Hello everyone, I am new to these forums. I am really interested in purchasing an older mercedes diesel, and have heard great things about the 1987 300d with its w124. I have found one on craigslist, and the seller said that it runs well, except that when he starts the car, he starts it in drive then shifts it to 2nd in order for it to run better. He attributes it to a "quirk." What do you think about this? The car is $2k and has already been outfitted with a SVO/WVO conversion from lovecraft, so it seems like a great deal. Does anyone know what the problem is, or have any experience with a similar problem?

Thanks ahead of time

 

With more and more of the Mercedes diesel being converted to SVO/WVO, does using SVO/WVO harm the engine permanently or can switching back to diesel fuel undo the negative effects of SVO/WVO? Also what about the effects on the injector pump?

 

Many people have successfully burned Biodiesel in diesel engines (I have for three plus years). Many people have successfully used "two-tank" systems, however, I don't have the guts to do it. The problem with the Lovecraft setup is that it uses your stock fuel tank. The SVO/WVO never gets hot enough to lower the viscosity to an acceptable level to be burned properly in the engine. The engine probably has a damaged IP and injectors at the least. Running cold SVO/WVO can also break piston rings and damage the lower end bearings, (mains rods, etc) because the SVO/WVO contaminates the engine oil and reduces it's effectiveness. I agree with Forced, walk away. Unless you can talk them down on the price.

Just my 2 cents,
John