Catalytic Converter on a MK2

[sam l]

I reckon (read have been told) that a 2 tank system should allow even the "useless lucas" to run on veg oil, with a heat exchanger to heat the veg oil. I believe that most of the damage is done with cold veg oil on startup, so starting on dino diesel avoids that problem.

If someone can tell me for sure that running hot 80/20 veg oil / diesel through my lucas will chuff it then you are looking at the posting of a worried person!

It is not an original pump but a recon fitted about 3 years ago. Would that have better seals anyway?

Oh dear, it was replaced cos the last one was knackered by naff biodiesel from Envirodiesel in Doncaster . . . . please not again it cost a packet . .. .

[FredTransit]

I reckon (read have been told) that a 2 tank system should allow even the "useless lucas" to run on veg oil, with a heat exchanger to heat the veg oil. I believe that most of the damage is done with cold veg oil on startup, so starting on dino diesel avoids that problem.

If someone can tell me for sure that running hot 80/20 veg oil / diesel through my lucas will chuff it then you are looking at the posting of a worried person!

It is not an original pump but a recon fitted about 3 years ago. Would that have better seals anyway?

Oh dear, it was replaced cos the last one was knackered by naff biodiesel from Envirodiesel in Doncaster . . . . please not again it cost a packet . .. .

Which lucas is this? CAV or Epic? I don't think either do well on veg, and it rots the seals so I doubt running a mix will help.

[MRspivvy]

Ok, I've done some research on this. (source-Practical classics)
3-way catalysts as used in all new cars require an engine management system and fuel injection to function, so thats going to be a no-no as a retro fit.

2-way catalysts are actually what modern diesel cars use now, so looking at it I think you probably could fit one, its not chokka with electronic sensors like the 3-way.

[sam l]

it's a CAV. Do Bosch pumps not have rottable seals? How long before my lucas seals go foom and what happens if they do - can they be replaced?

[FredTransit]

I believe they can be replaced for stuff that will stand the veg.

[sam l]

that's good news, what symptoms when they're on the way out? Could I do it myself - I've never taken a fuel pump to bits . . . .

[FredTransit]

I don't know for sure, but would imagine that the pump would either leak, or take in air, or both....

[sam l]

thanks, i will keep you posted . . . .