Tribe.net. Local Connections Rita http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#5ecc45b2-6a12-45e3-9282-91fcc050105d 2009-08-29T23:10:45Z 2009-08-29T23:10:45Z

Bill wondering if you could help me... I have a 2005 Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter that I run on a 2 tank system from Golden Fuel Systems. I have been running without issue for over a year but recently been having an issue. My Racor FH1000 filter keeps blowing off the cap and seems to have pressure and the liquid flowing out of the top smells like diesel is mixing in with the veggie oil but I am not sure if that is normal. My filter gauge is not working either. I never did this before and was waiting for the filter gauge to tell me to change the filter but I didn't know it was broke...so the first time it blew the top, I changed the filter and it was very dirty... then it ran fine for about a month and when I was driving down the interstate I heard a huge Pssst and looked back and oil was pouring out of the top of the Racor again. I had to have it towed to my mechanic who doesn't really know the system...I live out in the sticks in Tennessee. He changed the filter and said some relays were loose but seemed to fix the problem. It has been almost 2900 miles since he fixed it and it blew yesterday...this time fluid was leaking out of the top of the Racor under the lid (not gushing like last time). I was just about to change my filter. Wondering what you thought or if you have any ideas. I am thankful I can use Dawn and water to wash out my Sprinter but I don't want this to keep happening. It is a mess and very frustrating. I thought maybe pressure was building up because my filter was dirty? Let me know your thoughts.

Rita 2009-08-29T23:10:45Z Michael http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#6a67b416-d0af-4239-a8c2-6fe3637eac32 2007-11-11T20:38:19Z 2007-11-11T20:38:19Z

I have never been able to tell the difference between B99 and Diesel in my Sprinter, just like I can not tell the difference between Veg Oil and Diesel. From my experience it is all the same in power and torque.

Michael 2007-11-11T20:38:19Z David http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#3c8e759b-26f2-4ca3-a4a0-4a50a1b1acc2 2007-11-06T07:57:30Z 2007-11-06T07:57:30Z

I am co-owner of Rising Phoenix Biofuels in Phoenix Oregon, we've had numerous people tell us this car does not run well on B99.9 which is what we sell (ASTM, tested, tank cleaned, never had diesel in it, etc.). it loses up to 25% of its mileage and torque. Through the grapevine (Sequential and various user groups), we've heard the standard fuel filter is too porous. We recommend changing for a 5 micron filter, but then this puts extra pressure on the fuel pump which will go out eventually. I would say either accept a loss of mileage and power, change the filter and be ready to have fuel pump fail, or go with a lower blend like B20. Hope this helps, we're all learning as we go. www.oregonb99.com

David 2007-11-06T07:57:30Z sayr http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#43b641a0-d11e-4a22-a757-650c076ef188 2007-10-11T17:51:24Z 2007-10-11T17:51:24Z

>> How does it compare to the V5 engine in earlier models? There's no such thing as a V5 (or any other V w/ odd #'s of cylinders). All 5-cylinder engines are in-line (straight) 5's. Many 6 cylinder engines aren't V6's either, but inline 6.

sayr 2007-10-11T17:51:24Z Gil http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#5fe6637f-e80e-41ec-ad89-4db99cfe0db7 2007-08-26T05:29:54Z 2007-08-26T05:29:54Z

I'm just purchasing a new 2007 Dodge Sprinter and want to run it on biodiesel. Has anyone had experience with the new V6 engine? How does it compare to the V5 engine in earlier models?

Gil 2007-08-26T05:29:54Z gumbyfücker http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#585bf75a-2904-4da4-b733-63e20998d5bf 2006-07-23T04:43:59Z 2006-07-23T04:43:59Z

speaking of, why does europe have the same sprinter in a hybrid diesel electric version, but not here in the states?!? that would be the best of both worlds - 100% carbon neutral biodiesel & higher mileage from the hybrid electric version. DAMNIT!

gumbyfücker 2006-07-23T04:43:59Z Bill http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#7a466dad-fa5f-48bb-82f2-03f232d1877f 2006-07-11T00:59:21Z 2006-07-11T00:59:21Z

I have a 2005 Freightliner sprinter running SVO for 9k miles. It had 30k on it when I completed the conversion and, though I have noticed the loss of horse power, it runs smoother and quieter on WVO. I have a two tank system and bought a few expensive pumps before realizing the the cheap ($90) one works the best. The fuel pressure runs over 60 psi and that was the hardest part of the job. I got into a heavy concentration of chicken fat from KFC and that gels at 85 degrees, so that was hard on the pumps and clogged the filters until I put a solar heater on my 3 barrel filter system. If I keep it warm, it's all good! I towed a Ford Ranger 250 miles at 75 Mph, so the loss of horse power is not really a problem. I chose the SVO system instead of making BioD partially because of the time it takes to make BioD, and partially because I read some Sprinter Owner's Manuals read "Use of Biodiesel voids warranty". (Mine does not) Good Luck!

