Ep 7. How To Build a Gasifier

In season 2, episode 7 of Last Stop Garage, titled "How To Build a Gasifier," the boys of CRB Auto continue their mission of fixing up just about anything with an engine in the remote town of North West River, Newfoundland and Labrador. This time around, they're looking to experiment with an alternative source of fuel to power their cars, and that's where a gasifier comes in.

A gasifier is essentially a device that takes organic material, like wood chips or pieces of cardboard, and heats them up without any oxygen present. As a result, the material breaks down into a gas that can be used as fuel.

The boys first head over to Mercer's Machine Shop, where they meet up with Rudy, a gasifier expert who's going to help them build their own. Rudy explains the science behind the process, and the benefits of using a gasifier over other sources of fuel. He also introduces them to the concept of a 'gasifier runaround,' which is essentially connecting the gasifier to the exhaust system so that the exhaust gases are burned in the gasifier, resulting in an even cleaner burn.

After getting a crash course in gasifier building, the boys head over to their garage to get to work. With the help of Rudy, they start piecing together the various components required for the gasifier, including a reactor vessel, a cooling system, and a gas scrubber. While the build process may seem complex, the boys are no strangers to DIY projects, and they approach it with enthusiasm.

Once the gasifier is built, it's time for the real test: running a car on the gas it produces. The boys strap the gasifier onto their trusty old red truck, and after some tinkering, it roars to life. They take it for a spin around town and quickly realize that the gasifier is a success – the truck runs smoothly, and there's barely any exhaust coming out of the tailpipe.

Thrilled with their success, the boys decide to take their new invention further and set their sights on building a mini gasifier, which they can use to power things like generators and BBQs. They head back to Mercer's Machine Shop to start on the new build, improvising with materials they have on hand and putting their own spin on the device.

Throughout the episode, we get a glimpse into the tight-knit community of North West River, with the locals popping in to chat with the boys, lend a hand, and offer up their own advice. It's clear that the boys are more than just auto mechanics – they're a beloved part of the town's fabric.

Overall, "How To Build a Gasifier" is an entertaining and educational episode that shows the CRB Auto boys at their best. From Rudy's expertise to the boys' DIY ingenuity, the episode offers a fascinating look into the world of alternative fuels and the possibilities they hold.