WVO - are Plantdrive systems any good? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbach36 · #1 04-14-2008, 11:18 PM

I've heard the Frybrid's the best system out there, but the guy is difficult to deal with according to folklore. GreaseCar kits are supposed to be good. Someone told me about PlantDrive. Are they any good? The last thing I want to do, is mess up my engine.

Also, someone here in Atlanta is offering wvo kits, says his kits will "blow Frybrid out of the water". He wants $3,000 installed!!! Umm, I don't think so!!

jeff
1991 300d

Jimmy Joe · #2 04-15-2008, 12:39 AM

3 grand for a veg kit is out of control.

If you post/search you answer in the Maui board, you will get excellent results.
http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/cfrm/f/898605551

Biodiesel300TD · #3 04-15-2008, 12:56 AM

If you are going to pay a shop to build and install a quality, and I stress quality, system thats what you are going to pay for it. Parts usually run between $1000 and $2000 depending on the parts you use. A custom aluminun tank usually runs around $600 by itself.

I would buy all the components and install the system yourself. It will help you when you have an issue with the veg system. You'll understand how it all works and be able to troubleshoot it better.

From everything I have heard PlantDrive makes good systems.

#4 04-15-2008, 01:16 AM

Diesel systems are good.

muleears · #5 04-15-2008, 06:32 AM

Plant Drive lets you pick the components you want. Like the fuel tank, you can go as expensive or as cheap as you want.

dannym · #6 04-15-2008, 08:56 AM

Well....you have over 600 posts and haven't bothered to put your or location in your signature.

Without that info I don't see how anybody can give you advice on WVO.

notfarnow · #7 04-15-2008, 09:41 AM

I would recommend them without hesitation.

I have used PlantDrive components for 5+ years. When I converted my 99 e300d, I used all PlantDrive stuff. Ed Beggs (PD Canada) and Craig Reese (PD USA) are both excellent guys and will bend over backwards to help. I couldn't be happier.

Here's the kind of support I got from them when we were sorting through the complexities of my e300d conversion:
http://jakesbenzconversion.blogspot.com/2008/03/167-emails.html

jbach36 · #8 05-15-2008, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannym

Well....you have over 600 posts and haven't bothered to put your or location in your signature.

Without that info I don't see how anybody can give you advice on WVO.

Oh, how do I put the signature thing in?

Jeff

husk · #9 05-15-2008, 01:09 AM

Plantdrive two tank systems still contaminate the diesel tank. Plantdrive systems do not seperate VO from diesel, it is merely spliced into the existing rubber lines. The vo is merely returned to the supply line. Frybrid designs their systems to return the VO back to the VO tank. Furthermore, it would be hard to recommend a Kit manufacturer who also sells a one tank system.

#10 05-15-2008, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbach36

Oh, how do I put the signature thing in?

Jeff

Upper left hand corner of the screen.

User CP -> Edit Signature and/or Edit Profile

notfarnow · #11 05-15-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husk

Plantdrive two tank systems still contaminate the diesel tank. Plantdrive systems do not seperate VO from diesel, it is merely spliced into the existing rubber lines. The vo is merely returned to the supply line. Frybrid designs their systems to return the VO back to the VO tank.

I don't know where you're getting that info from. Redirecting the return line into the supply line (a "looped return") is standard practice that most companies use, and Frybrid uses a looped return on some cars. It gives you hotter fuel, and means less fuel is being drawn up through the filters.

A third valve actually allows you to switch between a looped return and return to tank, that's how I have my PlantDrive e300d conversion set up:

As for cross-contamination, I think you're mixing up some issues associated with using an individual 6port valve. Yes, plant drive will sell you a Pollak 6 port valve that return a small amount of veggie to the diesel tank, but they mainly sell the individual 3 port valves and recommend those where appropriate. When I did my e300d they insisted I use the 3 ports.

FWIW, I've used Pollak 6 ports on 6 VW conversions, and never ever had an issue. But the return fuel flow is much lower than on a Benz, so the amount of veggie being sent back is almost negligeable.

thesst · #12 05-15-2008, 08:10 AM

Best system components: Frybrid
Best system for the price: Greasecar

Diesel Dan · #13 05-15-2008, 01:27 PM

Greasecar kits are fairly solid, but unless they've improved it since I bought mine, I would recommend you add a 12v heater just before the lift pump or injection pump, or get injection line heaters on top of the Greasecar system. I don't think the Greasecar system gets the WVO hot enough fast enough by itself.

husk · #14 05-17-2008, 01:14 AM

With the plantdrive looped return your purge time will be several minutes to completely purge the system of VO...Remember plantdrive also sells that controller which unloops the return line and sends the VO back to the diesel tank.

So you are saying you wait several minutes to purge everyday before you shut off the vehicle? How did you plumb the electrohydraulic shutoff valve?

here is a thread you might find interesting:

http://www.frybrid.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4617&page=4

notfarnow · #15 05-19-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husk

With the plantdrive looped return your purge time will be several minutes to completely purge the system of VO...Remember plantdrive also sells that controller which unloops the return line and sends the VO back to the diesel tank.

So you are saying you wait several minutes to purge everyday before you shut off the vehicle? How did you plumb the electrohydraulic shutoff valve?

here is a thread you might find interesting:

http://www.frybrid.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4617&page=4

I don't think you've taken the time to actually read up on my conversion before commenting. I think you're confused by some posts Craig made on the frybrid forum about a car they did in San Fransisco with a shared diesel & veggie filter. Mine isn't done like that.

My purge is ~30 seconds, during which time the return valve is unlooped and the return fuel is sent to the veggie tank.

I plumbed the ESV like this:

If this causes cross-contamination, you'd better email Chris Goodwin... that's how the Frybrid cars are plumbed too.