'95 e300d biodiesel prep - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rigarzatx · #1 11-13-2006, 12:21 AM

First, I want to thank everybody who has chimed in the past, your insight has been invaluable to a novice like me.

I am purchasing a '95 e300d from a factory certified mercedes shop in the midwest, picking up in a week.

I'll bring the car back to sunny Austin, TX where there is a good supply of commercial biodiesel, ideally to run on b99.

I was thinking of asking the shop to replace the fuel lines with viton before I pick up.

I've been reading through all the biodiesel posts I can find in the forum and have some questions.

Is this even necessary or does the '95 have biod friendly fuel lines and o-rings?
(I've seen conflicting info)

If no, after how many miles of bio might I want to change out the original lines?

If yes, are the viton parts something they would generally have easy access to OR would I order and send to them?
(the kits at places like greaseworks.org, diesel giant seem to be for pre-95 cars)

Any guess to how much these parts might cost?
(everyone seems to say that vitol is "expensive")

In my request to them what specifically would I ask to change out? - "Fuel lines" or "fuel lines and interinjector lines"
(not sure of the exact terminology and have seen some different terms thrown around as I've been researching).

In the meantime, I'm prepared to change out the fuel filter early on in the new fuel experiment because it seems b99 cleans out lots of gunk.

Thanks in advance for any answers to these questions OR any other advice, feedback, etc.

Looking forward to supporting the local biodiesel producers and not big oil.

Jeremy5848 · #2 11-13-2006, 12:39 AM

Congratulations on your decision to take direct action to reduce our dependence on imported oil. <end sermon>

A '95 is recent enough that you should not have to change anything. If a hose does eventually begin to weep, you will have plenty of time to notice and do something about it. It's not an overnight catastrophic failure.

I have a late 70s or early 80s small diesel tractor; after 18 months on B100 I noticed that one of the fuel return lines was finally starting to leak so I replaced them.

My 300D has been on B100 since April. I replaced the fuel filters after 6000 miles of biodiesel. They really didn't look dirty at all, I just wanted to be proactive (213K miles on the car). The primary filter had a little bit of black crud in it.

Viton o-rings are not expensive unless you buy them from the dealer and even then won't break the bank. I paid $2.50 each for two o-rings that most places sell for about fifty cents.

Don't let the "nattering nabobs of negativism" scare you. Biodiesel is great stuff.

Jeremy

TMAllison · #3 11-13-2006, 02:15 AM

Your 95's engine is a OM606, the same as my 99 sans turbo. I agree you should have no problems using B99. The fuel lines are not something that can be replaced using a roll of hose. You'll see when you get the car.

My 99 likes B99, it idles smoother and daughter says exhaust smells like fresh fish (big Halibut, like she saw in Alaska) rather than a truck. I cant say what it smells like, only that it is different than D2. My mpg do suffer by ~10% when running Bio.

You might carry around an extra fuel filter and pre-filter if you were worried about debris in the fuel tank. I dont anymore.

The 606 relies on o-ring seals at fuel lines, pre-filter, shut off valve and delivery valves. They will lose their seal due to age and allow air to enter causing hard starts, no starts or leaks pending severity of leak. Phil (Buy Parts link above) has the filters and also the o-rings for most of those items too.

Bill Ladd · #4 11-13-2006, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMAllison

... daughter says exhaust smells like fresh fish (big Halibut, like she saw in Alaska) rather than a truck. I cant say what it smells like, only that it is different than D2. My mpg do suffer by ~10% when running Bio...

I liken the smell to model airplane fuel. I think we used to call it glowplug fuel, IIRC.

I've had a few fuel leaks, but attribute them to the vehicle's age, not B100.

Bill

rigarzatx · #5 11-13-2006, 12:52 PM

sounds like a just pump and go with minimal hassle.

I'll just need to watch the fuel filter and a keep an eye on the hoses.

Can't wait to get into the car and stop using fossil fuel.

TMAllison · #6 11-13-2006, 02:06 PM

606 o-rings failing is a result of age/temp mostly. Recent changes in the aromatic additives in ULSD MAY contribute, accelerating rubber parts such as o-rings drying out or shrinking and resulting in leaks.

Many believe that Bio will help these issues rather than hinder.

DigitalDave · #7 12-01-2006, 09:47 AM

I've got the same car (95 e300d) and live in the same city (Austin) -- I'm getting bio at DieselGreen and Ecowise; also the twenty or so Triple S Shell stations around town (B20) when it's cold (like today!).

So far, perfect--bought the car from MB in Boerne. Love it.

Dave