How to Convert a Mercedes Diesel to Bio Diesel
Converting your diesel Mercedes to run on biodiesel is easy and provides several major benefits to the environment, as well as your car. Unlike petroleum-based diesel, biodiesel is a renewable fuel that produces fewer toxic emissions. It is also a better lubricant for your engine. Running your car on biodiesel does require a little extra work, and results in a slight decrease of fuel efficiency. As we move away from fossil fuels though, the environmental benefits of using biodiesel over diesel make the extra effort worthwhile.
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Instructions
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1
Locate your nearest biodiesel source. Many larger American cities have at least one or two gas stations that offer biodiesel at the pump, although it is rare to find 100% pure biodiesel. More often the fuel is blended with petroleum diesel to lower the cost, as well as to improve fuel efficiency and cold-weather functioning.
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Fill up your fuel tank with biodiesel. Your tank does not need to be empty -- diesel and biodiesel are compatible fuels that may be blended as often as you want or need (see Reference 1).
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Drive through at least one full tank of biodiesel, preferably two or three.
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4
Replace the fuel filter in your Mercedes. Biodiesel is a solvent and loosens up years of diesel build-up in the fuel lines. This build-up collects in the fuel filter and will clog the system unless you change the filter. Consult your owner's manual if you are unsure where your fuel filter is located. Once you locate the filter, unscrew it, let it drain, and replace with the new filter.
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Check the new fuel filter periodically over the next few tanks of biodiesel, or if you notice a marked decrease in power while driving the car. You may need to replace the filter again, depending on how much build-up was in your fuel lines.
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Tips & Warnings
Biodiesel has a higher gel temperature than diesel fuel, which means that on cold mornings your fuel may solidify and you will not be able to start the vehicle. The gel point for biodiesel varies, but is generally somewhere between 20 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. You can avoid gelling issues with a blend of 20%-50% petroleum diesel. (See Reference 3.)
According to the Biofuel Oasis, some Mercedes have fuel lines that are incompatible with biodiesel. If your fuel lines are made of natural rubber, check them periodically for degradation and replace them with synthetic rubber components.
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