WVO boost pump? What should I use??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-22-2006, 10:40 PM

I've yet to get running on wvo, but thought about this. If the wvo tank is airtight, or can be modified to be so, how about a 12v air compressor to pressurize the tank? A pressure relief valve or pressure sensor hooked up to turn the compressor on+off would be necessary. I happen to have a 12v compressor, and want to build a system with what I already have.

Jmana · #2 08-22-2006, 10:55 PM

It's funny that you mention pressurizing the tank, because I thought of the same thing a couple of days ago, but unfortunately I don't think it would work, because your not just pushing fuel out of the tank, there is also fuel returning to the tank, so if I am thinking corectly pressurizing the tank will not create any extra flow at all because you'd be pushing on both lines with the same amount of pressure.
So greasecar has had problems with their valves failing? That's great to know, I just installed two of them on my car. I was really pissed when I first installed them, because the one valve was defective and had the fuel outputs backwards. So I am driving down the road and can't figure out why the fuel gauge for the main tank (where I keep my veggie) said I used half a tank in 30 miles. I even stopped to make sure I didn't blow a line in the engine, and didn't see anything so I kept going. Then I noticed the trail behind me. Stopped the car and veggie oil was pouring out of my trunk. What a friggin mess, luckily I didn't have anything in the trunk except the diesel tank, but I never did get rid of the smell. I should have made Greasecar pay to have the trunk detailed.

Jmana · #3 08-22-2006, 10:57 PM

One other thing, you must be using really bad veggie if you get an emulsion when you mix it with dieselkleen. I use that stuff in the winter, and it works great to keep the oil liquid. I have never seen any indication of an emulsion

jshadows · #4 08-22-2006, 11:34 PM

just straight french fry oil (peanut oil). Not an emulsion per se, but certainly immiscible liquids last time I tried.

Blevinsax · #5 08-23-2006, 02:56 PM

First off - this icon is a 'thumbs up' sign, right???? If not, that's what I thought it was when I chose it!

Alright - I just took the 350SD out for another spin to see if the WVO switch would work. Well, it sure did work - I just had to hit the throttle a little as I made the switch. When the WVO started flowing, the car ran very smooth with very little smoke (if any at all) and seemed to be generally very happy.

My only concern is - will it work like this all the time??? I know GreaseCar sells an auxilliary lift pump to help the stock lift pump, but it costs $100+s/h so I would like to avoid it if possible. The folks at GreaseCar said they think it may still be another problem with the installation, so I will make sure everything else is set up properly before I jump into the aux pump thing.

As far as the quality of GreaseCar products - I have been very happy with the system in my VW, but the fuel gauge that was included with the kit for my Mercedes was defective. I sent an email to GreaseCar and they responded that another gauge would arrive in 3 days, so I think that's pretty good service. They have also been very helpful with my fuel flow problem, so I don't really have any complaints. I understand that this system is still somewhat expermental and I know that every car is slightly different, especially when we're talking about installing these things on 15-year-old cars with 200k miles and more. In other words, I haven't lost my patience yet! The payoff is still driving past every gas station thumbing my nose at the poor saps pouring their hard-earned dollars into their tanks at the rate of $3.27/gallon!

GVB · #6 08-23-2006, 05:09 PM

I have not been posting on this for a while, but here is my two cents.
Our shop does WVO conversions and if you don't have a fuel pump to pump the VO, you will end up having to replace the vacuum pump on the injection pump. We recommend using a carburetor 5-9 psi 12 V pump. Hook it to a 20 Amp stock Benz relay. I would not recommend looping the return line, you will have a problem with air, and at some point will end up having to purge the lines manually, it's not hard, but it is a pain in the butt. Use separate feed and return lines for your veggie tank.
If anyone is really serious about having any diesel converted, you should contact me. I have developed a user friendly system, it does not require you to install anything in the "cockpit", meaning cut your dash or install bells and whistles when to manually switch to and purge the veggie oil. My system is 100% automatic, it even purges the lines for you and purge time can adjusted for warmer or cooler temps. You even use your existing fuel gauge. If anyone is interested, you can email me at GregBeanAuto@aol.com. I usually return email within a few days.

bgkast · #7 08-23-2006, 05:45 PM

I have heard that people have had good luck using a low pressure facet fuel pump near the tank to help push the oil along to the Lift pump. I have one that I did not end up using if you are interested.

