Howdy all,

I've seen some posts in the past about some of y'all running bio-diesel (and other crazy things) through these c223 engines. I've also heard all the horror stories about bio-diesel gunking up fuel filters and eating rubber hoses. I know that the fuel lines on my 1979 jeep will probably need to be replaced (for one thing, it was gas-powered to begin with) before I run bio diesel through, but what about the rubber on the gaskets/etc in the fuel pump/engine? Have any of you had any trouble with bio-diesel attacking those rubber components? I'm hoping for some personal experience stories here--i.e. "I've been runing b100 for 2 years, and my c223 is still leak-free."

I've always intended to run bio in this engine, but haven't gotten around to replacing the fuel lines yet. A new bio-diesel station opened up only 20 mins from my house, and it's actually cheaper ($2.99/gal) than normal diesel ($3.24/gal). Time to get cracking on bio-proofing my engine I guess.

Thanks all,

Hi Lamly
I am not running biodiesel in an Isuzu yet but I plan on it. I am running biodiesel in a 1981 Peugeot 505s Turbo Diesel. Yes, biodiesel cleans out the diesel sediment from the tank and it winds-up in the filter. It is no big thing. The recomendation at http://biodiesel.infopop.cc where I found this forum linked, is simply have a few new filters ready to go when you start running biodiesel. Rubber does not last long with any oil and biodiesel is oil. I figure that my hoses will need to be replaced when I see them get spongy and soft, maybe six months to a year from now. Newer engines use Vitron for fuel lines and seals. I don't know about the fuel injector pump, I have an old car and I plan to run it until something goes wrong, then look and see if there is rubber in there.
That said, tell me about the Isuzu diesel in the Jeep. This is why I am here. I want to find a diesel engine for my wife 's 1989 Isuzu Pup. I want to see about converting it from gas to diesel. I have done a similar swap ten years ago with a Mercedes 240d to Chevy 4.3 V6, but now that I am making my own biodiesel and the Pup threw a rod I hope I can do it again.
Brian Rodgers

Hola OutfitBoss,

Thanks for the personal experience story. Good to hear.

As far as swapping a gasser engine in a Pup to a diesel---hoo boy. That topic comes up a lot here on the forum. Do a search for 'diesel' and 'swap' (maybe toss in 'gas' too) and you'll see lots of discussion on it. In a pup, the biggest things (if I'm remembering the posts correctly) that hinder a gas to diesel swap are 1)The tranny doesn't work--diesel starters are on the other side, so the bell housing doesn't work, and you can't swap bellhousings from gas to diesel tranny (feel free to chime in here with corrections other members <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) And 2) depending on the year of the pup and the year of the engine, the mounts don't always line up. After that, it's the usual, fuel return lines, electrical, etc etc.

The jeep is a bit different since I took the diesel tranny with me, made custom drivelines and custom motor/tranny mounts. But there are other members here doing isuzu-to-isuzu swaps that have posted more relevant info.

Glad to see you here,

All right! Thanks for the info. On the 240D to gasser conversion I used the tranny that came with the engine too. Made a driveshaft with Benz on the back and Chevy on the front. One thing about doing this is the shaft was never really smooth running. I welded it myself and had a driveshaft shop balance it. This project may be too complicated for this old guy to do. Ten years ago I would have done it without even asking. So it is really nice that you all are here to let people know what some of the hassles are before we start cutting.
I won't give up yet, but I may decide to rebuild the gas engine instead of converting it for diesel.
Thanks again
Brian Rodgers

You guys might also pick the brains of some of the Mitsu diesel guys on this website; got a few active biodiesel rigs here, and some good notes on their part; I've been following for a bit. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Hello lamby. The effects of using bio diesel vary with the percentage that you use...........the very first problem presented is that bio cleans the build up from diesel fuel out of the tank and fuel system......so either pull the tank a clean it out or plan on replacing several fuel filters..........If you used the gasoline fuel tank, I doubt that you will have much of a problem with this, but this is what I would do..........install a new main fuel filter and install a clear inline filter such as a Fram G2 or G3 before the main filter........keep a couple in the truck for the first 1000 miles..........I would not wait until the clear filter is plugged before changing...........for the first few hundred miles keep the tank full as possible and change the filter every 100 miles (the first filter may not last 100 miles)......replace all clamps with screw clamps (new hoses are a good thing to)


Every where on the net you will read that there is not any changes to the engine required to run bio.........this is not exactly correct..............

I Highly recommend to clean and set the pop off pressure on the injectors before hand............as well as set the timing.......

The viscosity of bio (depending on percentage and Your ambient temperatures) is heavier.......so, I recommend a electric fuel pump installed at the tank (3-5 PSI).........this eliminates several problems associated with bio........

You need to make sure your glow plug system is working as it should.............

Load test your battery and do a starter draw test..............

Make sure the top radiator hose reaches a temp of 195?F...

The above things will eliminate 99% of the horror stories.........

enjoy the ride,
crossbones <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Wow--thanks crossbones. That's great info to have.

I did use the gas gas tank, so with any luck, less sludge to clog my filter. But putting in a clear filter is a great idea. Putting in an electric fuel pump is something I was thinking about doing anyways.

I had the injectors rebuilt a couple of months ago, so I know those are good to go. Haven't re-timed the pump--sure would like to find somebody in WAwho has done this before(hint hint <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ).

Glow seems to be doing it's thing perfectly. Even on the cold mornings, I'm good to go. Haven't done a battery test, but can.

Radiator hose--well, I replaced the stock thermometer with a mechanical, and driving down the road, it runs about 150-180. Only goes above that when I'm climbing a hill at speeds above 35 mph.

I think I'll start with a mix--probably around b20, and watch my clear filter I'm about to install, and go from there.

Thanks again!

Hello lamby. Get the temperature of the top hose up to 195?F........this is critical..............

Would you be intersted in a little experment to set your timing more acurate than the factory way for performance and fuel mileage?

regards,
crossbones

I'm always open for a little experimenting. Heck, the whole project is a bit of an experiment. Of course, there are experiments, and then there are *experiments*. Has this particular experiment been done before? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I haven't messed with my timing yet for two reasons--things are working well right now, and the manual describes needing some special tools to do the job. But if you have some tips and instructions, and hopefully some real-world experience with the mods your suggesting, I'm willing to tinker.

Hello lamby. I have real world experience with a flow bench, cam shaft regrinder, engine dyno testing and with many alternative fuels for internal combustion engines including hydrogen.............after starting the testing with this method of setting the timing on a IDI diesel I did a lot of research and found several patents and the basic idea mentioned in a few old books........in general conversation with Jerry Lemond about some of my testing, he confirmed that the Isuzu Engineers used this method on troublesome engines...........

If you are still leery, no problem..............I will not ask you to make any changes what so ever until you see for your self how the method works and feel good about the method before any change is done.................

regards,
crossbones