Mercedes Conversion
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[edit] Mercedes Conversion
One of the simplest and best cars to convert is a classic late 70s/early 80s Mercedes Diesel. Costing over $40,000 new back in the 80s, these cars were "overbuilt" having numerious backup systems for when the main parts fail. They are also tolerant of the rigors of running vegetable oil due to their robust lift and injection pumps and well built engines. People have successfully run SVO in these cars with no modifications. More common and dependable are dual tank systems that come in a variety of configurations. Many of these cars suffer from abuse and neglect, yet keep on running. To fully restore such a relic would cost a fortune, but catching up on basic maintenance is not so challenging. Many of the maintenance items are easy enough for the novice, especially witht he helpful books and videos out ther.
Pre-conversion maintenance items:
- New Thermostat
- New air filter
- Fuel filter
- Valve Adjustment
-Also, it would be wise to check the compression to gauge engine health before forging ahead with a conversion. An unhealthy engine is not going to like WVO.
[edit] Conversion Schematic
[edit] Conversion Parts
[edit] *Fuel*
| Item | Part Number | Description | Source | Qty | Cost Each | Ex Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | * | Heated Filter with Water Block | * | 1 | * | * |
| 2 | * | Flat Plate Heat Exchanger | * | 1 | * | * |
| 3 | * | 3-Port Valves | WVO Designs | 2 | $47 | $94 |
| 4 | * | Fuel Tank | * | 1 | * | * |
| 4.5 | * | Raw Power Hot Stick | WVO Designs | 1 | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| 5 | 30R7(R9 for BioDisel) | 5/16" Fuel line | Local Parts Store | 20 | $1.20 | $24 |
| 6 | n/a | Injection Hose Clamps | Local Parts Store | 12 | * | * |
| 7 | n/a | 3/4"MPT to 3/8"FPT Bushing | * | 2 | 5.11 | 10.22 |
| 8 | * | 3/8"MPT to 5/16 Hose Barb | Local Parts Store | 4 | 2.60 | 10.40 |
| 9 | * | 1/2"MPT to 5/16" Hose Barb | Local Parts Store | 6 | * | * |
| 10 | AC-Banjo Bolt | Solid Banjo Bolt for Fuel Return | Greasecar | 1 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| 11 | n/a | Mounting Bracket for Valves, FPHE | * | 3 | $ | $ |
| 12 | * | Self Tapping Screws | * | 6 | $ | $ |
| * | * | * | * | * | * | $Total |
[edit] *Coolant/Heating*
| Item | Part Number | Description | Source | Qty | Cost Each | Ex Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | * | 5/8" Heater Hose | Auto Parts Store(Carquest) | 50 | $1.00 | $50 |
| 2 | n/a | 3/4-3/4-5/8 Coolant T's | Greasecar | 2 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| 3 | * | Hose Hangers/Brackets | MSC Direct, Greasecar, Hardware Store | 3 | $ | $ |
| 4 | * | Hose Wrap/Protectant | * | * | * | * |
| 5 | * | Hose Clamps | * | 12 | * | $ |
| 6 | * | 3/4"MPT to 5/8" Hose Barb for FPHE | * | 2 | $4 | $8 |
| 7 | * | 1/2"MPT to 5/8" Hose Barb for Hot Stick/Filter | * | 4 | $4 | $16 |
| 8 | * | Rubber Grommet for Lines through Trunk | MSC Direct | 1 | $ | $ |
| 9 | * | Fat 1 1/2ft zip ties | Hardware STore | 10 | * | $ |
| 10 | * | Self Tapping Screws | * | 5 | $ | $ |
| * | * | * | * | * | * | $Total |
[edit] Electrical
| Item | Part Number | Description | Source | Qty | Cost Each | Ex Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | * | 3 Position Rocker Switch | 1 | $ | $ | |
| 2 | n/a | Fuel Level Gauge(Must have same Ohms as sender) | 1 | $ | $ | |
| 3 | * | Switch and Gauge Plate | Greasecar | 1 | $5 | $5 |
| 4 | * | 16 guage yellow wire Wiring | Auto Parts Store | 5ft | * | * |
| 5 | * | 16 Gauge Blue Wire | Auto Parts Store | 5 ft | * | $ |
| 6 | * | 18 Gauge Green Wire | Auto Parts Store | 20 ft. | * | $ |
| 7 | * | 14 Gauge Black Wire | Auto Parts Store | 5 ft. | * | $ |
| 8 | * | 16 Gauge Terminal Rings | Auto Parts Store | 5 | * | $ |
| 9 | * | 14-16 Gauge Butt Splices | Auto Parts Store | 20 | * | $ |
| 10 | * | Spade Connector for tapping fuse power | Auto Parts Store | 1 | * | $ |
| 11 | * | Various other splicing/connectors for gauge & Switch | Auto Parts Store | * | * | $ |
| 12 | * | Bag of 1ft. zip ties | Hardware store | 1 | * | $ |
| * | * | * | * | * | * | $Total |
[edit] Tools Needed
- Wire Cutters and Crimpers
- Screwdrivers
- Cordless Drill
- Hole Saw bit
- Patience
[edit] Conversion Pics
[edit] Additional Resources
Mercedes Forum http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/index.php
DIY Articles, parts http://www.dieselgiant.com
Parts http://www.mercedessource.com
