Starving engine (lack of power) on vegetable oil wont go past 40mph - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

chosenberg · #16 01-02-2007, 02:55 AM

I'm only using mercedes stock filters. Can anybody recommend a larger filter under the hood than the stock filters? The stock filters are to small and clog easily. I don't need a heated filter, just a larger one. I'm also running a single tank system and was wondering if anybody knew how to loop the return fuel line?

vaman4215 · #17 01-02-2007, 05:00 AM

Fram makes a bigger diameter filter than that of the stock MB filter. And they are like $2 at wal-mart...

RichC · #18 01-02-2007, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chosenberg

I'm in Los Angeles. Do I need to loop or heat the return line. If so how is that done? Have you guys ever put WVO in your tank that was just ran through a sock filter and had this problem?

.
Hello All

I live in Texas and I do not use any kind of heater for my 300D that I run on Straight Vegetable oil.

I have mixed in a little Regular Unleaded Gasoline if it is going to get pretty cold, under 40 degrees.

I strain my oil through a sock type filter. Actually 3 of them.

One 25 micron.
One 5 micron.
And one 1 micron.

I am not a fan of these " conversions " or " kits " people buy and think they have to install to run Waste Vegetable Oil.

But that is just my opinion.
And I don't live where it is really cold.
And I do not claim to be an expert.

Actually I claim to be quite insane.

Have fun everyone.

RichC

jaoneill · #19 01-02-2007, 07:50 AM

As already stated, filtering can't be stressed enough. I filter mine down to 5 microns and ran just short of 30K miles before having to change the spin on filter on the veg side (I run two completely separate systems; veg side has both a prefilter and the spin on. I have changed the prefilter at every 3K oil change, as a precaution, but this was the first time I had to change the spin on.)

Jim

mespe · #20 01-02-2007, 10:12 AM

When I burn WVO (UNHEATED) I add a little RUG (Regular Unleaded Gas) 10%-20%

Try adding a gallon or two of gasoline and see if you can hit 45 MPH

GREASY_BEAST · #21 01-02-2007, 10:24 AM

post your question on the SVO forum at biodiesel.infopop.cc and while you're at it, shop around for the components to make yourself up a 2 tank system.

MattBelliveau · #22 01-02-2007, 10:52 AM

Not to change the subject, but dude, you're paying for your oil?

Secondly, if they filter-while-you-wait, unless your there all day, that's not filtered well enough. You should find out the specifics of any oil that you put in your car that you don't refine yourself. A sock filter could mean 100micron, or 5 micron; unless the person know the specifics, DON'T USE IT. If the person isn't sure in any way, RUN! Look for free oil.

blackestate · #23 01-03-2007, 02:01 PM

I had this issue, and fought with it for a long time.
Wrapped the filter in hose that I ran coolant in (2 tank system) and the problem went away. I be the small amount of fat in the oil is sticking to the filter media. A little heat is easy and could solve the issue.

jaoneill · #24 01-03-2007, 05:35 PM

Not to say that filtering isn't the issue here, however, consider this.

When I set up my 2 tank system I thought it would be prudent to keep the entire veg side isolated from the dino to limit unanticipated problems with lift pump, etc. The electric lift pump that I installed (facet) apparently wasn't up to the task of pushing an adequate volume of (heated) wvo to the IP. I had the same issue; with mine it was a top end of 45 mph.

I disconnected the Facet and replumbed the system through the stock lift pump. Problem solved, seamless veg burning ever since, but I do filter well.

Jim

chosenberg · #25 01-03-2007, 08:20 PM

It seems no matter how much I filter the oil, the spin on filter gets clogged. Lovecraft I believe was having this problem too with their single tank system. That is why they now have a heat exchanger were the spin on filter used to be. I bet my best option would be to heat the spin on filter which I can do with nichrome wire. I need advice on what I can do to prevent the spin on stock filter from getting clogged so easy? Please anybody?

diametricalbenz · #26 01-03-2007, 08:59 PM

Does the car run fine on regular #2 diesel?

If the answer is yes then your oil is junk. Find another source or filter it better.

Are you in "cold" weather? Below 50F?

I starved my car of fuel when the prefilter clogged up completely and it was entirely a fuel issue and died on the side of the road until I swapped the prefilter out.

chosenberg · #27 01-03-2007, 09:33 PM

The oil is filtered down to 5 microns and still clogs the spin on filter. Should I heat it? Can I add a larger one and bypass it?

Mercury · #28 01-03-2007, 10:36 PM

FM100 pre-filter upgrade: easy install, adds water seperation, inexpensive...
You could get a heater for the setup, but the manufacturer has it set on a thermostat of an unknown temperature. I have asked them the temp, but no answer as yet.

diametricalbenz · #29 01-04-2007, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chosenberg

The oil is filtered down to 5 microns and still clogs the spin on filter. Should I heat it? Can I add a larger one and bypass it?

Heating it will help it flow better since the engine seems to be starved but if the oil is dirty it's still going to clog the filters since the media diameter won't change.

chosenberg · #30 01-04-2007, 01:22 AM

I don't need to heat the filter. I already have a lot of heat going already ( Vegtherm & Fuel injector heaters). What I need is for the spin on filter to stop clogging! even with oil filtered down to 5 microns.