem with continually adding fuel is that you create an over-fueling condition and reach a point where the exhaust gas temperatures become excessive. A 50/50 water/methanol mix will decrease EGT’s while increasing power.

Power is increased through:

• Air charge cooling – Low air temps makes denser air charge which provides more molecules of oxygen for combustion.
• Combustion conditioning – the methanol acts as a combustion catalyst as well as a cooling agent.
• Water vaporization inside the combustion chamber increases torque and power output through “the steam” effect.

What are the benefits of water methanol injection on turbo diesel vehicles?

• Greatly reduced EGTs – decreases of 100 to 150 degrees Celsius are common using a 50/50 water methanol or even 100% water. Increased EGTs are an engine killer in today’s performance diesel world.
• Low cost power – where else can you get 10%–15% increase power for this amount spent? What other modification does all these things with one system?
• Decreased emissions – increased combustion efficiency means less particulate matter and NOX emissions.
• Fuel economy increase – increase your fuel economy up to 15%.
• Great for towing – more power/cooler EGT’s to pull the heaviest loads.
• Reduced chance of detonation – the lower intake charge temperatures created by the methanol and water means less chance for engine-damaging detonation.
• Built-in engine maintenance – in some cases, the atomized water effectively steam cleans the valves, valve seats, and even the piston tops and intake, reducing carbon build-up.

Is this technology new with turbo diesel?

Water injection has been used extensively for years in turbo diesel engines. With the elevated boost levels required for peak power, water/methanol is a common means of cooling the intake charge and reducing exhaust gas temps.

What power gains can you expect?

• A cooler, denser air charge is now delivered to the combustion chamber.
• The methanol in the injection fluid burns as a fuel. This directly impacts power production.
• The water vaporizes in the combustion chamber, creating rapidly expanding steam which pushes down on the piston to create additional torque.
• The extra power produced depends on the concentration of methanol used and the volume injected.

Is methanol safe for your diesel?

Methanol makes an excellent alternative fuel. It makes safe power without spiking cylinder pressures.