Vegetable Oil Conversions

Single tank Conversion

The single tank conversion is intended for use with the Mercedes Benz diesel models from 1977-1985. It works well with 100% vegetable oil only in moderate climate zones. Below 40 degrees Fahrenheit we are recommending that owners blend at least 20% diesel with the vegetable oil in order to lower the viscosity. In temperatures lower than freezing the user should use either a high blend of diesel or 100% diesel. A block heater is also recommended. This sort of conversion is ideal for people who use the car only in the summer or live in a California coastal area. Although many people will criticize the use of a single tank system, we have found that it works very well on as long as you mix the appropriate amounts of diesel in colder weather. We are also suggesting to customers who have a conversion using a steel tank, such as with the MB single tank conversion, to mix a small amount of diesel every few tanks to keep from building up any waxy coating in the fuel tank.

Dual Tank Conversion

The dual tank conversion is intended for use on almost any diesel engine. We are currently not recommending conversion on the 6.0 Ford or the 1998.5-2002 Dodge Cummins 24V.

  • For trucks with a frame, we have developed a “conversion in a box”. A steel frame is constructed on the bench with housing all of the vegetable oil conversion components other than the tank. The entire unit is bolted onto the truck’s frame. Under the hood of the truck one will only see 2 coolant hoses tapping into the trucks heater system. The vegetable oil tank is mounted in the bed. We normally use transparent plastic tanks ranging in size from 45 gallons to 100+ gallons.
  • For cars, small SUVs, and small trucks, we are mounting all of the conversion equipment other than the tank, under the hood. We build custom mounting brackets that hold all of the valves, heaters, and miscellaneous equipment. The vegetable oil tank is normally mounted in the trunk area. For most cars, we are using a transparent plastic 15 gallon tank.
Pricing

Prices include parts and labor.

Single tank system $750
Vegtherm upgrade $200

Dual tank conversion $2200-2500(depending on fuel tank size)
Fuel gauge upgrade $200

Turnaround and Lead Time

We normally need one week notice to schedule a dual tank conversion, and 2-3 days to schedule a single tank conversion, although depending on current work loads those numbers can change. Single tank conversions take 1 day to complete. Dual tank conversions take 2-4 days depending on complexity.