Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Geo Metro convertible / Kubota diesel engine conversion (driving!)

kimer6 · 11-16-2008, 12:21 PM

Jason, I have not seen the RIOT. Got any links? As for the VW diesel, I would have certainly considered putting one in my Metro. Price is the only holdup. I have lots of fun vehicles and way too many projects so I use the hit and miss approach, work on one for a while, then jump to another.

As for the diesels, I got the 2 Kubotas for $400, one running, the other was in the middle of having the head removed. I learned a lot about diesels and their injection systems. Yes, the VW TDI design would have been ideal. It is designed to be on the road, not to run a generator or tractor.

The VW engine looks like it will fit but the trans is too long for a Metro. This listed 1.9 engine /trans is $2000. Adapting the engine to a Metro trans is not a problem for me but the overall length might not fit the frame.

I will contine to play with the 3 cylinder Kubota, but will have to resort to modify the governor internals to make it run properly. See Jack's link #57, he has the proper Kubota governor and turbo with inputs to the injection system that came stock on the engine. Of course a new Kubota turbo engine costs $4500.

My generator engine from a trailer mounted lighting system is completely unsuitable for road use as is. Anybody looking at this model Kubota should consider this before going through all the work I did. I WILL MAKE IT WORK...But then again I spent years diddling with governors and controls in the turbine business.

My goal in this diesel conversion was to have ONE economical vehicle that I can run on home brew biodiesel or veggie oil. I started when gas was $4.50 a gallon. It is now $2.15 but for how long? Hey, I'm thinking about making a diesel powered Margarita Mixer
with my other Kubota. That way I can still be happy as the world economy melts down..

11-16-2008, 12:21 PM	#63 (permalink)
kimer6 EcoModding Apprentice Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Carson City, Nv Posts: 113 Thanks: 5 Thanked 26 Times in 21 Posts	Jason, I have not seen the RIOT. Got any links? As for the VW diesel, I would have certainly considered putting one in my Metro. Price is the only holdup. I have lots of fun vehicles and way too many projects so I use the hit and miss approach, work on one for a while, then jump to another. As for the diesels, I got the 2 Kubotas for $400, one running, the other was in the middle of having the head removed. I learned a lot about diesels and their injection systems. Yes, the VW TDI design would have been ideal. It is designed to be on the road, not to run a generator or tractor. The VW engine looks like it will fit but the trans is too long for a Metro. This listed 1.9 engine /trans is $2000. Adapting the engine to a Metro trans is not a problem for me but the overall length might not fit the frame. I will contine to play with the 3 cylinder Kubota, but will have to resort to modify the governor internals to make it run properly. See Jack's link #57, he has the proper Kubota governor and turbo with inputs to the injection system that came stock on the engine. Of course a new Kubota turbo engine costs $4500. My generator engine from a trailer mounted lighting system is completely unsuitable for road use as is. Anybody looking at this model Kubota should consider this before going through all the work I did. I WILL MAKE IT WORK...But then again I spent years diddling with governors and controls in the turbine business. My goal in this diesel conversion was to have ONE economical vehicle that I can run on home brew biodiesel or veggie oil. I started when gas was $4.50 a gallon. It is now $2.15 but for how long? Hey, I'm thinking about making a diesel powered Margarita Mixer with my other Kubota. That way I can still be happy as the world economy melts down..