Dodge Sprinter

[compostbrain]

Anyone have a design for a '03 Sprinter? It has a mechanical pump after the diesel fuel filter and common rail injector system(I think). I am in the research phase on mine.

So far I have determined I probably don't need another pump. I will probably be using a three valve setup with a couple check valves to maintain prime and I would like to have an automated controller but probably don't have the technical skills to design my own and would rather not spend the money for one of the commercial kit maker's controller. I do have the mechanical ability to do my own install.

Does anyone have a link to a simple explanation of how the check valve conversions work? Would this be applicable to my vehicle or is only the powerstrokes?

[leongriffin]

I would imagine that the system would be similar to the dodge kits out there. Not because of Dodge but because the fords are different. See if you can find a fuel routing diagram or make your own. After that, it is just determining where you want to splice in your veggie fuel system and what components are shared; my view is to share a few a possible.
Really the devil is in the details, hose size, fittings, wiring, switching, controllers.

I like the sprinters and would work with you on the design if you can collect the information.

[compostbrain]

The manual for this vehicle can be found here: http://www.filefront.com/14781099/05...ce-manual.pdf/

From my reading of the manual the fuel system uses a "low pressure pump" to draw fuel through the fuel filter to the pump and than a high pressure pump sends it into the fuel rail that is a reservoir for the injectors. It seems that this process makes the fuel quite hot since it has a fuel sensor that reads to 250 degrees and the return line to the tank has several coils in it to cool the fuel. Interesting..

[sprinter]

I have a 2004 sprinter van and would also like to install a wvo fuel system. My biggest problem is my only experience is the installation of a frybrid kit on my 1984 300sd mercedes. I bought that kit and installed in on the mercedes to gain knowledge enough to convert the sprinter. Unfortunately frybrid does not have a sprinter kit and the price on failure is much greater for the sprinter than the mercedes. The frybrid kit has worked beautifully for 3 years and my raw centrifuge has allowed me easy clean fuel.
My previous automotive mechanical skills are limited to changing oil filters ,fuses and my battery every 3 years.
The frybrid forum has a guy named mack consult? that did a sprinter conversion but I can not figure out how he did it and he seems to have frequent problems which scares me away from his design anyway. I need a reliable system that will not leave me stranded in the middle of death valley.
I basically need a cookbook kit install or it will not be possible for me. Anyone have the cookbook for a non-mechanic ?

[leongriffin]

The fuel system looks pretty strait forward from the 05 manual. A mechanical lift pump and mechanical injection pump. I would do the most basic of two tank systems here; add a tank and probably pre-filter to a 3way valve before the lift pump then another 3way on the return line(s) to get the correct fuel back to the correct tank. Second consideration is heat in your fuel in respect to the environment you are running. Consider adding a heated pickup in the tank, and a heat wrap on the filter. Also run and possibly insulate coolant lines along your veggie lines.

Contrary to what the kit "manufacturers" have been saying this is not a "conversion" or crazy stuff. It is simply adding another fuel tank and a method to switch between them. Just sit down and plan out what you want, how you want it to work than start selecting the components. Your biggest challenge will be the finer details like fittings and the connection into your existing fuel system and the actual installation.

I guess what I am saying is that you can do it, just take your time and plan it out. The only other option is to take it to a shop that will do it for you.