I'm going down the biodiesel path with my '81 300d. According to all I hear, it's gravy if you get rid of rubber in the fuel path & change your filters several times. What I'm concerned about is any rubber that might be found in the injecting system....does anyone know if there are any seals etc. made of rubber?

I was under the impression that our MBs' lines (including IP seals) are fine with the biodiesel. Are you making it or just using some stuff from a fuel station? The stuff from the station can just be put in, but if your making it and using it in a non-MB you may have to 'wash' it first.


The fuel filter warning was true as the methanol will clean all the crud out of your tank and put it in your filters. But to my knowledge is the only thing you need to know when switching to biodiesel.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

I am using b100 at the pump for 2.49 a gallon. I had heard the rubber fuel line should be replaced with synthetic rubber, although I don't know if the existing lines are truly 'natural' rubber or not. The 'cigar' (balloned in the middle) shaped line is supposed to stay as it serves as an expansion chamber to help w/ 'surging'. The line swap is easy enough. Thanks for your thoughts....

As I understand Genuine MB lines have been biodiesel compliant since the early eighties.

If you aren't making it yourself you should definitely be okay

__________________
83 240D four bagger stick diesel 276K

Huh?!? I just changed mine out, maybe it does help a little but it seems like any line that appears as if it could burst at any given moment should be changed.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

The Cigar hose is designed that way to reduce IP noise, it looks like that new

__________________
83 240D four bagger stick diesel 276K

After researching I found this is indeed true about the cigar hose, I can't believe a hose would look so odd from the factory. I didn't get any extra clanking or anything with the normal hose but will change it back tomorrow, I had a feeling that they may of served a purpose so I kept them just in case.

In order to switch to WVO all you have to do is add another fuel tank, tank selector switch/solenoid, and possibly run a heated line back, right?

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

BoostnBenz,

Since the "cigar" is a return bose to the fuel tank, there is no pressure on it so its unlikely it will ever burst.

P E H

I didn't know it was a return, but the reason why I kept them was because I was puzzled as to how it could deform like that under such little pressure. I suppose it was quite a good thing. Thanks.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Just got an 87 300 TD and have started running it on B100.I have talked with my mechanic (German Auto in Boulder,Co)about running it on Biodiesel and he tells me that there are no rubber seals or anything of the sort in the injector system to worry about.Best of luck,Mike.

I also just talked with Hienz at Europrean Car Service in San Rafael California (he worked in Germany for MB for 23 years) he says nothing but metal inside the injector box. Us biodiesel MB users should update ourselves....so far I've heard nothing negative about B100 in MB's.

Correctly made Biodiesel has NO methanol in it. AFAIK the methanol is contained in the glycerine byproduct and removed with it when drained. Additionally, the process of washing the biodiesel should remove any other contaminants along with any stray methanol. I do know for a fact that methanol or any alcohol for that matter is not a good idea in diesels as it is very dry and can damage the pump/injectors. RT

__________________
When all else fails, vote from the rooftops!
84' Mercedes Benz 300D Anthracite/black, 171K
03' Volkswagen Jetta TDI blue/black, 93K
93' Chevrolet C2500HD ExCab 6.5TD, Two-tone blue, 252K

I'm not sure if it'll kill it, but it will send it from your tank into your filters! It would be wise to carry a spare with you in this transition period, good to see you changed it once already though.

I'm under the impression that it doesn't need to be washed for our MBs, but for most other diesels it is needed otherwise it will kill any rubber. So if you want to or don't, the end result shouldn't be much different on your MB.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k