Hello all,
Here is where I stand right now:
I have met another person who lives about 2 miles from me who is running WVO. He is preparing to set up for making biodiesel. He is a chemist so he should be able to handle this. This is the first person I have met that is actually doing any kind of renewable energy anything.

The car:
I have purchased a set of filters from the NAPA dealership next door to work where I got the car. I need to choose oil and do an oil change. I have heard there is different diesel oil as opposed to regular gas engine oil? I need to change a couple of the air cleaner mounting things and I can get them from the NAPA website as they are not a store carried item.
For the sake of expediency I am considering buying this kit of hoses. Any opinions for or against?

http://www.greaseworks.org/store/product_info.php?cPath=27_41&products_id=188

The guy I met mentioned, very thoughtfully I might add, that if there's a hose from the filler tube to the fuel tank that it should be changed also as the BD sloshes around in the tank so the hose is constantly exposed to it. I actually owned a 1978 Buick Skyhawk long enough to have to change this very same hose hose. It was a pain in the *** as neither the gastank nor the filler tube wanted to move around enough to allow the replacement easily. Even though I removed the filler tube the fit was very tight and so was the space to work in.

One of my fears about all this is ending up stuck on the side of the road with clogged filters or something like that. One of my neighbors is a mechanic and mentioned actually removing the fuel tank and cleaning it. I'm not quite ready to go that far but I have considered "T"ing 2 of the inline screen filters together so there would be less chance of an out and out clog before I get a chance to clean or replace them. I realize this is a temporary phase of this transition and it will pass but I want to do all I can to insure I don't come to an unplanned halt.
When I was working in the chemical industry there were things called "Y" strainers. These have screen baskets that are at an angle to the flow so the debris trapped by the strainer will tend to drop out of the way toward the bottom of the assembly to reduce clogging. Another advantage was the bottom came off with the strainer basket for quick cleaning. Is there some other tried and true suggestion for this?
That's all for now.
Thanks,
Brian

Brian.

You won't have to change the hoses immediately; they will fail over time. Jim from Middle Tennessee who is on this website sells a hose kit that is much cheaper as I recall.

I use Rotella 15w-40w for diesel engines. Its the oil "most" dieselheads use.

Order several PRIMARY filters and check often when you first convert. Better YET, run some Statron (?) thru your tank on dino diesel BEFORE you start running B100. I've never had a clogged filter.*GRIN*

What year and model car do you own? You might want to add to your signature.

Test Test did I fill in the right spot?

daw,

I would be interested in Jim's hose kit. I would at least like to change the hoses under the car where it is hard to get to so I don't have to try to do that on the road. I can wait to get to the rest but at least they are in the engine compartment so easier to get to. I hear about this "cigar" hose which is shaped weird but required for proper operation. I haven't even identified it under the hood yet.

Rotella 15W-40W OK.

I am going to get a couple more primary filters. They didn't have any more in stock besides the one I got.

Stratron? If it cleans things out and helps keep from clogging I am into it. I am coming up on needing fuel. I would like to get this quick and add it then.

Some guys on a Mercedes board are saying to add stuff to stop and eat the fungus that developes in the tank sometimes and also stuff to clean the injector pump. They mentioned product names but I need to go back to fine out what they were. I guess I should do all this stuff before I switch over. I don't think I have the fungus problem but I have to take a closer look. These guys all burn dino diesel. I think they may be hoping I will learn about this and relay the information to them. It is a yahoo group for Mercedes 126 style cars. That would be our 300 cars. I asked if just using biodiesel would straighten this all out or if I should do all this before the switch so we'll see what they say. I ask the same question here hoping there is more knowledge here about this since you have done it and they have not.

Brian

Brian,

I have a 1978 240D.
I started using B50ish at around 150,000 miles, went to B100 when spring came at 160,000. I then plugged about 4 of the primary filters with black guck in less than 1,000 miles. I pulled out the fuel gauge sending unit and cleaned the guck out of it so the reserve light would work.
I have had no problems since then. The only hoses I have changed are the return lines from the injectors that were weeping. 204,000 miles now and loving it!

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by Brian1:
daw,

I would be interested in Jim's hose kit. I would at least like to change the hoses under the car where it is hard to get to so I don't have to try to do that on the road. I can wait to get to the rest but at least they are in the engine compartment so easier to get to. I hear about this "cigar" hose which is shaped weird but required for proper operation. I haven't even identified it under the hood yet.

Rotella 15W-40W OK.

I am going to get a couple more primary filters. They didn't have any more in stock besides the one I got.

