Topic: Mercedes Engines (Read 1889 times) previous topic - next topic

I am reading more and more about the issues of Mercedes Blue Tec engines and biodiesel fuel.

I noticed the Wonder uses the Ford Diesel, which is APPROVED for biodiesel.

Will LTV put the Ford engine in future versions of the Unity floorpan?

They would have to convert to the Ford chassis as well .. the Unity's are currently designed on the MB sprinter chassis and you are not going to find a Ford Diesel in a MB.

I've also read a lot about the issues with biodiesel , fortunately I've not had any problems finding the green tagged diesel in our trips.  Yes occasionally I've had to use some >5% BD  and I don't like it from a MPG standpoint, I generally loose 2-3 MPG when I have to use it. 

One tip is to stay away from the big truck rest stops, Loves, TA, Flying J's etc as they all seem to have only higher percentage BD blends.  So you pay the same and get lower performance?  With our small coaches we can easily get into normal stations and most of them tend to have "normal" Diesel fuel.  Also don't skimp on the oil changes, don't try to stretch them out, don't use anything other than the recommended oils bends. 

I'm sure everyones experience will be different, but I've not had any problems with the MB engine.  I only use the MB branded DEF and Oils, yes a little more expensive than what you can get at wallys but not enough to fret about for me.

Also a lot of the negative things I've read  about were on fleet vehicles with many short runs and start/stop cycles as the daily routine.  That appears to be one of the things that can cause the MB clean emissions system to "clog up" ....  my non technical description