I like to use plastic inline filters to monitor the flow and quality of the fuel (yes you can even check for air in the system). The filters that have proven best for this application are Mercedes diesel pre-filters with brass insert ends for greater strength at the nipples. These filters do the job but are only available for 5/16 or 8 mm fuel hose. I have solved that problem by adding an alcohol resistant and very tight hose spacer on the end of each nipple. This in effect will allow you to use 3/8 inch fuel hose without deforming the hose or allowing leakage. These filters have the 90 degree nipple to allow you to fit it into tighter places.
We have recently been getting more requests for product catatogs. We decided to deliver. Our first product catalog specific to SVO kits and products is finished and ready to ship. This will outline all our different conversion kits as well as list individual upgrades you can make to an existing conversion. It will also show you individual components you can purchase if you want to build your own system.
The other buyers guides we are currently working on are Diesel Engine Performance Products Guide and Top Mercedes Weekender Projects (key jobs you can do at home on a weekend). Stay tuned for more to come.
These 3 illustrated manuals will help you quick start the process of converting your Mercedes diesel to run on free fuel.
With diesel fuel approaching $5.00 per gallon you cant tell me you are not interested in this subject. I know you may have lots of questions. To begin you must decide if you really want to do this!
If you have been contemplating either converting your current Mercedes diesel to run on free vegetable oil or are considering purchasing a used diesel to convert, then I highly recommend you purchase my complete set of 4 manuals before you head out on your quest. (the 5th book pictured is our SVO product Buyers Guide and is included free of change) The information contained in these illustrated manuals and guides could save you hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars.
As I have said elsewhere on this site, fuel injectors may be the most neglected maintenance item on the older Mercedes diesel engines. Just because they are working does not mean they are working well. And now with the cost of diesel fuel creeping up to $5.00 per gallon this is even more important than ever! You can work on your injectors yourself. It is not difficult, but you are going to need the right tools. I have put together this quality but inexpensive tool set for those who want to tune-up or overhaul their injectors on their own. If you are running SVO in your diesel you MUST take care of your injectors or your diesel will not take care of you. This tool set includes the following:
As I have said eslewhere on this site, fuel injectors may be the most neglected maintenance item on the older Mercedes diesel engines. Just because they are working does not mean they are working well. And now with the cost of diesel fuel creeping up to $5.00 per gallon this is even more important than ever! You can work on your injectors yourself. It is not difficult, but you are going to need the right tools. I have put together this quality but inexpensive tool set for those who want to tune-up or overhaul their injectors on their own. If you are running SVO in your diesel you MUST take care of your injectors or your diesel will not take care of you. This tool set includes the following:
If you run or plan to run B20 to B100 biodiesel or SVO / SVO blend (straight vegetable oil) I highly recommend you do not count on just your factory filter to provide proper filtration. Our Stanadyne FM 100 filter has a much larger capacity and better water separation capability than the factory filter. This will give you better filter life and better performance over a longer period of time. This filter is much easier to change on the road and less messy that the factory filter. It fact it is the easiest filter to change of any of the competition aftermarket filters by far. No tools are required - only the twist of your wrist! It has proven to outperform any Racor Fitler on the market for less money and less hassle!
If you run or plan to run B20 to B100 biodiesel or SVO / SVO blend (straight vegetable oil) I highly recommend you do not count on just your factory filter to provide proper filtration. Our Stanadyne FM 100 filter has a much larger capacity and better water separation capability than the factory filter. This will give you better filter life and better performance over a longer period of time. This filter is much easier to change on the road and less messy that the factory filter. It fact it is the easiest filter to change of any of the competition aftermarket filters by far. No tools are required - only the twist of your wrist! It has proven to outperform any Racor Fitler on the market for less money and less hassle!
If you are installing a dual tank conversion in your Mercedes you are going to need a way to allow the hoses to enter the trunk somewhere. The best way to do this is to use a hole saw to cut one or two round holes in the spare tire will in bring in the coolant hoses and/or fuel hoses. The hoses can be protected from chaffing with tape and then sealed with Silicone to prevent water and dirt from entering your trunk. Yes, I know these hole saws are not meant for metal - and that is why you need this cheap set. No need to dull your expensive hole saws. Once or twice on metal and the saws are done. But then you wont be using all the sizes in this kit so you will end up with extras for future wood projects around the house.
Have you been trying to find the right hose kit to upgrade your current WVO conversion. I know you want something that can handle biodiesel when you run it and you want something that can hold up to your boost heater. You also want to get rid of your ridiculous barbed fitting and cheap hose clamps that keep cutting into your fuel hoses!
Now you can order this kit and solve all those nagging problems once and for all! This kit contains:
This is the super fuel hose we have been waiting for! Finally a hose that meats all the needs for running, gasoline, ethonol, diesel, biodiesel, and heated SVO in less than ideal environments. There is nothing else like it on the market today.
Now you can buy it in any length you want! Order here by the foot. This is the super fuel hose we have been waiting for! Finally a hose that meats all the needs for running, gasoline, ethonol, diesel, biodiesel, and heated SVO in less than ideal environments. There is nothing else like it on the market today.
Here is an inexpensive set of cleaning brushes that really get down in the crevices. The plastic one is good for exterior cleaning around the window and body trim. The brass is good for cleaning engine parts you don't want to scratech. The steel one is excellent if you are doing some rust repair.
Due to Kent's heavy product development and writting schedule he will no longer have the time to answer all the questions that have been pouring into our forum. Our goal has always been to be a resource to Mercedes owners who need help fixing their own cars. There is just not enough time to help everyone. We want to continue to try to help our current customers, so we are offering personalized tech help with your order of $75.00 or more. Some restrictions apply:
This guide will walk you through the process of finding the right restaurants for good waste cooking oil (WVO), approaching restaurant owners, protecting your sources, setting up a collection and settling station, and proper ways to filter and pump it into your tank. If you have ever thought about convertingto SVO, the first step is to secure your source(s). There has never been a better time to start. This short illustrated manual by Kent Bergsma will get you up and running quickly.
This is the super fuel hose we have been waiting for! Finally a hose that meats all the needs for running, gasoline, ethonol, diesel, biodiesel, and heated SVO in less than ideal environments. There is nothing else like it on the market today.
If you are going to work on your diesel fuel injectors you are going to need a torque wrench. If you are going to tighten your alloy wheel lug bolts properly you should use a torque wrench. In fact if you do your own work you should have a 1/2 inch clicker torque wrench in your tool box. I know why you don't have one. They tend to be expensive for the limited amount you might use one. Well, now you can get a quality one for a very good price. This is a special offer and we only have a limited number in stock.
It comes with a nice moulded plastic case and instructions. This wrench is 18 inches long for good hand torque and it is made in Taiwan. Much better quality than those made in China.
From all my years of working around engines the one thing that absolutely drives me crazy is barbed hose fittings. This even got worse in recents years as many SVO WVO kit makers would send our their components with barbed hose fittings! Just try to remove a rubber fuel hose from a barbed fitting after is has been clamped down, or not even clamped down. Try to remove it after a few months when the hose has been heated and it is even worse!. You end up having to cut the hose off and if you are not careful you can nick the barb and the new hose will leak.
In all my years of working around engines the one thing that absolutely drives me crazy is barbed hose fittings. This even got worse in recents years as many SVO WVO kit makers would send our their components with barbed hose fittings! Just try to remove a rubber fuel hose from a barbed fitting after is has been clamped down, or not even clamped down. Try to remove it after a few months when the hose has been heated and it is even worse!. You end up having to cut the hose off and if you are not careful you can nick the barb and the new hose will leak.