Stratron? If it cleans things out and helps keep from clogging I am into it. I am coming up on needing fuel. I would like to get this quick and add it then.

Some guys on a Mercedes board are saying to add stuff to stop and eat the fungus that developes in the tank sometimes and also stuff to clean the injector pump. They mentioned product names but I need to go back to fine out what they were. I guess I should do all this stuff before I switch over. I don't think I have the fungus problem but I have to take a closer look. These guys all burn dino diesel. I think they may be hoping I will learn about this and relay the information to them. It is a yahoo group for Mercedes 126 style cars. That would be our 300 cars. I asked if just using biodiesel would straighten this all out or if I should do all this before the switch so we'll see what they say. I ask the same question here hoping there is more knowledge here about this since you have done it and they have not.

Brian

1984 300SD --- nice car, I hope. *grin* Your car may not have the cigar shaped hose on it......it probably got replaced a long time ago; however, is it required on the 1984 300SD?

Jim's fuel line page is at: http://www.fryerpower.com/store/page11.html
and his email is: sales@FryerPower.com
and he is also around here, somewhere as Jim D; that's Jim space D. I didn't see the "cigar" fuel line on his page, but he might still have it. Just ask him.

Did you just get this car? If so and you don't know anything about it, here are some things to do:
Get a BASELINE BEFORE you change anything. Go out and drive 0-60 in both directions down the same road and use a stopwatch (timer) to time it. Drive as fast as you can to see how long it takes to reach 60mph.

Then check and replace as necessary:
air filter
primary fuel filter --- take a photo of it
secondary fuel filter --- take a photo of it
fuel lines --- none should be leaking/weeping
go time it again on the same road
Italian TuneUp
go time it again on the same road
diesel purge if still running sluggish
go time it again on the same road

Starton or Statron --- diesel treatment; I haven't been able to find it locally. There's been discussion about it in the past. Someone told me about it; run it for 2 tanks BEFORE you switch to B100. It helps break up the gunk in the tank and cleans the tank.

Treat with algicide if needed --- NAPA sells one. Send me a PM and I'll look up the name of it.

I also use a "diesel" treatment ...about 8oz per tank, just because I can. PM me and I'll look up the name of it.

Oh....and you really need to find www.mercedesshop.com --- Diesel Discussion. See you over there.

Hey Daw - good advice.....it's always nice to run into another Mshopper on here (I'm Jordan G over there).....and Brian, that's really the best place to get specific questions answered about your car.

but the Startron Tank Cleaner is the product you need and it's available at Walmart in the marine section. Just follow the directions on the bottle.

Jadavis (Jim) should have all the hoses you need or you can buy an entire set from dieselgiant.com or mercedesshop.com too. It's not that hard of a job, particularly when your fuel tank is low.

I agree - get to to know your SDL on dino fuel before you experiment with alternative fuels....


I'm running bio in my 81 240d and I'm in Lancaster.....great to hear that some more locals are brewing. I'd love to check out a members home-heating setup, I'm greatly intrigued by this.

Anyone have to pay for yellow grease yet?

Jordan,
Thanks for the info.I was looking in the auto section for that stuff. No wonder I didn't find it.
Yes I want to do the hoses and the fuel tank being low tip is very helpful.

I ordered 6 aircleaner mounts from the NAPA website and UPS called my house to say someone would have to be there to accept delivery and sign. Of course noone will be there when the guy shows up. I left a note but he will probably leave something for me to sign and deliver them tomorrow.
We'll see what happens. I got a set of filters and 2 gallons of rotella 15W40 so I can do an oil change.
Brian

no problem - welcome to the wild and wooly world of MB ownership Startron is mostly Naptha - which is nasty stuff so be careful with it.

I'd pull/clean the tank strainer too when you're down there swapping out the supply and return lines -it's 46mm hex but a 1 13/16" works too (and much cheaper). Lots of crud builds up over the years - particularly if you're having algea problems. I'd also consider blowing out the lines from the engine bay back into the tank with carb cleaner and compressed air, since you'll have to reprime/purge the air out anyway. Oh....and another tip (don't ask how I know) but be carefull not to let diesel drip on your CV boot directly below the fuel tank - it will eat up that old rubber quickly - and an axle replacement will be in the near future.

I run the dino Rotella too - I get it at costco for a decent prince. Be careful not to knock any of the vac lines loose in your engine bay when you change the filter - many people do this, particularly the engine shut-off line.

Good luck and have fun...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jordan:
but the Startron Tank Cleaner is the product you need and it's available at Walmart in the marine section. Just follow the directions on the bottle.

