Hey everyone, I'm planning to run a tank of biodiesel (B80 or B100 if possible) in my 87 300D. I don't recall any work done to the fuel system and wondering if it would be safe since I heard the biodiesel has an effect on the fuel lines. Furthermore, are there any BD stations in or near anaheim? Thanks in advanced.

__________________
Jason

00 Subaru Legacy (fun wagon)
96 Nissan Sentra (disavowed)
82 300SD (garage queen, will run again hopefully)
87 300DT (Gone: 10/15/2010)

Anyone?

__________________
Jason

00 Subaru Legacy (fun wagon)
96 Nissan Sentra (disavowed)
82 300SD (garage queen, will run again hopefully)
87 300DT (Gone: 10/15/2010)

I don't know anything about the 87 300D specifically (so no guarantees here), but I imagine it is safe enough. If the fuel lines start weeping/sweating (feeling wet or slimy) you'll have to replace them, but even that won't happen after only a single tank.

You might want to try searching the board, this question has probably been asked before...

__________________
'81 300TD Wagon 355k (Miss Diesel)
'83 300SD 180k
'84 500SEL 190k (Parting it out)

I cannot immagine that one tank will do anything. I have read a lot about biodiesel on this list and they say it makes the fuel lines deteriorate faster. Does that mean full time use they will last only 25 years instead of 30? But one tank could not be a problem unless the car sits for long periods of time with BD in the tank and lines.

One thing I have heard is that using the higher strengths of Biodiesel will clean out a bunch of sludge in your fuel tank and possibly clog a filter or two. So it would be a good idea to make sure you have a spare set of filters in the car, just in case.

__________________
Alan Hamm
'87 300SDL 277K Miles
'89 560 SL 68K Miles

Most vehicles since the mid 80s are fine on biodiesel. They changed the rubber hoses to cater for ULSD in europe. So all later MBs should be happy on biodiesel

__________________
Tony from West Oz.
Fatmobile 3 84 300D 295kkm Silver grey/Blue int. 2 tank WVO - Recipient of TurboDesel engine.
Josephine '82 300D 390kkm White/Palamino int.
Elizabeth '81 280E, sporting a '79 300D engine.
Lucille '87 W124 300D non-turbo 6 cylinder OM603, Pearl Grey with light grey interior


Various parts cars including 280E, 230C & 300D in various states of disassembly.

One tank MAY cause problems with the return lines leaking. It wouldn't be the first report. Don't try it unless you have replacement viton hose ready IMHO.

__________________
Brian Toscano

I'm going to try using some biodiesel in the near future.

Only problem is there isn't any available anywhere in Utah so I have to get it from Colorado.

I was thinking of trying the B20 (I'll be mixing my own as I'll have to get the biodiesel in a 55 gallon drum).

__________________
current Benz
'87 300TD (white) 168K (on the odometer as of 15 April 2004)
past Benz owned & miles I put on them
'62 190D 20K (white)
'63 190D 20K (beige)
'65 190D 35K (white)
'73 220D 175K (metalic green)
'79 300D 135K (metalic blue)

driving a Benz diesel since'77

Hoses fine but will clean fuel system,have extra filters and know how to change them.Lots of info in the past postings/

__________________
83 240D four bagger stick diesel 276K

Thanks for the replies everyone. Where can i get the Viton hoses? Since i'm planning to replace most, if not all, of the fuel hoses (very hard and afraid of breaking), do i replace only the rubber ones to viton, or does that apply to the clear plastic hoses also (see photo)?


And also, where can I get the new hoses? Thanks.

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
Jason

00 Subaru Legacy (fun wagon)
96 Nissan Sentra (disavowed)
82 300SD (garage queen, will run again hopefully)
87 300DT (Gone: 10/15/2010)

I wonder if the new fuel lines from Bio freindly MBZ's will fit.