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1973 Mercedes 220D
Veg Oil Conversion
This vehicle was fitted with a FRYBRID prototype system
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While performing this conversion every effort has been made to retain the stock appearance of the original vehicle. To this end we utilized a vintage Mercedes rear window defogger switch to both switch to VO and operate the automatic "purge" feature. A factory "fasten seat belts" indicator has been modified to read "Purging" and serves as the purging indicator. The factory clock has been removed and replaced with a VDO fule level gauge to match the existing dash. |
above the radio on the left is the switching control knob, on the far
right is the "purging" indicator,
between the two is the cigarette lighter.In this image the switching knob
is not lit, nor is the purging indicator,
this is the "Diesel mode".
| To install the final fuel heat exchanger and solenoid valves in such a way as not to interfere with access to the engine or under hood components which require regular maintenance the battery has been moved to the trunk, where the heated VO filter system and VO tank are installed, and an aluminum tray installed to which all the components are mounted adjacent to the IP and fuel filter. The battery is mounted in a marine battery box, the fuel tank is aluminum and fitted with a vent, supply and return lines, a fuel level sender and a fill cap. The heated filter assembly is easily accessible for changing and the filters condition can easily be inspected visually. |
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The thermostat has been changed to a 87C thermostat to speed engine heating. The engine is started which switches the VO fuel filter heater on heating the VO in the filter to 120F. Once the engine is at temperature, the control switch is pulled, this lights the knob indicator and switches the fuel supply and return to VO. |
Here the switching control knob is lit and the vehicle is running on VO.
| A few seconds before the destination is reached the same knob is pushed in, turning off the indicator light and illuminating the "Purging" indicator which remains lit until the purge cycle has finished. If the ignition is turned off while operating on VO an alarm chime sounds until the engine is restarted and the purge feature activated. The automatic purging feature switches the supply to the diesel line but delays the return switch until the VO has been displaced from the pump and lines by the incoming diesel drastically reducing switch over times and insuring the vehicle is ready to start on diesel after being shut down. |
Here the "PURGING" indicator is lit and the
system is going through the auto-purge feature,
when finished (7 seconds on this vehicle) the light will go out and the
vehicle can be shut down with no warning chime.
| The vehicle appears to be completely stock with the exception of the "Hybrid" logo on the rear deck lid. Most of the trunk space is still available and the interior appears unmolested. Since the system is not fully automatic those not familiar with the system can use the vehicle in normal diesel mode as long as they understand which fuel gauge to read and not to operate the "Veg Oil" switch. Learning to use the system is extremely simple and intuitive. |
| In this image the heat exchanger, lines and valves can be seen from above, note that the lines connected to the lift pump, return and filter are longer than required, this is to absorb vibration from the motor which was found to stress the valves causing structural failures. |
| In this image the heat exchanger, lines and valves can be seen from the side showing the mounting tray in the position originally occupied by the battery. |