Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

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Mr.Sav
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hi all, having searched through the forum regarding Veggie Oil and Biodiesel, I can't seem to find any info on whether this is a) possible and b) a good idea with a turbo diesel.

I understand that fuel lines must be changed to newer synthetic lines and then it's recommended to change the fuel pump soon after switching over from fossil diesel but is there anything else to consider, especially with a turbo diesel? for example, can you run straight veggie oil or straight biodiesel, is it better to mix with fossil diesel, is the turbo sensitive to any of these changes, etc?

any help on this matter would be hugely appreciated!

Maxwell Smart
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

I have successfully run 80% VO with 20% diesel. I suppose you could run 100% in summer.

But one thing to make sure is that if you have a Webasto DO NOT start it with VO in the tank. It needs to be flushed a few times first...

mortinson
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

You don't need to change any fuel lines or fuel pump... even in older Gs such as mine. The only thing I replaced was a small rubber gasket in the diesel pre-warming loop and, of course, you need to replace the fuel filter a few hundred miles after you start using SVO because the oil will remove the diesel deposits from your tank and thy will clog the filter. But just carry a spare one until your G stops and replace it then...

Mr.Sav
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

Thats great, thanks guys - and of course i meant fuel filter not pump!! ;)

I had read that it's advised to change the fuel lines because of the abrasive nature of VO but otherwise it sounds like i need to get over to the chip shop asap!

Mr. Smart - do you filter your own used VO or source it new?

hus55
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

go for it sav, you will be fine!

just put a warning sign on the back window so people around you are aware :wink:

maxwell's G smells like a burning 'wok!!' :P

yours will probably smell of 'doner' or 'shish kebabs!!' :P

as for maxwells warning about webasto.....listen to the guy :shock:

i was there when his G was bellowing smoke from everywhere :shock:

i still have nightmares of maxwell that night.... :lol:

Mr.Sav
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

I dont think the G has a Webasto - how would I know for sure??

hus55
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

ask the old owner, i think it doesnt though.

just check his list of optional extras.

mortinson
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

Mr.Sav wrote:
I dont think the G has a Webasto - how would I know for sure??

What you see bottom right is a Webasto... you may have a similar one branded "Eberspächer" but this is very unlikely...

Maxwell Smart
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

look for something inside that looks like a digital alarm clock. it will be on the raised part of centre console between the seats where you would have rear window switches if you had a LWB.

by the way you will have a different model to what mortinson posts and it will be on the left rear just infront of the "black box" when looking at your engine from the front. it should say webasto on the side not the top. I am of course assuming you have a factory G300 TD as I do.

i use new VO as I don't have the space to filter. but seeing as you are down the road if you want to set up a distillery i'll come over :D

if you use WVO then don't use it unfiltered by the way.

Mr.Sav
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

I don't have the digital alarm clock - that part of my center console has no buttons. Are you saying that it might have a webasto as a factory fitted device? And if I don't have the digital clock then I probably don't have one?

If you can source the distillery schematics, I'll get us a shed!!! ;)

There are enough restaurants between the two of us to ensure a healthy (or unhealthy if you like) supply!

hus55
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Re: Biodiesel and/or SVO/MVO in a 300TD

from china town to stoke newington there are lots to choose from!!