JBrewer

Hey Everyone,
Has anyone had any experience using Biodiesel in the older or newer MB Diesel models? I'm currently running 60 to 80 % (of Biodiesel) in my Ford 2004 F250 Diesel without any problems or reductions in performance. And also the plus side of the lack of toxic fumes. Due to the low MPG (16-18) of a diesel truck, I am about to purchase a 1987 MB 300TD (603 engine/124 chassis) which is around 28-30 MPG(?). I have a source for oil and a processor, so my fuel cost is about 55 to 65 cents per gallon. I can also purchase it locally in my area for about $3.25 a gallon. Since I've been using biodiesel in my truck since it was new, I did not experience any problems, however the older MB diesels can have 200k miles of regular petro usage. I will be replacing the fuel hoses with the new lines and keping a close watch on the fuel filters.
Thanks
Jamie B.

H-townbenzoboy

Good plan.

-Joe

CE750

Willie Nelson runs his CDI on bio...

http://www.wnbiodiesel.com/

http://www.distributiondrive.com/Article19.html

pa28pilot

A lot of people run it in the older engines. I won't put it in my '05 E320CDI yet due to the following:
- some retailers are selling "mixed methyl esters" from ADM as biodiesel - close, but not the same thing
- the new CDI pumps are very sensitive to lubricity/viscosity differences, and are NOT CHEAP to replace.

If my 1987 300E were a 300D, I'd probably be brewing the stuff in the backyard, with close attention to pH and the ASTM standards. Or I would do an SVO (straight vegetable oil) mod.

Changing out the hoses and filters is a really good idea. There are a lot of people on the biodiesel bandwagon (both drivers and distributors) who mean well, but there's also a lot of bad science and backyard manufacturers out there. Be careful.

~CL500~

This is too cool:

http://www.biodieselsolutions.com/

Make your own BioDiesel at home.

EdzBenz

I used to run Biodiesel in my 190D. It made the engine run really quiet. Replacing the fuel hoses and filter after two fillups with biodiesel.

I now run Biodiesel in my E300 and also have a greasecar conversion kit. It's awesome.

cdiken

I suspect warm to run 80% biodiesel in your Ford, unless you have a separate tank with heater.


B20 has a pour point of 0 or so. Thus you must really watch it, depending where you are.

Here in Virginia I think B80 would have the consistency of molasses on a cold morning. Further north, B80 might become Crisco.

JBrewer

I'm in the Sacramento, CA area. Not much of a problem with cold weather. I also keep the vehicle in a garage at night, which helps.
JB

rsatmans

I run b20 in my 99 e300 turbo it works great. I have had no problems and performance has not seemed to suffer. The car produces less smell and noise but not a huge difference