opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

Greetings all diesel experts... I humbly ask your opinion on this matter. I'm looking to acquire either a 1983 240D or a 1984 300SD currently on the local market. I intend to eventually run biodisel mix with SVO or SVO.
1983 240D $1700
147k miles, haven't driven it yet. Body and interiror in relatively good shape. Ill probably drive this one this weekend.
1984 300SD $1200
137k miles, seems to have maintained engine strength, no prob with transmission going up hill. Body needs some work with rust/dents. Sterring groans when turning hard.
I live in Hawaii, a plan to run a single tank. Any known problems or mechanical thigns I should look out for when I take a look at these cars?
I would greatly appreciate any opinion!
Thanks

RE: opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

While I am certainly not a lawyer, I feel the legality question has not been adequately answered by the lawmakers. Seems to be mostly based on the Gov't getting the taxes. Also, I am not a diesel mechanic in any way, but I have learned a ton about the day to day nuts and bolts on the 4 MBs I have had. AND, not having seen either car, I am only answering with a broad brush. Disclaimers done, I think you would be happier with the performance of the 300 (with our without the S). I have had two 240s and just (last night) bought a second 1980 300SD w/only 47k original, one owner miles. Amazing. Anyway. There is no comparison on the performance front. The 300 excells. Also, seems to me Hawaii can be a bit hilly, which will not help your cause w/the 240. One personal note on the 1981 and newer 300sd--they seem to be more difficult to maintain (read that as more effort to keepit all working)due to the additional luxury features they possess: climate control functions, electric seats, sunroof (?), etc. However, I loved my base 240 w/rollup windows and no sunroof, so what do I know.

As far as WVO/SVO: two tank is the best way to preserve your car's engine. Forgive me for saying this, but if you used a one tank conversion (and I have for many miles) and got 2 years and 30k miles out of the car...then you could replace it with another carusing the money you saved NOT buying a two tank conversion. Never mind the fuel savings. I have now out'ed myself. If you created your own two tank system, it would be a huge cost saving vs purchasing a commercial available system, obviously. Have fun, be safe, and do your due diligence for the laws governing the use of WVO. There are tons of sites out there that help you wade through the legalities...just do a Google search.

RE: opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

I've run WVO in all my vehicles for years (legal in Indiana). Go with the 300 turbo diesel. The boost you get from the turbo is well worth it.
Two tank systems are better for engine longevity and having two fuel systems has saved me on many occasions. ;)

RE: opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

I live in CA so temperature is not a problem. It does get cold in winter morning and I need to crank my car a few times to start. I am running on WVO with one tank conversion. I cannot see any problem with 1 tank if you live in warm climate. My car is a 83 300 Turbo Diesel. I bought it with305,000 miles and I use a glow plug type heater to heat the oil to temperature and then the coolant takes over after the engine is running. It seems to serve the purposes. I spent about 150 bucks on the kit. I have done over 2000 miles after the conversion and I do not see any problems. May be it is early day yet.

I am planning of adding an extra heat exchanger when I convert a higher end MBZ. Elsbett also got a 1 tank conversion kit, albeit it is more expensive then just a similar dual mode heater I use for now. I think filtering good wvo is the key. :)

Good luck.

RE: opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

Why is it illegal to use on public roads?

RE: opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

Sorry and to answer that original question. I would go with the SD also. More power on the hills and you might get a little more for your money. Though, do you work on your own car? or some?

RE: opinion needed: 1983 240d vs 1984 300sd for svo conversion
 

Ok, I am knew at this.

What is the difference between SVO and WVO?