Is there anyone using Biodiesel(not SVO) in a 1999 E300 DT? I have had three diesel techs tell me not to use biodiesel in this model. One reason is the particulate filter. Another reason is they say it will hurt the injector pump.Any information on this would be very much appreciated.
Martyws

1999 E300DT 208,000
2000 F250 7.3L 364,000

1. I doubt there is a DPF on that model year.

2. Properly made biodiesel is far better for the IP than ULSD

3. Those mechanics would probably blame a flat tire on biodiesel

__________________
1995 E300 diesel

As a data point, I put 72,000 miles on creative fuel on my 97 E300D with the NA 606 motor. It was mostly homemade biodiesel, but I even experimented on WVO/RUG blends. My 05 now is straight biodiesel, 46,000 so far.

__________________
Mark in MA
05 MB E320CDI 402k Granite Grey Metallic
05 MB E320CDI 267k Black
05 MB E320CDI 232k White
05 MB E320CDI 209k Tectite Grey
99 Dodge 2500 Cummins 5sp 148k
62 Jeep CJ-6 120k

I have a customer that he runs 100% homemade biod without any issues in that application.

__________________
Jim

I used to have a 1999 E300. For about a year I ran it on 100% commercial biodiesel. It was great. Absolutely no issues.

Thank all of you folks for the replies. I was about to trade in the 1999 E300 TD for an 1980's model just so I could run biodiesel.Now I feel I won't have to do that 'cause I really like the car.
Freesoul... Can you tell a novice like myself what a DPF is?
Has anyone tried to use SVO properly filtered in the 1999 E300 TD in a two tank system, such as the greasecar company sells
Is there a performance chip for this same model that would increase gas mileage? The computer, I was told has already been retuned for maximum mpg.
Martyws

1999 E300DT 208,000
2000 F250 7.3L 364,000

Who told you that?

__________________
Jim

I agree with the rest, I have been using Biodiesel I produce in my 99 E-300 for 5 years with no problem. It does have more lubrication then diesel and will keep your fuel system cleaner. When you start using it you will want to change your fuel filters in a couple thousand miles due to Bio will clean the crud out of your tank and fuel system.

As for SVO or WVO there is no problem with a two tank system such as the Frybrid system in Seattle, key is to not switch over from diesel to WVO until the oil temp is 160 degrees which is the same viscosity as diesel at this temp. Always use clean filtered dewatered WVO.

Quote:
The computer, I was told has already been retuned for maximum mpg.
Who told you that?
__________________
Jim

I was told that by the man I bought the car from. Could I have been misinformed? City driving I'm getting an average of 27 MPG which I assume is what it's supposed to get anyway.
Marty

Thanks...I guess that's what I wanted to hear.I love my car,but I'm not willing to be a slave to the government.Ours or any other government.
With the biodiesel did you have to change all the rubber parts that comes in contact with the fuel? Or are the factory rubber parts in the 1999 compatible with biodiesel?
Have you or someone you know actually used the Frybrid system with the '99 E300 TD. What effect does the SVO have on the factory rubber parts since there would be no methanol or lye involved. Do you know if the Frybrid system has a temp gauge to let you know when you're up to 160 degrees? I would think it would have.
Since you said you had no problems,I assume the particulate filter in our cars present no concern.Does this require any maintenance procedures?
Do you know where I might find instructions on changing the filters correctly? I understand you have to bleed the fuel lines when changing the fuel filters.
Thanks for your help,
Marty

Not sure there is a computer to "turn up" in that application.

Your mileage sounds about right.

__________________
Jim

I agree on biodiesel although you may ultimately have to switch the injector return lines and the O-rings on the plastic fuel lines and under the shut off valve to viton. Biodiesel and WVO will soften them over time. Since you'll have biodiesel in the stock tank - and lines all the way from tank to engine - you might also keep an eye on the rubber sections of fuel line at each end of the metal lines (near the tank and under the hood).

I've done about 70,000 miles on a two tank WVO system in my '99. There IS an issue with this particular engine on WVO, regardless of what system you use. After 25,000 to 50,000 miles the piston rings may begin to stick, resulting in a pressurized crankcase which forces oil up and out the dipstick tube . Happened to me with a well designed system and I've worked with several people in the US, Germany, UK, and Australia to resolve it. In my case the solution was to disarm the EGR valve / and / add a water injection system that mists water (in summer) and washer fluid (in winter) into the charge air pipe. Don't know if one or the other would have been sufficient. 30,000 miles since these corrections and so far, so good. We shall see. Never had this issue with any other engine and I've done a lot of conversions. In any case, you'll avoid it by using biodiesel.

Regarding the chip - We had both our '98 and the '99 chipped by Jeff Robertson at Rocketchip. (info@rocketchip.com, I believe). About $350.00 for mild tuning and it makes a huge difference in performance with very little exhaust smoke or impact on mileage. The cars are just so much more pleasant to drive. Best $ I ever spent on them. I assume other companies' chips would do the same.

These cars have a predecessor to the "diesel particulate filter" but the objective of reducing soot out the pipe is essentially the same. Open the hood and you can see the canister just below the turbo. Don't believe biodiesel will have any impact on it. Can't say for WVO as mine is empty.

The Frybrid system has a computer controller that automaticly switches from diesel to WVO when the temp hits 160. It also purges the system back to diesel automaticly when you shut the car off. Their kit comes with all the neccessary hoses to change. Frybrid is a Mercedes mechanic also and is very familar with this engine.

One point to remember about coking in the cyclinders, WVO is not designed to be run around town. It is designed to run at hiway speeds primarily. The 160 degree switching temp is only one issue, the cyclinder temperature is another issue to completely burn the WVO. WVO has a lower BTU then diesel.
This is a mistake a lot of people make, you can't lug it around town. In fact it is good to run it up a grade at hiway speed once a month to get the cyclinder temp up to burn some of the coking in the cyclinders out.

I've done a lot of research and the Frybrid System seems to be the best one going.
However, I do a lot of city driving.....sounds like I should probably choose biodiesel over SVO.

Thanks for your help,
Marty

I'm Definitely not a mechanic . A mercedes/Bmw shop wants about $600.to change out all the lines,seals,etc. to Viton. Don't know if that's good or bad at this point I have only checked one place.
Does the Rocketchip do anything to increase mpg? Or is it strickly for power/ performance?
As I've said elsewhere in this thread, it sounds like I had better stick with the biodiesel as opposed to the SVO.
Really appreciate your help,thanks,
Marty