BIO-Diesel fuel for an 85 300D

[Gurnet]

Does anyone have experience with BIO-Diesel? I just bought a 1985 300D w/ 230K miles.

I'm thinking of being a good global citizen and trying BIO-Diesel. However, my gut tells me, "I'm asking for trouble."

Any thoughts?

[oil_burner]

I would use it, but there are no bio-diesel service stations near me.

There are a bunch of internet sites out there that can tell you just about everything you want to know. Some people swear by it. The only problem is that veggie oil tends to congeal during low temperatures (much like diesel except more so).

Biodiesel is sold according to the ratio that the veggie oil is mixed with regular diesel. For example, 20% veggie oil and 80% diesel would be sold under the name "B20".

[Ler]

Should be perfectly safe. Do not confuse Biodiesel with straight vegetable oil. Biodiesel is usually vegetable oil that has undergone a transesterification process.

More information here:
http://www.me.iastate.edu/biodiesel/Technical%20Papers/Roth%20Back.pdf
http://www.joshuatickell.com/writer/Tickell72.pdf
http://www.veggievan.org/biodiesel/articles/index.php

B100 is straight biodiesel, and BXX means XX% Biodiesel/PetroDiesel mix.

[kavakava]

I run biodiesel in my '85 300D and it loves it. The biodiesel available in Seattle is made from virgin soybean oil so it smells like burning soybeans. It's a little over $3/gal but heck, I get good mileage and it's far better for the air then dino-diesel so it balances out in my mind.

[timbro]

I have an 85 300D turbo. I am thinking about running biodiesel (it's available in my area). But I heard that there might be problems down the road with the seals in the injector pump. I know a guy who had to replace the injector pump in he '02 Pickup and it cost him thousands. Is there any risk of this with the W123? Also, someone on another post was talking about replacing the fuel lines with synthetic fule lines so they aren't melted by the biodiesel. Is that necessary?

[kef]

I have an '82 3000D and I am thinking of doing the same thing. I would like to eventually be producing my own fuel, from restaurant grease. I have been reading about the different kits. What are the modifications you guys have done to you W123's?

Thanks,
keF

[gdvine]

If you run B100 (100% biodiesel) then it's a good idea to replace at least the return lines looping between injectors if they haven't been replaced since 1997. New lines will be made of specially treated rubber that will do fine. But even if you don't do that there may not be any problems.

No one I've heard of has burnt out a Mercedes (Bosch) injection pump seal with biodiesel. My 83 300DT has been rocking at warm idle and according to my mechanic it's due to the IP being out of calibration. Since recalibration costs $700 he recommended I find a good used (or rebuilt) IP, mentioning the price as $100-150 so I don't think you have much to worry about...

Btw I am not using biodiesel yet. B100 pumps are virtually nonexistant in Southern California. Soon...

[mr diesel]

no bodiesel for retail use only for comm use in Conn[:(][:(]

[Atomicn]

I run a two-tank system with bio-diesel in one tank (B20 - B100) and straight vegetable oil in another. THe line between the lift pump and injector pump did swell and spring a leak but it was an easy fix. I'm keeping a close eye on my fuel lines now. My 85 300D runs great on both and I'm planning to buy another. It's getting cool here in NC and starting has not been a problem (yet).

[gigem75]

I make my own bd for about 50 cents a gallon. Been doing it for awhile now and no problems.