Does Biodiesel hurt my car?

What do I need to change to run biodiesel in my Mercedes diesel?

Â Do I need to be concerned about any other damage?
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Chassis Model Number

W123

A couple things about Biodiesel

The only thing you really need to change are the fuel lines. Even the factory fuel lines will last for a while but the small injector return hoses usually are the first to fail. The combination of the chemicals in biodiesel along with the high heat seems to do the injector return lines in fast. The other hoses will start to get soft and swell after 6 months to a year and eventually will crack and leak over time. We carry Viton return hose that is custom made for Mercedes injectors. We also carry complete fuel replacement kits currently for the 123 and 126 chassis diesel cars.

Yes, do not let the biodiesel come in contact with any other parts. I have seen it leak and destroy motor mounts and front end suspension bushings. Over time it can also cause problems with the fuel tank sending unit, but that can be easily replaced and may only become a problem after a few years of constant biodiesel use.

BioDiesel usage

It is EXTREMELY important that you check your oil cooler lines and have them replaced periodically (Ken will know how often is recommended), especially if you are using biodiesel. My Piper aircraft had a service bulletin that required them to be changed after a certain number of hours on engine, or based on the date (aircraft oil cooler lines have a manufacture date stamped on them). I was recently in Tennessee, 500 miles from home, and my oil line sprung a leak on my 1984 300D. Evidently there was an 'old' cut in the hose from a loose power steering belt. I think that the use of biodiesel for the past year softened the hose and caused it to spring a leak. I was fortunate to see the leak and avoid catastrophic engine damage. 'An ounce of prevention....'. cory