Jmana · #8 08-23-2006, 06:55 PM

The problem with the Facet pumps, is that they burn out after a while, especially if your oil isn't the cleanest. I don't know why you think the stock lift pump will die without a boost pump, I never had a boost pump and never had problems with the stock pump. I think the best solution is to keep both supply and return lines, but to tee into both, then connect the two together with an additional hose. Even if you do get air in the line, all you'd have to do to get it out is to clamp off this additional line temporarily.

Blevinsax · #9 08-23-2006, 09:30 PM

I got another email from the folks at GreaseCar today and they have been very helpful in getting my system going. I need to make sure that my system is installed with the stock lift pump pulling BOTH diesel and WVO - not just diesel. If it is installed that way, it would mean that the IP pump is the only pump pulling the WVO, and it is not strong enough to do that, AND it could ultimately damage the pump if that is in fact how it is set up. I'll confirm that with my mechanic this week - in the meantime, I did have a successful run with the car today! I started it up on diesel and after a little bit of driving to warm up the WVO, I hit that switch over to WVO. At the same time I hit the throttle and after a brief blip the motor took off and ran beautifully on 100% WVO!! Hurray!!!

Now I just have to confirm that my GreaseCar system is in fact installed properly - then get my EGR disabled/removed (Thanks Brian!!) and intake manifold cleaned out - then get this overheating issue resolved - then get the rough idle issue resolved - then get my new kick-a$$ stereo installed - and I'll be happy as a clam!!!

Wish me luck!!!!

jshadows · #10 08-23-2006, 10:36 PM

Let me know what you find out. Mine is plumbed such that oil is off of IP pull only and not on fuel pump. Has run fine for the last 2000 miles but seems a bit quirky lately. Runs fine on diesel

diametricalbenz · #11 12-04-2006, 02:21 AM

Has anyone tried these Purolator/Facet pumps? Good or bad experiences?
I am considering using this between the hard metal fuel line in the engine bay and the clear filter to help assist the flow of the oil and flush the air out when filter changes are done.

How much pressure would be necessary to help assist the WVO thinned with 10-20% RUG? Would 7-9 PSI be too much?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2005671&productId=2005671&catalogId=10101

pdrayton · #12 12-04-2006, 07:39 AM

I've read that those pumps fail after a short time. I might be confusing them with another brand, but I don't think so. Have a search in the forum, or have alook at the SVO/WVO links thread in the forum.

If you do find something that works well, please let me know. I gave up on finding something becuae my problems went away.

Why so much RUG? I heard it's not good to put so much in. I put 15% kerosene and 5%RUG in cold weather. My problem is I get a fine white powder that clogs my feul filter after a few 1000 miles. I filter to 1 um so I am confounded.

Anyway, now back to the studio....

Matt SD300 · #13 12-04-2006, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diametricalbenz

Has anyone tried these Purolator/Facet pumps? Good or bad experiences?
I am considering using this between the hard metal fuel line in the engine bay and the clear filter to help assist the flow of the oil and flush the air out when filter changes are done.

How much pressure would be necessary to help assist the WVO thinned with 10-20% RUG? Would 7-9 PSI be too much?

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2005671&productId=2005671&catalogId=10101

Hey Curtis,

I know a guy with a 84 300SD White in color, tinted windows & factory wheels that have been chromed. It's really his wife's car(Carina).....anyway they have been using that fuel pump for at least 18 months & over 16k miles now and is still working great. I can give you there PH# if you need it. Hope this helps.

pdrayton · #14 12-04-2006, 11:37 AM

I'd like his ph#!

I should put a pump on to save the IP, at least that's what I heard, and I don't know about the pressure, etc, even though I read a ton of posts.

If he doesn't mind that is...

retx · #15 12-04-2006, 02:19 PM

i know this is and old thread.....but, aside from the lift pump issue, has anyone had serious issues with the greasecar conversion? any reservations on recommending it to anyone else? i am still debating on building my own or just buying a greasecar or frybrid. id still like to hear people talk about their experience with the greasecar conversion.