Elsbett Conversion on a 1998 E300D - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#16 10-10-2007, 01:29 PM

That's the problem. A single tank system isn't converting the car correctly.

Old300D · #17 10-10-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonC

Converting the veggie oil to Biodiesel uses energy which creates emissions. Which is worse? The added emissions from my car or the emissions from the process of converting to Biodiesel? I don’t know.

Like I mentioned before SVO is not optimal for your engine but neither is neglecting regular maintenance like oil changes, making other engine mods or just plain beating on your car. Those folks that take the time to learn how collect the grease, filter and convert there car correctly have a lot less risk than those that don’t. The bottom line is take the time to read the information out there and make your own decision based on your level of comfort with the risk.

Converting oil to biodiesel takes very little energy; all you are doing is raising the temperature of the oil 100F. It will take a lot more energy to manufacture the parts to rebuild your engine than to make 2000 gallons of B100.

mdisav · #18 10-10-2007, 07:40 PM

No single tank system in the USA uses longer glow plugs, afterglow and different injector nozzles. That is what distinguishes Elsbett from the rest. They have been running veg for 30 years.

Because the glow plugs are longer and they stay on after start up for a length of time, no cold oil ever gets injected into the prechambers. In fact the finer spray from the modified injector nozzles coupled with an afterglowing 1200F glow plug ensures that the oil injected is plenty hot.

Based on the above info it seems to me it does not matter if you do a two tank or a one tank. As long as you do the one tank properly the cylinders are always receiving hot oil.

Great job Jay!!

Old300D · #19 10-10-2007, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdisav

No single tank system in the USA uses longer glow plugs, afterglow and different injector nozzles. That is what distinguishes Elsbett from the rest. They have been running veg for 30 years.

Because the glow plugs are longer and they stay on after start up for a length of time, no cold oil ever gets injected into the prechambers. In fact the finer spray from the modified injector nozzles coupled with an afterglowing 1200F glow plug ensures that the oil injected is plenty hot.

Based on the above info it seems to me it does not matter if you do a two tank or a one tank. As long as you do the one tank properly the cylinders are always receiving hot oil.

Great job Jay!!

There is one more issue that disinguishes single vs. two tank conversions. Cold engines are known to pass more fuel past the rings than when hot. Two tanks at least give you the opportunity to only inject oil into a warmed up engine. Probably a good idea to halve your engine oil change interval to avoid polymerization of the sump oil - that can be catastrophic.

DieselAddict · #20 10-10-2007, 08:42 PM

I think the real reason people run VO in their cars is that it's a free or very cheap fuel. Running biodiesel most likely offers better environmental benefits and it's no doubt much better for the engine and no conversion is required, only biodiesel isn't free. You get what you pay for.

mdisav · #21 10-10-2007, 08:53 PM

That is a good point about cold engines passing more oil Old300D. I have a fs-2500 bypass oil filter system and I use a synthetic veg. based diesel rated oil that resists polymerization. This oil was designed and used for the audi race team and also dragsters. It exceeds the current mobil-1 synthetic specs.

The oil is from renewable lubricants in ohio. Since I began using the bypass system I have not had to scrub soot off the back of my car. Something good must be happening there.

BigBen · #22 10-10-2007, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonC

Hello,

Here is a link to a website I put together detailing the Elsbett Conversion I did on my 1998 Mercedes E300D Turbodiesel. I couldn’t have done it without this forum and it’s participants. There’s not a lot of Elsbett info out there so hopefully this helps. Let me know what you think.

Jason,

Great info once again. I recall sending you an e-mail after using your first website to help me on my own mods on the 1992. See my signature file, I guess I'll read your new website later on!

Thanks again!

Bye,

invol · #23 10-10-2007, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdisav

I use a synthetic veg. based diesel rated oil

What brand is it? Sounds interesting.

Oh and the SVO causes carbon to build up faster. Hmmm, is it just me or did anybody else read that as an excu..., er, reason for more Italian tune-ups?