Bill 2006-07-11T00:59:21Z Michael http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#73684981-85ac-46fc-b9aa-5cd61651664e 2006-07-03T05:33:34Z 2006-07-03T05:33:34Z

I have been told by the good folks at Sequential Biodiesel that Sprinters do have problems with biodiesel. They have cut open numerous clogged filters and have found not dirt but a swollen element from water. Diesel has 300 ppm of water and bio has 500 ppm, at least that is the water content of Sequentials fuel. This they say is the industry standard (I wonder what the EU standard is?) My solution to this is a Racor Filter to remove the water from the biodiesel. I just made this purchase so I can keep up my biodiesel commitment with the Sprinter. As of it is is unproven, but on paper it should work. Why it can only take a couple of tanks of B99 to expand the element in a Sprinter filter, when Diesel has its share of water as well I just do not get. This is what I have been told and it may have to do with why the warranty is only for 2% bio here in the USA. In Europe I believe they are warranted for B99.

Michael 2006-07-03T05:33:34Z R01 http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#d8f7c69f-1f02-4fe8-9c52-cb80cbc9b99d 2006-06-23T04:53:55Z 2006-06-23T04:53:55Z

That will be very dependent on the grade of your supply. at 16K your issue is more likely to be the fuel that you pun in than deposits from the dinoD.

R01 2006-06-23T04:53:55Z MARK http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#fe1ce36d-0c30-410f-8d34-b2d363b8d11a 2006-06-22T21:15:53Z 2006-06-22T21:15:53Z

I have a Winnebago View built on a Sprinter chassis. I tried biodiesel for the first time a few weeks ago. Tried a mix around B30 and had no problems. Next tank was about B90 and in the first mile filter got clogged. Switched fuel filters and drove home with no problems yet. How ofter can these filters clog? I have 16K on my RV.

MARK 2006-06-22T21:15:53Z doctor http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#e50f1a37-880e-4692-9ff8-3a69807c677a 2006-06-15T23:23:34Z 2006-06-15T23:23:34Z

This is a big deal in the industry right. Quality Assurance. ASTM is one thing, but retailers that get on board the BQ9000 bandwagon are preferred. I'm going to give this retailer a thumbs down for selling contaminated fuel, its not like they arent aware. For less informed people this could be trajic, imagine the negative press that a single loud mouth could generate on your local Fox affiliate?

doctor 2006-06-15T23:23:34Z Michael http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#4f8a6c72-fc87-4f4f-8bca-253373c1e93d 2006-06-15T15:39:02Z 2006-06-15T15:39:02Z

They are definately selling dirty fuel. I would be better off bringing it home to filter before putting it my my tank. The bio is ASTM tested. I suspect their tanks are dirty.

Michael 2006-06-15T15:39:02Z doctor http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#08c53132-ecee-446d-b49b-d673ef687917 2006-06-13T15:28:43Z 2006-06-13T15:28:43Z

And thus B99. I'd be willing to be they are selling it as a "fuel additive" and not ASTM or BQ Approved Bio-D. You should probably get some fuel tanks to pump the fuel in and then setup a cascade of sock filters before you put this stuff in your tank. On such a new vehicle I'm surprised that you would have significant sediment buildups after only 7k miles. I think you have a fuel quality issue. Even if the fuel is clean, if the station is selling it out of tanks that held diesel before, you could be pumping their sediment into your vehicle. I would re-evaluate pre-filtering the fuel before you put into your onboard fuel tank.

doctor 2006-06-13T15:28:43Z Michael http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#58fe6988-a72f-420e-8849-897fb948550a 2006-06-13T00:01:32Z 2006-06-13T00:01:32Z

