STC 100 Diesel to SVO WVO Fuel Conversion Builders Kit

The STC 100 kit is the heart and soul of all our vegetable based fuel conversions. Its key VFM (Veg Fuel Manager) component is central to every kit we offer. You will need to read all the text that follows to fully understand what this kit will do, what it takes to install it, and how you can modify / upgrade it to operate it in cold weather. This is not like anything your average SVO conversion company sells. It is easy to build and to install, but reading is a prime requirement for understanding how it can work for you in your climate.

DEFINITIONS:

• STC 100 stands for basic Single Tank Conversion: This means you can operate with the factory tank to hold your vegetable oil fuel. No second tank is required. 100 is our entry level kit. To learn more what this all means see below:
• VFM designates the component module that properly filters, heats and routes the SVO fuel. This single compact module does it all and is easy to service, maintain and repair.
• SVO WVO designates Straight Vegetable Oil (new oil) or Waste Vegetable Oil (collected from restaurants).
• Builders Kit means you will have to build some of the major components of this kit before you install them in your diesel. This includes assembly the heat chamber, modifying brackets to fit your model, mounting filter and boost heater to bracket, and completing the necessary wire and plumbing modifications. This will save you money as well as allow you to modify the kit to fit in many different models of Mercedes up to 1993.

PERFORMANCE:

The STC 100 modular component system is well suited for running SVO (Straight Vegetable Oil) in warmer climates or when you do not want to add the second fuel tank. This easy to install kit will convert your Mercedes diesel to run efficiently on WVO (Waste Vegetable Oil) in locations where the temperature seldom gets below 40 degrees F without modifying the fuel or your driving habits. When it gets cold or when you run out of WVO you can mix in diesel in any ration directly into the tank to thin the oil. At any time you can run on straight diesel or biodiesel without trouble. All you have to do is turn off the electric fuel heater at the VFM and reroute your return fuel by changing the position of the fuel return valve.

You can even use this kit if you are using only biodiesel. When running on B100 in colder climates you can change the routing on the fuel hoses to heat the biodiesel BEFORE it goes into the FM100 5 micron filter. This will increase horsepower and extend filter life by eliminating waxing in the filter element.

If you live in the cold north or midwest you might consider a DTC (Dual Tank Conversion) upgrade if you want to continue operating on 100 percent WVO in the winter months. We offer a DTC 200 dual tank conversion upgrade kits for all our STC kits as well as a complete manuals set if you want to build one on your own. Our unique VFM (Veg Fuel Manager) uses an electric heat boost chamber to get the oil temp up to over 150 degrees in under 2 minutes allowing for smoother starts and quicker acceleration when cold. This initial volume of hot oil literally purges the cold oil out of the injection pump and injectors in a few seconds. By acquiring or building additional components you can add to this kit at any time to build it into a full functioning cold weather dual tank conversion (DTC). Once you get involved you may want to engineer and install some of your own upgrades. That is all part of the fun! CLICK HERE to view our DTC upgrade kit options and full manuals set.

This is what the VFM looks like after you assemble it

KIT CONTENTS:

Below is a detailed list of the contents of the kit. EVERYTHING you need is included to build and install as a single tank system in almost all Mercedes diesles from the early 60's up to 1993. (We do not have kits or instructions for any newer models).

• Heavy duty aluminum mounting plate and brackets (universal)
• High Performance Stanadyne 5 micron filter / water separator (easy change on road)
• Filter fittings and plugs for filter (not barbed type)
• Bracket extension to mount a three way valve (VALVE NOT INCLUDED)
• Brass 3-way valve to change the route of return fuel
• Extra 1/4 pipe to 5/16 hose fittings for valve
• All fittings, parts and sealant to build the electric fuel boost heating chamber
• Power 30 amp relay for boost heater
• 20 amp fuse holder to protect boost heat circuit
• Adjustable snap disk thermostat to control heater output
• 10 gauge wire lead large fuse holder to connect battery to VFM module
• Toggle switch to control boost heat function
• 5 amp fuse holder and wire for keyed power source at vehicle fuse box connection
• Bracket mounting bolts and all component mounting hardware

Kit Contents: Plumbing hose and hardware package

• Adequate standard and high temp 5/16 fuel hose to complete installation
• Quality German hose clamps for every connection and fitting
• 60 micron all aluminum and stainless cleanable final filter to protect the injection pump
• Special hardware to complete fuel hose plumbing modifications
• Clear inspection pre-filter
• Hand bulb pump for speed in bleeding air after filter change

