*Warning* WVO question! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muleears · #1 07-03-2007, 07:48 AM

I am currently running a blend in a 87 124. It has worked fine for almost 10K miles. With the exception of several fuel filters! I have just purchased a 98 W210 TD. I want to do it right and not endanger the car. I am considering an Elsbett one tank, a two tank or a plantdrive one tank with more heat and hi pop injectors added. What do you WVO folks think would be the best route? I think Plantdrive would be the cheapest, two tank (Greasecar?) the most expensive (with professional install) and the Elsbett (self installed) somewhere in the middle. Advice is appreciated.

WINGAS · #2 07-03-2007, 08:31 AM

Cal, I bought a 95 mechanical type as I *thought* the alter digital/electroic ones would be tempermental... if I may do an add on to your post.....

Are there any issues using the "newer" electronic IP with wvo??

grindMARC · #3 07-03-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

I am currently running a blend in a 87 124.

What part of your post does the *WARNING* refer to?

dukegrad98 · #4 07-03-2007, 09:09 AM

Two-tank, two-tank, two-tank. Golden Fuel Systems has successfully converted a '99 model, so you might want to check out their website. If you're gonna do it, do it right -- and one tank isn't it, even in warm climates. I feel like that's pretty well-documented good advice.

I hope to do a two-tank at some point with my '98 also -- just no time or money budgeted for the project yet. For now, it's running like a champ on B99.

Cheers, John

hangit · #5 07-03-2007, 09:14 AM

I have converted my F250 with the two tank plantdrive system and driven about 15k miles on WVO without problems. I'll probably use the Greasecar system for my 240D because they make a round tank that fits in the spare tire well. The plantdrive appears less expensive because the buyer purchases fuel line, hoses, 2nd tank, and wire at their local parts store. As for tanks, check Cabela's. The Moeller tanks are priced competitively.

The key to using WVO is filtering to 1 micron or less, no water in WVO, and heating the WVO to reduce its viscosity.

John

muleears · #6 07-03-2007, 10:10 AM

The warning was because some members don't like to see WVO related questions on the diesel board.

I am beginning to think that a plantdrive one tank with the hi pop pressure injectors may be the simplest route for me. I would add a vegtherm for more/quicker heat. What are your concerns with the one tank? Starts on cold veggie? I thought the higher pop pressure injectors were better at atomizing veggie and the initial start on cool/cold veggie was not as big a problem. If I went the two tank I would also need it installed. I can wrench the easy stuff but this is something I wouldn't want to screw up.

Thanks for the advice so far, keep it coming!

grindMARC · #7 07-03-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

I am beginning to think that a plantdrive one tank with the hi pop pressure injectors may be the simplest route for me.

You need to do alot more research if you think you can run a one tank system in VA. How do you intend to start the car between October and March? The VO sitting in the fuel lines, filter and injector pump will not move. Either move down South or start research a two-tank approach.

muleears · #8 07-03-2007, 11:33 AM

Thats a good reminder, last winter I blended but I lived in SC. I suppose I could use a blend with a much smaller percentage of WVO... or as you suggest check out a two tank approach. Maybe a two tank is the way to go. I was hoping to avoid the extra tank and complexity. But it is probably best for the car as well. Thanks

TMAllison · #9 07-03-2007, 11:52 AM

Mine runs fine on commercially prepared B99 although it gets ~10% less mpg's and it costs more than D2. I personally wouldn't run SVO/WVO or homebrew bio in mine.

Not certain what your ECU and IFI would think of having different inj's installed. Have never seen a higher flow nozzle for a 606.

Mdisav runs the Elsbett system. He's the only one I know of on the forum doing so on a 606.962. I do not believe he has had any problems to date doing so.

probear · #10 07-03-2007, 12:05 PM

If going with WVO, use the two tank system. More complex, but much better. WVO is just too viscous to run cold, even at just startup. The two tank system has proven to be reliable, and works good.
I personally like the injector line heaters that fattywagons.com have to offer. I had planned on running a blend of WVO and Bio-D, but instead opted to run just Bio-D. The line heaters (in my case) will allow me to run Bio-d in marginal cool weather without a startup problem. I also got the Davco heated filter. It uses both radiator water and 12 VDC for heat. Just another precaution.

asnowsquall · #11 07-03-2007, 12:43 PM

I'd also say go with 2 tanks. Your machine is to expensive to repair when it starts to fail on the WVO coking and gummed up rings.

grindMARC · #12 07-03-2007, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asnowsquall

I'd also say go with 2 tanks.

Plantdrive seems to think so too. http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/159605551/m/2521056502

Diesel Dan · #13 07-03-2007, 02:38 PM

The install seems a bit overwhelming at first, but it can be broken down into small steps, with your car still driveable during the process. It took me weeks to do my Greasecar conversion, but I did it in three stages: First I tied in the coolant system, then the fuel system, then the electric. Since the system defaults to the diesel side when no power is applied, you can just keep driving on diesel until you get it all hooked up. The conversion didn't take that many man-hours, I just have a busy schedule with only small blocks of time to work on projects.

#14 07-03-2007, 02:51 PM

Two-tank!

A one tank "conversion" is nothing but abuse to an engine.

muleears · #15 07-03-2007, 03:53 PM

Thanks Forced, for the good advice. I don't know if you remember or not but you turned me away from the W140 and on to the W210. I guess I know in my heart the two tank is the way to go. I have a significant investment in the car, I should protect it as best I can. Burning WVO is going to help pay for it. It needs to last me at least 5 years. With the amount I drive it will have 275K on it then.

In talking with Greasecar they now make a kit for the W210, but they reccommend a professional install. I assume the kit will cost me @$1200, what will the install add, another thousand?