Thoughts on solving this dilema

[39Ronin]

It has been a long to time since I've been on here, some of you may know me some newer members may not but all input is welcome. I have moved on from my other vehicles and now have a Mercedes 300GD (G Wagen, G-Class) I live in Whistler BC Canada (cold and snowy) and a single tank system will not work, I have fabricated a small tank (limited space) to be my diesel purge tank and wish to use my main 90 litre tank as my veggie supply. Here is the deal, I'm not able to plug a Hotfox coolant heater in the fuel sender port without losing my sender to the gauge so not an option. I am not keen to drill a hole in my plastic tank either to install a Hotfox separately. My thought is to have a fuel pump circulate the veggie oil through a 3 way valve, coolant heat plate exchanger and back to the tank in very short loop. When the oil is warmed I will switch the 3 way over to send veggie to the engine compartment where it will function like most other veggie installs.

I plan to use this:
http://mercedessource.com/node/2133
and this:
http://www.wvodesigns.com/wvo-conversio ... /fphe.html
and of course a 3 way valve.

The question is, will the loop through a heat exchanger warm the veggie enough in Whsitler? Any thoughts?

[jessef]

I'm in the same boat and opted out with regards to a heated pickup and a return line because I don't want to have hot oil going back in the tank when it's cold outside.

I use a walbro hd fuel pump at the tank to push to cold wvo up front that goes into a 30-plate HE that goes into a vegmax2 heated filter and into the ip.
When running on wvo it's a looped system so the hot oil does not end up back in the tank.

If it's -10 or below I will blend wvo/diesel/unleaded gas in the main wvo tank and use straight diesel in the purge tank.

[39Ronin]

I'm in the same boat and opted out with regards to a heated pickup and a return line because I don't want to have hot oil going back in the tank when it's cold outside.

I use a walbro hd fuel pump at the tank to push to cold wvo up front that goes into a 30-plate HE that goes into a vegmax2 heated filter and into the ip.
When running on wvo it's a looped system so the hot oil does not end up back in the tank.

If it's -10 or below I will blend wvo/diesel/unleaded gas in the main wvo tank and use straight diesel in the purge tank.

Hey Jessie,

I knew you would be one of the first to respond, can you show me a link to the pump you used? I have found a couple of options but not sure what to use.

[thedjjack]

My only comment is DO NOT modify the plastic tank as it is illegal to modify or repair plastic tanks (will not pass a VI inspection)...


Learned this the hard way using a "Pick a Part" plastic tank that "Pick-A-Part" drain by putting a hole in and than plugging (they do this on all their tanks...

[39Ronin]

My only comment is DO NOT modify the plastic tank as it is illegal to modify or repair plastic tanks (will not pass a VI inspection)...


Learned this the hard way using a "Pick a Part" plastic tank that "Pick-A-Part" drain by putting a hole in and than plugging (they do this on all their tanks...

I assumed that might be the case. I couldn't afford to try anyway, the tank for the G wagen at a good guy price is $3000. Yikes

[delicat]

Hi Neil,

So you decided against selling her? Good for you! If you don't heat your tank I'd use the Walbro pump as close to your tank as possible then I'd use 1/2" fuel lines to help move the cold veggie.

I'm not sure how this would work but I've been thinking of putting a small heat exchanger between the tank and the in-line fuel pump so that as soon a the oil comes out of the tank it'd be warm and easier to flow... Of course you'd insulate your lines.

Your last option if you insist on heating your tank would be to have one custom made. You could even build it oversized and split it in two so that 3/4 is used for veggie and the other 1/4 for diesel. This is what I plan on doing in my Pajero as there's not much room elsewhere to mount a second tank.

For the in-line pump I think we used a 24v Walbro FRP 16 but I can confirm for you.

Good luck!
Mr. D

[jessef]

FRP 16 is correct Mr. Cat !

[after oil]

isnt the trunk big enough to put a dedicated veggie tank?

[jessef]

The purge tank doesn't have to be big. I'm sure you can squeeze a 20L tank under there somewhere. If not under, than a Septer on the tailgate or roof would suffice.

[after oil]

would a pad heater work?
http://www.padheaters.com/

[39Ronin]

Is a pad heater good of a plastic tank? how efficient are they for heating with just the surface heat transfer?

[after oil]

i dont have experience with them. but the tank only has to heat enough to flow, not combust. i think it might just do the trick