biodiesel

[jdpduke]

Anyone have thoughts on biodiesel for my 1990 350 SDL? Good idea? What would I need to convert?

[Wodnek]

Originally Posted by jdpduke

Anyone have thoughts on biodiesel for my 1990 350 SDL? Good idea? What would I need to convert?

I have had no issues with my 87 300D and 87 300TD. Both use the OM 603.

[tankowner]

If we are talking about the kind you get at the pump - sure, why not. If we are talking about the kind you brew at home, that's fine too - so long as it is made properly and dewatered properly, etc.

Running on biodiesel doesn't really require anything special. If you have never run it before, you might want to have some extra fuel filters on hand since it can clean out any gunk that has been accumulating in your system and plug up your current filters. Biodiesel is a solvent and has properties slightly different than regular diesel, therefore, it is known to degrade that natural rubber o-rings and fuel lines in some of the older vehicles. Many folks replace these with Viton type o-rings and lines.Viton is a fluoroelastomer that is resistant to biodiesel, you can look it up online if you want to know more about it, but that's about it.

[Kelly]

Just resealed my IP with Viton seals. Gottem from http://greaseworks.org

He sourced the DV crush washers too, Justin is great to do buisness with, and he just happens to be down the road from me.

Originally Posted by jdpduke

Anyone have thoughts on biodiesel for my 1990 350 SDL? Good idea? What would I need to convert?

I don't know if it's "good" or "bad," but I was wondering why you want to run BD?

[probear]

You should be good to go. Like was previously said, carry extra fuel filters. I would also carry a small quantity of fuel should you need to change the secondary filter while on the road. BTDT..
I have changed a number of primary filters, but my care also had 200k miles, otherwise, no problem.

[oldiesel]

I have run mostly 100% homebrew biodiesel in my 91 300d for about a year now and no problems.I did take the tank out and clean it before i started using it and i did change the rubber fuel lines to the bio-resistant stuff that Autozone has,i did not change the o rings on the delivery valves as i had recently done them.I did change the little return fuel lines too.I bought the viton stuff from Jim Davis at jim @frierpower.com. Might be that the softer combustion from the biodiesel would be easier on you "rodbender engine".I have about 5000 miles on bio now and have not had to change ANY fuel filter yet.
Hope it works as well for you as it has for me. Don

[Shawn T. W.]

Just remember that there is a BIG difference between Bio-Diesel & Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) know the difference . . . most people don't know that Bio is processed, and looks and acts simular to dino-diesel, and WVO is ussually fryer oil that needs more than just a quick filtering . . .

[michaelshu]

Hello,

In response to Kelly,

I checked the website and couldn't find the seals to reseal the IP... do you know if that's necessary to run B100 Bio-D?

I've changed all of the fuel lines (cigar hose, etc.) and have been running B-100 for about 10,000 miles now.

My glow plugs failed to light Friday and my mechanic said today I needed new glow plugs... he said that the Bio-D is probably having an effect on them. Anybody have a similar experience?

Thanks... these forums are a big help and a wealth of friendly info

1982 300SD with 195K - 100% Bio-D

[DocSarvis]

IF you are running ASTM quality Biodiesel I suggest you mechanic is mistaken......unless someone explains it. Thanks

[zeke]

x2

I am having minor GP issues with the 240d, but I strongly suspect it is a relay (or fuse) problem, not a BD problem. No starting issues whatsoever in the 300TD after over a year of B100. I have however developed leaks in the IP that I suspect are related to age + BD. Need to get some viton replacements.

[spark3542]

Originally Posted by jdpduke

Anyone have thoughts on biodiesel for my 1990 350 SDL? Good idea? What would I need to convert?

Run it. Have spare fuel filters as the BD will clean the crud in your lines from years of dino diesel. Don't change any lines, don't convert anything. All my cars are factory original.

83 300SD...39,000 miles on BD and WVO/RUG blends
97 E300 black...56,000 miles on BD and WVO/RUG blends
97 E300 gold...4,000 miles on BD

Only firsthand knowledge introduced here.

[stimpy451]

'72 220D running B20 for a few weeks now. Should I be concerned about the stock fuel lines?

[Graplr]

Originally Posted by stimpy451

'72 220D running B20 for a few weeks now. Should I be concerned about the stock fuel lines?

No. B20 would take A LONG time to erode the fuel lines. If you were running B100, depending on the condition of the lines it may take up to a year or two to erode them.

There are some people that run B100 that don't use viton or B100 compatible fuel lines but rather just change out the fuel line every couple years. They have stated they notice no leaking inbetween hose changes.

I wouldn't worry about it if I were running B20...unless the fuel lines are already degrading.

[michaelshu]

UPDATE on the glow plugs...

Hello all,

The glow plugs were switched out yesterday and it runs like a champ now. It started quickly before, but now I barely touch the key and it fires up.

I took a look at the old glow plugs and it turns out they were probably original (there's 195K on the car). So... their demise might have been hastened by the BIO-D, but they were on their way out anyways, there's really no way to tell...

I've had everything else switched out but the IP rubber. What should I keep an eye out for there if there is any BIO-D deterioration?

Thanks for all of your help everyone

1982 300SD with 195K - 100% Bio-D