69 f100 Benz Biodiesel

[wndsofchng]

So, I've had a multitude of projects and a hefty dose of A.D.D. Here's the latest: Putting a Benz 5 cylinder turbo diesel into my 69 F100. The f100 had a 240 inline 6 gas engine, original to the truck that got between 8-14 mpg (assuming the odometer was accurate). I've put some smaller tires on, lowered it just a bit, and will be putting in a 1985 3.0 turbo diesel from a benz. It will be equipped to run biodiesel, straight WVO, or diesel when needed. I also plan to fab up some aerodynamic pans for under the truck. I've already removed all the aluminum trim and welded in the mount holes, and will probably add fender skirts as well. Here are the pics before I started anything:




I gotta decided whether or not to rebuild the benz trans or sink money into the adapter kit to put a 700r4 on it. This truck won't be for heavy towing obviously, but will function as a "homeowner" truck and hopefully deliver great mileage!
I'll keep ya posted!

[Cobb]

Thats one strange looking benz engine. I guess the design has changed over the last decade?

[wndsofchng]

Lol I've not put the Benz in yet.

[Gasoline Fumes]

I test drove a 1980 F150 with a MB OM617 turbodiesel and MB auto trans in it. Great swap! I'd use a manual trans.

[Dave's Civic Duty]

When do you think the truck will be operational w the 3.0 in it?

[wndsofchng]

I heard these engines (turbo diesel) are not Happy mated to the Benz manual transmission. As far as an expected date, not sure depends on weather.

[Gasoline Fumes]

I think the issue with coupling these engines to a manual trans is the turbo lag. Some of that lag can be tuned out by allowing more fuel before the turbo spools up. The downside is some smoke until the boost catches up.

[ToddT58]

Great project! And I can relate on the MADD... Mechanical Attention Deficit Disorder. I ran into a guy with a Mercedes emblem on the nose of his '53 Ford. On the back, he had the TURBODIESEL emblem just like on my 300SD. Sure enough, he had put the 3.0 5 cylinder in there. As I recall, he gets about 26 or 28mpg.

By the way, my '02 F-250 7.3PSD has 338,000 miles and most of them running various styles of veg oil: heated WVO, biodiesel and veg oil blends. The best mileage I ever saw was 367 miles to a gallon of diesel. That was running a two tank setup, starting and ending the day on diesel. Of course, that doesn't take into account the free veggie burned!

I did a test a few years ago. 1000 mile trip on diesel and 1000 mile trip on WVO. MPG: diesel 20.2, WVO 19.7.

[wndsofchng]

Nice. Only problem is getting the wvo. They used to give it away, now they sell it to some company. Here it's valley proteins.... :-(

[ToddT58]

I agree on the difficulty getting free cooking oil. I find the smaller places will still give it to me. Forget the big name fast food places.

By the way, not all get paid. I spoke with the manager of a big chain that said they still pay to get rid of their used oil. For big corporations I have a feeling it is more about liability. They want to know who is handling their waste.

One tip about grease from a guy who designs cleaners for a living: If you aren't going to drive the grease vehicle for a while, drain the fuel and replace it with diesel. The air reacts with WVO to create a polymerized film. Smells like paint and in a way actually is. Tough to remove once it forms. We call it "chicken skin" and it can cause all sorts of problems clogging fuel lines after the vehicle has sat a few months. Trust me...