I just plugged my second $32.71 Fuel Filter at around 20K. As diesel and local B99 have become so close in price I went to B99 again. I have not been running it since my last plugged fuel filter at 12K. It took two tanks of B99 at a local fuel station to plug my filter. Of course there were 7-8K of other mixes preceding it, but it does seem timely. The station I got this at only has a 40 micron inline filter on their filter hose. They told me they had to do away with the 1 micron since it always plugged. Says a lot eh? I agree that unless you can get it direct from a source that filters to 1 micron, or a clean responsible filling station that does have a 1 micron inline filter, you are going to hate it. When the engine check light comes on in the Sprinter, you best be having tools and a spare filter since it will only go two to three miles before the engine simply stops. BEWARE, THE SPRINTER FUEL FILTER HAS CRIMP ON CLAMPS THAT ARE A PAIN TO REMOVE on the road. Best advice is to ask the dealer to replace them with regular stainless clamps and purchase a spare filter, you nees a star drive to remove the sensor from the top of the filter canister, and an allen to loosen the band clamp around the filter.

Michael 2006-06-13T00:01:32Z margaret http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#fd739764-f437-4f66-b0d5-effab801bac0 2006-05-30T06:36:16Z 2006-05-30T06:36:16Z

I would make sure the fuel is filtered to 1 micron margaret

margaret 2006-05-30T06:36:16Z kathi http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#60e3a119-61df-451f-ab7a-809fda30ea22 2006-05-29T16:41:18Z 2006-05-29T16:41:18Z

Thanks for all of the info. I am in the process of ordering one now. It will have to be a 2007 model though. Definitely plan on running the bio in it. I have thought about converting it to run on svo too. Guess I'll just have to wait for it to get here. The Sprinter is made by Mercedes Benz. White Freighliner used to sell them. My sales rep says that UPS and FedEx by thousands of these things.

kathi 2006-05-29T16:41:18Z R01 http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#a79c6f8c-0381-4556-bfc8-f80c67cd99c2 2006-05-27T06:26:48Z 2006-05-27T06:26:48Z

The magnetic catch on the back door is not sufficient to hold it open on the highway.

R01 2006-05-27T06:26:48Z Paul http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#c6b1b08a-f3df-4d29-bc34-3ec5f65e291f 2006-05-27T04:11:35Z 2006-05-27T04:11:35Z

I have a 2006 Sprinter, and have been running B-99 for a couple of months. Have you any bad experiences, or problems using this product (aside from the dirty fuel)? Paul

Paul 2006-05-27T04:11:35Z Michael http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#55265fd2-e6da-43ad-af57-c9699cb5ff19 2006-04-22T16:31:15Z 2006-04-22T16:31:15Z

The Sprinter is a great vehicle. With 18K on the motor I am geting 23 mpg (high roof model) and hope for better mileage as it gets broken in. It handles well and is not very affected by wind gusts for its size.

Michael 2006-04-22T16:31:15Z VIDA http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#63433548-6b59-4073-9eec-15887de6eae9 2006-01-02T23:06:26Z 2006-01-02T23:06:26Z

what are your thoughts on that van aide from the fuel issues? Does it run strong, handle well....

VIDA 2006-01-02T23:06:26Z Michael http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#2289db2a-074e-4741-857f-ac7651156da6 2006-01-02T17:05:04Z 2006-01-02T17:05:04Z

I have a sprinter van that I have run on various mixes of biodiesel since I purchased it 16K miles ago. When diesel was 3 bucks a gallon I ran B100, before that it was B20, now I run a mix that varies. For the couple of months of high fuel costs I ran nothing but B100. I did plug my fuel filter at 13K, but I attribute that to my transportation of fuel, as I live out in the sticks. Daimler Crysler only warranties 5% bio like Volkswagon here in the US. I was told by the dealer that I should lie and say there is only 5% in the tank if anything were to go wrong. As far as I know, a SVO conversion would void the warranty, though I am tempted to make the conversion, as I have a SVO Benz that works sweet.

Michael 2006-01-02T17:05:04Z VIDA http://biodiesel.tribe.net/thread/aaa0ddce-015c-4c74-833d-d41901fdf034#dbb62e60-43bc-488e-bd8b-dacde35a3f1f 2005-12-29T07:35:55Z 2005-12-29T07:35:55Z

dodge has a new van out with an impresive 25 mpg and a pretty huge cargo area. I was wondering if anyone know how the dodge sprinter soes with biodiesel and svo/ wvo?

VIDA 2005-12-29T07:35:55Z