Re: Mercedes biodiesel conversion

I am about to buy a used diesel Mercedes (most likely a E300D 1995-1999) with the intention to run it on B100 biodiesel.

After some reading, I still have a few questions for the specialists out there:

 
1 Which models (by year) were built with biodiesel-resistant fuel lines?

2 Where to have new Viton fuel lines installed in the New York Metro area?

3 How to find the correct tubing specs if I have to order the Viton lines myself? 

4 How many miles on biodiesel before changing the fuel filter? 

 

Suggestions regarding any of these issues would be much appreciated, thanks.

Manuel
 

1. years after 1990 will be fine

2. I imagine any autoshop can replace fuel lines.

3. doesnt mcmaster carr have fuel line?

4. it will depend on how dirty your system is. My truck had 10k miles and didnt need filter changed

 

1. No, my '92 had the "natural rubber" lines. Based on the advice of others here, I simply ran it (over a year) until a slight leak was noticed. Then I changed them all. However, I believe all W210's should already have the newer fuel lines.

2. Yes, should be pretty straightforward for most any mechanic. But no need to be in such a hurry. Just go with what's already there first, then only change if/when needed (which in your case should be never). 

4. I think I went thru 2 set of filters fairly quickly (first 6 mos). It's pretty obvious when the engine starts to become fuel starved. With the 2nd set of fuel filters changed, she's been running like a top ever since, with only standard maintenance.

Only other thing to look out for is cold weather. Most of the year I run B99, but my last fillup (in anticipation of the weather cooling down) was about 25% D2. Which felt kind of silly, especially since the D2 was $.25 more than the B99. This was a couple weeks ago (I only use about a tank a month), and lately we've been getting into the 20's at night and 40's in the day. So running a little more % of D2 might not be a bad idea in the winter. Nor is filling up a little more often, to avoid a mostly-empty tank (more susceptible to freezing).

Or if you really want to stay away from D2 completely, there are other options (kerosene, etc) that can be found elsewhere on these forums. But you'd be taking some chance to try to run B100 all winter in NYC. 

All Mercedes use the natural rubber lines. Biodiesel will soften them over time then you will need to change them eventially. The best Mercedes IMO for BioDiesel are any of the 300 Turbo diesels from the late 70's to 1986. These engines are totally mechanical and great performers. These were the 300SD, 300TD (wagon), 300D, 300CD (coupe). I have owned and maintained many of these vehicles over the years. The 90's models should do fine as well. To start I would run a tankful of B100 have your new pre and main filter ready to replace as you will probably need it. then you should be on to regular maintenance. Because of your location which has some colder winters if you want to run B100 year round you will probably need a fuel heater installed to keep things flowing in winter. As mentioned if it is close to freezing use B2 or you may be able to get away with B 20. If you have a Block heater, plug it in the morning if you have a freezing cold snap. This will help the injectors properly atomize the fuel for combustion. Happy Dieseling Mark

I'd add that all B100 is not equal in terms of gell point.  This will vary due to differences in feedstock.  Test it yourself, but putting a masson jar of what you are using in your garage.  If it starts to cloud up, or worse, solidify, then you know you have hit the limit of it's cold performance.  Or, run tests in your freezer.

I'm also thinking of running bio diesel on my Benz so I can help save the environment in my own little way. Any updates with the thread starter, just interested to know if you had any problems using the B100. Thanks!

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Pulse Plugs

thomatt12

I'm also thinking of running bio diesel on my Benz so I can help save the environment in my own little way. Any updates with the thread starter, just interested to know if you had any problems using the B100. Thanks!

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Pulse Plugs

I've been running B100 in my 240D for 4 years straight now, with the only modification being viton fuel lines.  Factory filters, no EGR.  Sounds and smells much better than on filthy petroleum diesel.

I have a 1983 300SD and I know that the fuel lines must be converted, but I HAVE HEARD FROM MANY ABOUT HAVING TO MODIFY THE INJECTION PUMP; OTHERS SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RUBBER SEALS OR RINGS IN THE IP. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHETHER THERE ARE RUBBER COMPONENTS IN THE IP? (THE SOLVENT PROPERTIES IN THE BIO WOULD DEGRADE THEM OVER TIME)

THANKS,

-ZACH