Kit Contents: Installation manuals package (Large)

• Complete illustrated step by step installation manual STC-100 installation
• Wiring and plumbing schematic for STC conversion
• Operations guide and troubleshooting chart included in appendix

Installation Notes: In STC form this is by far the quickest of any kit on the market to install. Building and bolting together the BMFM takes almost as much time as installing the entire kit. Everything mounts in the engine compartment. No need to work in the trunk or under the car unless you plan to add one of our upgrades or convert to a DTC. Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours building the parts and 4 to 6 hours installing this kit depending on our level of mechanical experience. An basic understanding of automotive electrical wiring is required. Our detailed and illustrated instructions and schematic drawings will guide you step by step through the more difficult phases of hose routing and wiring hookups. Follow the instructions carefully and you will have success!

STC-100 Kit Installed in 123 240D

ADDENDUM: SUMMARY OF INSTALLATION MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR DIFFICULT CHASSIS

The instructions that come with the STC 100 kit are written for and photographed when installing kits in 116, 123 and early 126 300SD diesels. The kit can be installed in other models but you will have to deal with some “issues” and modify the instructions to fit your application. The specific “issues” for each chassis are listed below:

110 AND 115 CHASSIS SEDANS: This is one of the more challenging diesels to convert primarily due to the location of the battery. It takes up the ideal space where you could mount the SVO components near the injection pump. Even if you mount the filter in the trunk there is still hardly enough room to mount the BMFM on the left side of the engine. The best solution is to move the battery to the trunk. That will require running a very heavy battery cable back up to the starter inside/under the vehicle. Even with the battery in the trunk you will need to modify the brackets of the BMFM and may need to remove the filter from the plate and mount it alongside. No instructions are available specifically for the 110 and 115 chassis and you will need to do some drilling and fabrication on your own . Please remember the picture manuals are for the 123/126 diesels and will require interpolation on your part. Basic fuel routing and hookup is of course the same. If you do not want to move the battery you can mount the components on the right side of the engine but this will require a long fuel hose run to the injection pump with the potential for cooling off of the oil during migration. You could offset this some some by insulation your fuel hoses. You will be on your own when dealing with these remote mount issues. For this type of conversion above average mechanical skills are a MUST.

1985 300TD WAGON: The 1985 300TD with trap oxidizer has the hydraulic rear suspension oil tank mounted on the left side where our BMFM is normally mounted. My recommendation is to move this hydraulic tank forward to where the window washer reservoir tank it and then get a smaller after market washer tank and mount is somewhere remotely. This should give you enough room to mount the BMFM but you still may have to do some modification and drilling of the bracket assembly due to a tight fit.

1984 TO 1989 201 CHASSIS 190D. Space if very limited in the 201 190D so you will need to get really creative. General instructions will be included to help with fuel hose routing , etc but you will be on your own when it comes to where and how to mount the filter, heater, and valve. You may have to separate the components. Creativity and ingenuity are needed for the 190D.

1986 to 1991 126 Diesels, 1987 124 CHASSIS 300D AND 300TD and 1990 TO 1993 300D 2.5. These models have adequate space in the bay between the ABS unit and the window washer tank, but my brackets will still not bolt in without some lengthening and additional modification on your part. You may even have to pick up some extra aluminum. We can supply you will an extra aluminum mounting plate and brackets for a nominal fee if you want to have extra materials on hand when you modify the mounting. We can even supply you with a custom bracket to mount the WVO filter in the right side trunk well if you would rather go that route. Please enquire if interested.

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION. We have other guides and manuals available that can help you.

• If you would like to learn more about collecting and filtering waste cooking oil please read our guide Dine Out with Your Diesel
• If you would like to learn more about the pros and cons of single tank vs. dual tank conversions please read SVO Advanced Theory and Operations
• If you would like to learn more about finding the right Mercedes diesel to convert please read our Mercedes Diesel Buyer's Survival Guide
• For information to convert to a DTC (Dual Tank Conversioin) CLICK HERE

ADDITIONAL STC PERFORMANCE UPGRADES AND ADD ONS (Not included in this kit): Click on title to go directly to the component.

• Viton hose for fuel injector lines if you plan to run biodiesel
• Four fuse circuit boss panel if you plan on additional electrical components
• Coolant based copper coil filter heater
• Clear sediment bowl for FM100 filter
• Electric Boost Fuel pump for better performance and longer filter life