I've looked, but can't seem to find the definitive answers.
Surely someone knows out there...
Please, what are the correct sizes for the hoses that must be replaced for B100 use?
I have seen 8mm ID, for some...
What are the clear lines at the IP and filter called?
Are they 8mm?
Can the stock MBZ replacements handle bio-diesel, especially the injector lines?
Is Viton the only good option?
Where does one find it?
Thanks!




'80 300CD,
non-turbo, but GOES!!!

After a 6-mo test in jars of BD, I found no noticeable swelling or deterioration of the STOCK MB fuel hose. This is the NEW hose, not 20 y/o stuff.

You will be fine using all new MB hoses replaceing the return lines (Conti) and the other rubber fuel lines. The latest MB lines seem quite tolerant of BD and will likely outlast your ownership fo the car.

Just replace all the lines with new from MB dealer and run your BD.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 4-speed manual conversion, mid-level resto

1983 300D - parts car

1979 300TD Auto - Parts car.

1985 300D Auto - Wrecked/Parts.


=========================

"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there". Lewis Carrol

Simply replace hoses as they develop leaks.
This is standard practice for engines running petroleum diesel. and should be the practice when using renewable fuels too.

There is no need to remove all of the old hoses and junk them, just because you are going to use biodiesel - when ULSD is common (mandated) will all of the other diesel users replace their fuel lines - no, and neither should we when we change to biodiesel.
Just my 2c.

__________________
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.

Well, TonyFromWestOz,
I see your logic, but my understanding of B100 is that it is completely incompatible with the soft rubber that the old MBZs used, and that it will begin to breakdown, "melt," old hose, and it seems to me that if you just wait till the hose leaks, which it eventually will as it deteriorates, you are incorporating a lot of garbage into your fuel system that does not need to be there.
Maybe only clogging filters, but perhaps sending crud to your IP as well.
I would rather not wait for the certain fail, I think it wise to replace with a grade of hose that was made to handle the fuel I am now using.
Peace.



'80 300CD

Length/sizes of rubber->viton fuel hoses?

Check out that link for a previous thread on the issue.

McMaster-Carr's web site has lots of Viton hose.

Let me know what you do!

I'm holding off on replacing the tubes until I know if I'm staying in Oregon or not... long story...

__________________
==========================
Aaron
'84 300D 267,000 - Running WVO - Rice Bran Oil - Mmmmmm, fishy...
==========================

Check out this stuff...
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=Tubing&Page=1
Any thoughts on which to go with?

I have been researching BioD for personal use for well over a year now and have recently purchased my first Diesel to start working on it ('79 300d W123). Although I have had pretty basic hangups getting my production off the groud here is what I can say about hoses and BioD!

The First and most important point to recognize is that you ask for definitive answers on an issue that has not had time to have all the research needed to provide you with such an answer. So, given that, all you can hope for is peoples expierences and opnions.

That being said: You will never get an argument against replacing these hoses with Viton. This material beyond a doubt is well suited for fule lines in B100 vehicles. You will certinaly not hear a wisper from the guys trying to sell it and it is not cheap! My friend's father who distributes orings (Viton and others) told me that htere is a better material making headway that is even more expensive, that will be even "better" suited to the job.

As I understand it this is not your question. I take your questoin to be: Can you use the origional rubber lines for B100 without major reprocutions to your system. Any seasoned B100er will tell you to just buy a bunch of fuel filters and dump the good stuff in it. Many have rode Hundreds of thousands of miles, without having a leak or any issues, and as was previously posted. . .all lines deteriorate eventually.

It is true that New MB lines are made to resist the deterioration concerns that you have, but I would only replace your lines when the time comes that you need to, and not just to run b100. I have seen people replace these lines with everything from clear vynl tubing to metal tubing. . .all of which work until they no longer do.

If you would like to search a newsgroup that I have found VERY useful for this sort of information check out :http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/ There are several threads on this subject. .Even this one of mine hit the topic about half way .but if you ever post "what do I need to do to my 300d to make it bioD ready?" You will almost certianly get the responce of "buy lots of fuel filters and pour the stuff in"

What is more suprising for me is This specific car iswell suited to run SVO or WVO with NO CONVERSIONS!!!!!. . .well except for heating it in winter and being from Florida I dont think of that much. Although I was not for this idea origionally I am considering it more and more!!.

Happi Veggin!!

J