C.Doner · #24 10-11-2007, 12:34 AM

Wouldnt a cold engine block cool the preheated oil mist signifigantly. that 1200degree glow plug is mighty small compared to all that cast iron. dont y'all know about seasoning frying pans. that black stuff never comes off. If a single tank system is used in the cold repeatedly it would seem logical damage would occur. I am proud that my engine after 320k still has compression of 350, 380, 400,420. I want to keep it that way.

mdisav · #25 10-11-2007, 08:04 AM

www.renewablelube.com

JasonC · #26 10-11-2007, 11:12 AM

Mdisav - Thanks for chiming in with the good info and thanks for all the help. How long do you go between oil changes with the bypass filter?

Big Ben - How many veggie miles do you have now on the 92? Was it a completely custom conversion? What are you thinking about doing to the 98?

Diesel Addict - If you are imply we are cheap I think the cost of these cars and their maintenance cost and the $3000+ conversion cost for my cars contradict that. We all do it for different reasons. Free fuel is low on my list. There is no biodiesel within 50 miles of me and I haven't tried to make my own since I felt I was more likely to do some damage to my car with a bad batch of Bio. Also I wasn't excited about storing the chemicals and making it in my garage which I sleep over.

Old300D- Do you make your own bio? How easy/hard is it to do? Have you ever had a bad batch of Bio run through your car or gel up?

mdisav · #27 10-11-2007, 11:54 AM

I do 5k.

veggiediesel · #28 10-15-2007, 11:33 PM

It takes a lot of free fuel to cover the cost of conversion and the premium one pays for a diesel vehicle. If you want to save money, get a used Camry.

If you're looking to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce the wear and tear on the earth, consider a veggie conversion, or even better, safely make biodiesel from your waste oil. The beauty of burning used veggie oil is the fact that you are up-cycling a waste product into a valuable fuel. No one had to consume fossil fuels by driving a tractor or making fertilizer or running a delivery truck for your fuel. That burden was already assumed by the french-fry eating customers served at the restaurant, and the way I look at it, the grease in the drum out back is free and clear of any CO2 guilt.

This thread has done a good job of pointing out the challenges and downfalls associated with running straight veggie. I can't say that my '98 E300D will escape the horrors described by members of this forum. I simply hope that my veggified engine will last at least as long as the poor rust proofing that cars of this era reportedly received. If a 606 engine running on diesel is supposed to survive for 400,000 miles, I think I'm ok with mine lasting 250,000 miles on veggie. While it might be a shame to doom a beautiful piece of steel, aluminum, plastic and leather to an early death, I will gladly sacrifice it if there is even a remote chance that it will help preserve the planet for my kids.

Paul

#29 10-15-2007, 11:59 PM

Problem with that logic is there is no guilt with CO2. More CO2 is actually a GOOD thing.

spark3542 · #30 10-16-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by veggiediesel

It takes a lot of free fuel to cover the cost of conversion and the premium one pays for a diesel vehicle. If you want to save money, get a used Camry.

If you're looking to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce the wear and tear on the earth, consider a veggie conversion, or even better, safely make biodiesel from your waste oil. The beauty of burning used veggie oil is the fact that you are up-cycling a waste product into a valuable fuel. No one had to consume fossil fuels by driving a tractor or making fertilizer or running a delivery truck for your fuel. That burden was already assumed by the french-fry eating customers served at the restaurant, and the way I look at it, the grease in the drum out back is free and clear of any CO2 guilt.

This thread has done a good job of pointing out the challenges and downfalls associated with running straight veggie. I can't say that my '98 E300D will escape the horrors described by members of this forum. I simply hope that my veggified engine will last at least as long as the poor rust proofing that cars of this era reportedly received. If a 606 engine running on diesel is supposed to survive for 400,000 miles, I think I'm ok with mine lasting 250,000 miles on veggie. While it might be a shame to doom a beautiful piece of steel, aluminum, plastic and leather to an early death, I will gladly sacrifice it if there is even a remote chance that it will help preserve the planet for my kids.

Paul

Well put.

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