CUSTOM WVO KIT OR Convert HIH to HOH on Greasecar Kit - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

legasea · #1 03-12-2008, 04:49 PM

I have been putting a parts list together to build my own WVO kit. I am still considering the greasecar kit and adding a FPHE and possibly a vegtherm or ILH heaters for added heat. The only thing I don't like about the greasecar kit is the HIH. Has anyone bought this kit and re-plumbed the HIH and make it HOH? If so, what was required?

If I don't buy greasecar, here is my parts list....maybe overkill/overheat???

START - OIL Tank w\ Heated Fuel Pickup/Outlet
TO - HOH Bundle with Looped Return & Hose Insulation
TO - Lift Pump?
TO - Vormax Veg oil Filter/Heater /Separator (not sure about space issue)
TO - 20 Plate FPHE
TO - Valve to IP
VegTherm on looped Return - Add Switch
Gauge to measure WVO temp after FPHE
Gauge to measure WVO pressure
Control Unit - VO Control or CoPilot
Various Connectors/Clamps - Need Help Here
New Viton Fuel Hoses
Cold Blue Moon, Orange Slice and Drinking Device

ANY REVIEWS, COMMENTS, IMPROVEMENTS, SLANDER???

bigfredb · #2 03-12-2008, 06:27 PM

Looks like you have a pretty good list started. Here are a couple of possibilities for your system:

Inline Fuel Heater:
- Arctic Fox Inline warmers
- Dana Linscott Plans/How-tos

Intank Heater/Pickup :
- HotFox In tank fuel warmer
-

Temperature Pickup
- Little Angel Probe/Gauge

Hoses:
- As far as fuel hoses, you can look at Boat/Marine supply stores for the USCG approved lines.
- You will also need coolant hose.
- Hose clamps, lots of them. Look for the widest ones you can find (contractor pack at Home Depot?)

I also have a question as to your configuration. Will you be using a Pollack 6 port valve (switch) or electrical 3 port valves. Here are a variety of conversion configuration diagrams with some commentary.

I myself am not a big fan of VO Controllers. I prefer a more manual approach. Since you are planning to have a temp gauge, you could get by with just a switch (or switches).

Good Luck!

blackestate · #3 03-12-2008, 08:19 PM

I built mine with some help listed above.
Mine is manual. I used the dual 3 way valves. and ended up returning to the tank due to air issues.
I did not use the vormax. Just a good old standard fuel filter, and good clean oil to begin with. If you run low on oil, dun diesel, do not push the oil cleaning...
Good luck!

Paulc66t · #4 03-12-2008, 08:34 PM

What is wrong w/ HIH. It should warm the oil better than HOH.

BTW- I have a home made system with the following:
Tank w/ home made Heat exchanger
HIH
12V aux pump /pre filter
6 port Pollak valve
electric heated filter
FPHE
Vegatherm

I have a gauge just before IP. Normal oil temps are 180-200F. I recently added the FPHE to help even out temps in the NewEngland winter. I have been running this system for over 1 yr/25K with little or no issues. I had a similar set up on a prior vehicle for about the same amount of time. Both prefilter and main filter are the std MB types for simplicity(less parts to carry).

legasea · #5 03-13-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigfredb

I also have a question as to your configuration. Will you be using a Pollack 6 port valve (switch) or electrical 3 port valves. Here are a variety of conversion configuration diagrams with some commentary.

Good Luck!

I was considering using (2) 3 port electrical valves

I think I have a good idea of how the system should work and the general components that make up a good WVO system, my weakness is figuring out the plumbing and wiring. Are there any documents out there that will describe exactly how to plumb the system such as the one I am designing? This is the reason I was considering buying the greasecar kit, because it came with the instructions and all the fittings. But I feel this will add unnecessary cost to the project and I really don't want to go with HIH. I am not comfortable with the possibility of leaking coolant into my fuel and vice/versa.

blackestate · #6 03-13-2008, 06:35 PM

I have had good luck with both of my valves in the engine bay, near the IP. Less hose between valve and IP means quicker change over.
I have 2 electric fuel pumps in the trunk, Converted the OEM tank to be heated, and run a 7 gal. fuel tank for diesel.
I cut a hole in the floor of the trunk near the tank so it was behind the pannels and could not be seen. Ran out of the hole, under the car, up over the crossmember near the steering box and up to the 3 port valve.
I was unshure too, so I just started building my HOH and seeing where it would route too easily and went from there. I think all of the home made ones are a little differant.

jaoneill · #7 03-13-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paulc66t

What is wrong w/ HIH. It should warm the oil better than HOH.

BTW- I have a home made system with the following:
Tank w/ home made Heat exchanger
HIH
12V aux pump /pre filter
6 port Pollak valve
electric heated filter
FPHE
Vegatherm

I have a gauge just before IP. Normal oil temps are 180-200F. I recently added the FPHE to help even out temps in the NewEngland winter. I have been running this system for over 1 yr/25K with little or no issues. I had a similar set up on a prior vehicle for about the same amount of time. Both prefilter and main filter are the std MB types for simplicity(less parts to carry).

Ditto (similar system) 40K+ no issues, HIH is far superior in a cold climate.

Jim

mobetta · #8 03-13-2008, 10:59 PM

Vormax is overpriced, overrated piece of equipment, IMHO. all the filtering/dewatering should be done well before the fuel ever sees the car.

the only issues of HIH failure that I am aware of is where peeps used PEX tubing for the inside tube- pex is not rated for the temps. I think greasecar?(or another kit co.) used it for a while. versatube aluminum tubing is good. I think HIH is almost mandatory around here in winter. GFS makes a nice pre- made HOH bundle. for $10/ft. i think my HIH cost about $2.40/ft.

the vegtherm will prolly be unnessicary, too- as you will have an FPHE. if you need it later, you could add it easily.

lift pump is not needed.

greasecar has the best valves for the $$, IMO. (at least for our flow requirements.)

Paulc66t · #9 03-14-2008, 08:46 AM

In my system I only use the Vegatherm to speed up switch over. Most days it is only on for the first 5- 10 mins. Once in a while I need to turn it on on very cold days when driving slower.
My home made HIH uses copper tubing. I have heard of people having problems with this at times. So far it has been OK. I think of HIH as being another heat exchanger.

legasea · #10 03-14-2008, 03:24 PM

Ok, so I think I am fine tuning this custom kit of parts and have had a lot of good advice as well as specific parts to make up the kit from previous posts. I think I will eliminate the Vormax, it is overkill and will add the vegtherm at a later date if needed. I want to see if I can get by with the FPHE, heated fuel filter, HOH and hotfox heated fuel pickup. I see with the pre-built kits they come with all kinds of fittings, washers, clamps, etc. Does anyone have a parts list or the like for all these items for a 83 300D turbo? I have no idea what kind of fittings to purchase for all these parts. I see GFS sells a HOH bundle, but will cost over $200 ($9 per foot). Is that about right or is it cheaper to build the bundle yourself? If anyone has step by step instructions on how to install a custom kit such as the one I am designing, I would be willing to pay for this kind of document. I am not sure of the best placement for some of the devices or the plumbing/fittings and am sure others out there have successfully installed similar components in a 300D already. Any info on the install process is greatly appreciated. I realize this is a tall order, just crossing my fingers here. I am going to start purchasing the parts next week. I already have my home WVO filtration system built and a 80 gallon a month supply.....very excited.