QUOTE]

Jordan....
You can't miss me over on the MB forum --- biodieselhead that I am ---

In regards to the Starton Tank stuff.....be careful!!! The WalMart I go to only had the GASOLINE additive in the Fishing/Outdoor department. They did NOT have the diesel version. As I understand it, these are DIFFERENT products. Maybe you or someone else can confirm?????

Brian --- Any questions about your old car, just hit me up. I may not know the answer, but willing to help you look for the answer.

Good point Daw - I forgot to mention that....yes, walmart carries the fuel additives as well, for both gas and diesel.....but you want the Fuel Tank Cleaner. See the linky for more details.
http://www.startron.com/stretch.php?sec=3

If your local Wally World doesn't have it....call a local marina, they should carry it too.

Just a quick heads up. I ordered 6 air cleaner mounts for $2.29 ea. from the NAPA website because it is not a store carried item. Ordering went smooth and I selected standard ground shipping. It took a few days to pick the order and get it sent. The day before UPS attempted delivery there is a message about someone having to actually physically be here to sign in person for this. I get the sticky notes about that on my door as they attempt to deliver. I have to work between 10:30 and 2. I shot off an email to question this and the response was there is a notice about it on the order completion page and sorry. Since I didn't know this was a possible shipping option and had never encountered this before I didn't realize to look for it and it must have been small enough to miss. UPS seems to manage to leave everything else on my porch without a problem and that's kinda what I was expecting here. So the bottom line is don't order from the NAPA website unless you will actually be there the moment they arrive to deliver to sign for it. This did not work out the way I'd hoped.
Brian

Today, Sunday 4/13/08 I went to an open house at this place.
http://www.wasteoilrecyclers.com/
They collect waste vegetable oil and filter to 5 microns and I think they sell it for $2.00/gal. The filtered stuff has a FFA of 4. I think this means Free Fatty Acid? There were a diverse groups of people there running home made B100 to WVO systems.
They are located just south of Coatesville. Judging from what I saw that they have filtered out of the stuff, it just might be worth the $2.00/gal to not have to deal with that initial really dirty step and then dispose of the remains.
Just thought I'd report about that.
In other news, I installed new aircleaner mounts on Saturday and changed the oil on Sunday after I got home from the open house so it would be good and hot.
That's all from here for now.
Brian

Hello to all,
I am new to the scene having just built my first processor. It has been a challenge and still remains to be. Is there anybody close to York that would be interested in giving advice or showing how to make a proper batch?

Hi Treeguy,
welcome to the local forum. I am generally open to having visitors while brewing. I am a week or so from getting going this spring, I am putting together a new system for my employer, where you would be welcome to come help out with a brew. Several others who have posted to this forum have gathered here. Contact me directly if you'd be interested. I am about 1-1:15 hrs from york. There very well may be someone closer who is similarly wiling. Good luck.

Treeguy, I am in Camp Hill. You're welcome to see my setup and observe my next brew session- most likely before June. If you're interested, PM me so we can arrange a date. Steve

Monday night I finished installing viton fuel hose. Last night I pumped 16.5 gallons of B100 into the tank on top of the remaining diesel and took two 5 gallon containers with me also. I think this works out to about B78.6.
I bought the 5 gallon yellow diesel containers from walmart. (yellow. how appropriate) Will these be OK? They have a rubber gasket for the spout. Any other recomendations? What does everyone else use?
Brian

Those yellow totes are fine in my experience. I have had a "fleet" of about 7 of them moving exclusively B100 around for 2 years w/o problem. I used them in conjunction with 55 g barrels and a barrel pump. I have yet to find a brand of tote whose integrally vented spout works reliably as intended. Anybody got one of those? We are up and brewing at Longacre, I hope to put some pics out soon.

Thanks for the response about the containers. There is another debate raging elsewhere about the yeild of biodiesel and glycerine from the biodiesel process. Someone is putting forth the assumption that the biodiesel/glycerine ratio is 50/50. In other words you get equal amounts of biodiesel and glycerine. I was under the impression that number was about 75-80% biodiesel and 20-25% glycerine and better if using virgin oil.
Would those with personal experience processing their own biodiesel please list the ratios you actually experience in real life?
Thanks,
Brian

By the time I get home tonight I will have 800 miles on biodiesel. No blob of crap in the filter yet.
Bought biodiesel in Strasburg on Saturday for the 2nd time. Drove all the way out checking regular diesel prices and all were $4.999. Get to the biodiesel station and the price is $4.459. Last time I paid $4.499 so 4 cents cheaper than last time and 54 cents cheaper than regular diesel. If things keep up like this I will be paying the same price for biodiesel that everyone else is paying for gas.
Brian