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      07-22-2011, 07:22 PM   #1
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Meth Flow sensor overheating? (SnowPerformance)

Hey guys, anyone with a SnowPerformance failsafe encountering false flow readings? It's weird because this morning meth reading seemed accurate (800ml/min) but as soon as it heated up outside (102-103 degrees) the flow reading was down to about 100-150 ml/min which I know isn't the case.

I am running maybe a 90/10 or 85/15 mix right now on a single CM10 nozzle and flow tested it into a measuring cup for 30 seconds (ok, I lied, a Poland Spring bottle) and it was right around 800-900 ml/min approximately. Nozzle looked clean, no problems there.

Could the meth itself be messing with the flow sensor? could it just be overheating? Maybe defective or failed flow sensor?

I'm a bit worried as I went through 4 labonte flow sensors due to shoddy design

Advice please, thanks in advance.
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      07-22-2011, 07:25 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by themyst View Post
Hey guys, anyone with a SnowPerformance failsafe encountering false flow readings? It's weird because this morning meth reading seemed accurate (800ml/min) but as soon as it heated up outside (102-103 degrees) the flow reading was down to about 100-150 ml/min which I know isn't the case.

I am running maybe a 90/10 or 85/15 mix right now on a single CM10 nozzle and flow tested it into a measuring cup for 30 seconds (ok, I lied, a Poland Spring bottle) and it was right around 800-900 ml/min approximately. Nozzle looked clean, no problems there.

Could the meth itself be messing with the flow sensor? could it just be overheating? Maybe defective or failed flow sensor?

I'm a bit worried as I went through 4 labonte flow sensors due to shoddy design

Advice please, thanks in advance.
I've done the same flow test with my CM10 nozzle, and it flows 900 ml/min.
Just thought it could be good for you to know.

My guess is a jammed flow sensor.
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      07-22-2011, 07:31 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Tom View Post
I've done the same flow test with my CM10 nozzle, and it flows 900 ml/min.
Just thought it could be good for you to know.

My guess is a jammed flow sensor.
Never actually thought about servicing a flow sensor; what would you use to clean it out?
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      07-22-2011, 07:36 PM   #4
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Quote:
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Never actually thought about servicing a flow sensor; what would you use to clean it out?
I have no flow sensor.
Basic meth kit FTW!

Small number of components - less risk of a potential error...
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      07-22-2011, 07:39 PM   #5
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The funny thing is, the meth kit never failed, only flow sensors

Oh well what can you do.
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      07-22-2011, 07:40 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by themyst View Post
The funny thing is, the meth kit never failed, only flow sensors
Yep.
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      07-23-2011, 02:28 AM   #7
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My Labonte flow sensor started showing less and less injection since i upped the meth concentrate. Until it almost completely jammed. Then i filled the tank with almost pure water and the flow sensor slowly become back alive. Since then i never go higher then 70/30 , this mix percentage seems to be ok for the flow sensor.
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      07-23-2011, 11:53 AM   #8
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All of the US made failsafes I've tested use an off the shelf flow sensor that is made of plastic. And they swell when used with a high meth flow concentration. This will effect flow readings and eventually lead to premature failure.
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      07-23-2011, 12:54 PM   #9
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heh weird, my flow sensor worked perfect today when yesterday it crapped out. Finicky little creatures they are.
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      07-23-2011, 12:57 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu View Post
All of the US made failsafes I've tested use an off the shelf flow sensor that is made of plastic. And they swell when used with a high meth flow concentration. This will effect flow readings and eventually lead to premature failure.
I know the coolingmist flow sensor is 70/30 max (at least they warn before purchase) and the labonte unit, well, they just suck. You can run pure distilled water through that thing and it will find a way to fail.

I think it was due to the fact it was 107 degrees for a high yesterday in NY. Today is a "balmy" 96 degrees and the flow sensor worked perfect. Meh.
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      07-23-2011, 01:19 PM   #11
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I would have thought that the flow sensor was exposed to much higher temps during hard driving than 1xx degrees. Are you sure it's the temp?
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      07-23-2011, 01:22 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brey335i View Post
I would have thought that the flow sensor was exposed to much higher temps during hard driving than 1xx degrees. Are you sure it's the temp?
pretty sure. the flow sensor is in the trunk, not the engine bay.
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      07-23-2011, 10:09 PM   #13
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If I were you I would get in touch with Jeff at Howerton Engineering, he knows his stuff and only sells the best. I did a lot of research before jumping into a meth kit and I finally decided to go with an Aquamist kit because it is the best out there IMHO. Jeff can hook you up with a good flow sensor. I have always run 100% meth and nothing less and I have never had a problem. I have a JB4 and was at Howerton's shop talking to Jeff about this problem specifically and he told me they have a flow sensor that is 100% meth compatible. The reason I chose this kit is because it comes with the best flow sensor and it runs off injector duty cycle rather than boost. My flow sensor is under the hood, right after the valve and it doesn't have the circuitry or plastic case at the sensor, its on the controller.



Quote:
Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu View Post
All of the US made failsafes I've tested use an off the shelf flow sensor that is made of plastic. And they swell when used with a high meth flow concentration. This will effect flow readings and eventually lead to premature failure.

Shiv is right the US made Flow sensors always end up having issues, the Aquamist kit is made in England as well as their flow sensors.


Let me know if you need Jeff's contact info, he will get you all setup.
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      07-24-2011, 03:30 AM   #14
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OP, you're in luck (if you have $145 to spend ): I just noticed that yesterday Aquamist released their new stand-alone flow sensor with 0.5-4.5v analog output, compatible with most meth injection systems and with 100% methanol:

http://howertonengineering.com/2011/...e-flow-sensor/

I have it on my HFS-3 and it never gave me a problem, I ran up to 80-20 meth/water.
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      07-24-2011, 06:10 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tscdennab View Post
OP, you're in luck (if you have $145 to spend ): I just noticed that yesterday Aquamist released their new stand-alone flow sensor with 0.5-4.5v analog output, compatible with most meth injection systems and with 100% methanol:

http://howertonengineering.com/2011/...e-flow-sensor/

I have it on my HFS-3 and it never gave me a problem, I ran up to 80-20 meth/water.
Why is the flow range only between 100-450 ml/min?

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      07-24-2011, 06:15 AM   #16
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+1000000 on basic meth kits FTW.
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      07-24-2011, 08:21 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Tom View Post
Why is the flow range only between 100-450 ml/min?

It's probably a mistake or something, on the web site they say: 100cc-1500cc.

http://www.howertonengineering.net/p...B47%7Dmin.html
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      07-24-2011, 09:09 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu View Post
All of the US made failsafes I've tested use an off the shelf flow sensor that is made of plastic. And they swell when used with a high meth flow concentration. This will effect flow readings and eventually lead to premature failure.
Does the Vishnu PWM kit have this issue?
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      07-24-2011, 12:40 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr_Dirt View Post
Does the Vishnu PWM kit have this issue?
No. We use an aquamist flow sensor. Not only are they 100% meth compatible, but also have little to no unit to unit variability.
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      07-24-2011, 12:47 PM   #20
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just an update on the SnowPerformance flow sensor, after that one hot day on Friday, it's been cooperating ever since.

If this thing ever does take a crap though, I'm going with the standalone Aquamist flow sensor. good find.
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