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  #1  
Old 08-08-2006, 10:29 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Tucson AZ
Posts: 98
Question Getting up to speed on W123 wagons

Newbie here in AZ.

I've decided that the next car we get to replace our behemoth Suburban is going to be diesel powered. I couldn't get my wife to warm up to a new Sprinter, but she's thinking a biodiesel powered 300 wagon might work. I'm a classic motorscooterist (I commute on a 1964 Lambretta) so I'm familiar with living with and appreciating older vehicles. I searched around for some FAQs to get up to speed. I have a few questions to get started, and if the answers are lurking in an FAQ or a link somewhere, please point me there.

I'm assuming the WVO/SVO tank will be in the rear of the wagon, can you smell the fuel in the car? Can you run with a 3rd row of seats and a WVO/SVO tank? What are the common defects on the early 1980s wagons?

Thanks,

Mike Stirrat
Tucson AZ

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  #2  
Old 08-08-2006, 10:35 PM
84 240D Euro 5sp
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Brunswick, GA
Posts: 304
Wvo

You're very welcome here, and the cognoscenti will have lots of info about wagons that I do not know. I have read much more about WVO in other places, however --- the first place I would go read the is Frybrid.com. He has done plenty of 123s, including wagons, and will answer any questions that the archives don't. He seems to have the best engineered parts, to me.

Good luck.
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  #3  
Old 08-09-2006, 12:04 AM
dieseldiehard's Avatar
Dieseldiehard
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Bay Area No Calif.
Posts: 4,368
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lambrettaman View Post
Newbie here in AZ.

I've decided that the next car we get to replace our behemoth Suburban is going to be diesel powered. I couldn't get my wife to warm up to a new Sprinter, but she's thinking a biodiesel powered 300 wagon might work. I'm a classic motorscooterist (I commute on a 1964 Lambretta) so I'm familiar with living with and appreciating older vehicles. I searched around for some FAQs to get up to speed. I have a few questions to get started, and if the answers are lurking in an FAQ or a link somewhere, please point me there.

I'm assuming the WVO/SVO tank will be in the rear of the wagon, can you smell the fuel in the car? Can you run with a 3rd row of seats and a WVO/SVO tank? What are the common defects on the early 1980s wagons?

Thanks,

Mike Stirrat
Tucson AZ
The wagons do not have any place to hide the WVO tank and the smell also will get thru, there's no way to prevent all of it but it doesn't smell like Diesel fuel.
The early wagons had a climate control Servo that is an abomination - very prone to leaking and expensive to replace. But there is a new kit that replaces it, if and when you need it.
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  #4  
Old 08-10-2006, 12:01 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: los angeles
Posts: 51
Since you live in AZ where the temp doesn't drop too low, you could run your wagon on a single tank conversion instead of two. the two-tank systems are best for colder climates (of course there are lots who prefer it anyway. lots of debate out there that i won't get into). i drive a single tank converted wagon in LA and it's doing great. 5k so far no probs whatsoever, car seems happier than on diesel. This is not mainly an SVO/WVO forum though. there's a ton online. Here's one place to start for basic info and links:
http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_svo.html

If you're a good DIYer, Fattywagons has good parts for doing your own single tank conversion. But i think the guys is away for another month.
Frybrid is knowledgable but expensive.
good luck
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  #5  
Old 08-10-2006, 07:18 PM
Waitn For The Bus All Day
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: south east pa.
Posts: 1,786
Search around here on this site using the sticky links at the top of the page. "WVO", "tank screen", and "viton" would also be good key words. Also "WVO blend" or WVO blending".

I'm running a single tank system with no mods at all. So far just the usual expected problems i.e. tank screen and deterioration of the stock fuel lines. I'll be switching back to diesel during the colder months.

Mike, I am quite familiar with your bike. I'm a vintage moped nut myself. I've also got 2 123's, one of which is a wagon. Weak links are a/c, tranny, and rain water leaks in the cabin. a/c on the expensive side to fix and tranny rebuilds if done properly will run around $2500. I know someone will say they got theirs rebuilt for $1500 but they also got their moneys worth if you know what I mean. Leaks in the cabin are usually easy to fix but troublesome to find. PM me if yours leaks and we'll go down the checklist.

These are wonderful cars although it does take some time to find a good one but once you do you'll be quite happy with it. Great huntinmg grounds out in your area. Lots of rust issues here.

Cheers,

Bill
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  #6  
Old 08-10-2006, 07:28 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Tucson AZ
Posts: 98
I've definitely been bitten by the bug. I'm glad to hear about the single tank conversion option.
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  #7  
Old 08-10-2006, 07:37 PM
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Bob
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Paris, FR
Posts: 737
I just got a TD and decided against a 2 tank option (which I already have in my SDL) for 2 reasons

1) aesthetics
2) heat

the tank will heat up to 160+ degrees for most retail solutions and you'll have to find a way to insulate that so you don't fry your 3rd seat peeps. An insulating solution would hide the tank, you'll still know it's there. it's going to block something.

Plantdrive.com has a 2nd tank deal specific to the TD but IMO is way overpriced at $1300.

Why not go the biodiesel route? No modifications, low risk to the car (other than degraded fuel lines) and will probably be better for your engine than the 2007 ULSD.
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  #8  
Old 08-10-2006, 07:46 PM
Waitn For The Bus All Day
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: south east pa.
Posts: 1,786
I didn't go the bio route because of the health risks involved in making it plus SVO is easier and less time consuming. I actually use the blending method.

Cheers,

Bill

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