Search found 10 matches

by cdodgyd
Thu Dec 04, 2014 1:44 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

A few veggie users here I see! Today was frosty - still started straight away on 100% soya oil! Damn Bookers just put up 20L oil to 15 quid though. Perhaps I should have mentioned my Sprite has an Atlantis type conversion ie. its running a Ford Crossflow with twin 40's! Just worked it out - back in ...
by cdodgyd
Tue Dec 02, 2014 6:17 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Well, even at 1.20 for diesel that remains a full 50p/L more than (soya) oil from Bookers. I don't use turps, that's pricey stuff. Best to use petrol as antifreeze IMO (as indeed Mercedes recommended in the old days) but I only add it when its well below freezing and even then no more than 5%. Aroun...
by cdodgyd
Mon Dec 01, 2014 11:50 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Epic stuff. Makes my restoration/conversion look like a walk in the park! It'll be worth it in the end though - fuel prices have dropped here but diesel is still £1.24-ish. You can buy fresh oil in 20L containers from cash & carry joints for 14 quid or 70p/L now, so the savings remain massive. I con...
by cdodgyd
Tue Aug 19, 2014 8:43 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Good question - I used simple U clamps. The back and mid-joints are totally leak free and I haven't touched them since fitting. However the front one did leak, not hugely but enough to annoy me! Therefore I welded it with a MIG using mild steel wire. The weld has gone slightly rusty but the stainles...
by cdodgyd
Mon Aug 18, 2014 2:16 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Superb stuff - blue sky engineering there! For future reference, I remember one of the trickiest bits for me was the exhaust because it had to twist and turn around the new engine mounts, starter motor, cross members, steering linkage etc. Flexible exhaust tubing is your friend but you MUST buy the ...
by cdodgyd
Sun Aug 17, 2014 7:49 am
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

2 1/2 months since the last (actual Merc) update - any progress?

Waiting with baited breath here!

My diesel W108 just gets cheaper to run - Tescos oil down to 80p/L now, even less with all the vouchers they hand out!
by cdodgyd
Sun Apr 27, 2014 3:55 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Another hats off to you sorting out all that wiring - just looking at it is enough to give me nightmares! I too look forward to the finished result. If the engine has been tuned you'll be looking at close to the 200bhp of the original 3.5L with half the fuel consumption. I've always wondered how the...
by cdodgyd
Thu Mar 27, 2014 9:57 am
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

I'd never drive for 7 hours on a motorway in any car! I don't like travelling on them unless I have to. However, I have no doubt the old girl would do it. The 617 engine is virtually indestructible. I have done about 250 miles in a day a few times, going on holiday in the UK but only part of it on m...
by cdodgyd
Wed Mar 26, 2014 5:57 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Thanks guys, Clutch pedal pics as requested. The car was auto but has had the manual stuff added from a W123 Merc. You can see the master cylinder poking out above the carpet as well as close-up. Thought I'd add a dash pic. One of my favourite mods was to add a diesel rev counter where the clock use...
by cdodgyd
Tue Mar 25, 2014 4:36 pm
Forum: Members Cars & Projects
Topic: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project
Replies: 123
Views: 36980

Re: W108 Mercedes 280SE diesel conversion project

Hi, I've only just discovered this thread but I can offer an insight into a similar car. I've been driving a diesel W108 for 6 years as a daily driver. Pics attached. I restored it myself. It didn't need the work you've been putting into yours but it did need 3 new doors and a respray, plus the engi...