PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Which Mercedes diesel engines should I stay away from?

GregMN · #32 07-29-2011, 11:54 AM

Avoid anything run on alternate fuels buy someone who doesn't know what they are doing. Since you cannot tell who knows what they are doing....

The biggest problem with alternate fuels is the unknown quality of the fuel. Different methods of preparing the fuel can result in different quality outputs.
The same method of preparing the fuel can result in different quality outputs due to variances in the raw fuel feed stock.

The next problem is with the set up of the fuel system on the car to provide adequate filtering and, if required, adequate heat.

The next problem is with the operator. If required, did they purge before shutdown every time. If required, did they wait for the system warm up enough before switching fuels. Did they change their oil frequently.

Please note that I have run over 200,000 miles on WVO with no VO related issues on my engines. I just took an engine apart from someone else who ran VO for one year and the rings had to be chiseled out of their grooves in the pistons. The longer they have successfully run the same car on their alternate fuel, the more likely they know what they are doing and have not damaged their car any more than putting the same miles on it running diesel.