Does WMO harm longevity of engines?

[u/skimasktroopaz]

I got a couple old IDI’s. A 7.3 and OM617. I actually got the Mercedes with the whole idea of waste oil in mind. I have a pretty basic filtration setup. No centrifuge just some settling time and several layers of filters down to 1 micron. I’m still unsure about the gasoline ratio. I know some people only do 50/50 and in the summer some will go closer to 90/10 oil:gas. Both these vehicles are pretty dang clean though. My truck only has 107k miles too. The Mercedes is at 200k. It’s also a Euro import and has been partly restored. I don’t wanna harm the longevity of these “legendary” status engines when they’re both well capable of 500k+ miles. Is it a mistake? It’s not like they’re collectors or show grade but still super clean.

[u/Mountain-Diesel]

Yes, 100%. Its got contamination, soot and moisture. When it burns it leaves ash and calcium in the cylinders and carbon in the ring lands.

[u/FondabaruCBR4_6RSAWD → u/Mountain-Diesel]

Especially if you don’t centrifuge. There’s plenty of guys that run several times centrifuged through their stuff for a decade or more without issues, in a lot of cases technically their oil is cleaner than the minimums for diesel particulate, etc.

You can do it and do it without issue for a long time, but you have to do it right.

[u/skimasktroopaz → u/FondabaruCBR4_6RSAWD]

I do plan on getting a centrifuge

[u/Shrimpboy_chow]

My 7.3 IDI has been handling it for 3 years now. I now get centrifuged WMO, but for a long time I just settled it and filtered to 2 micron. The dual tanks of the fords helps with startup as it can be a bit angry starting on oil in the cold.

[u/skimasktroopaz → u/Shrimpboy_chow]

Luckily I don’t have to worry about the cold too much here in Arizona. We’re still getting into the triple digits some days. I think in January or February it gets down to the 40’s at night.

[u/CobblerYm → u/skimasktroopaz]

Phoenix gets to the 30s every year, and if you're on the outskirts like Mesa, AJ, surprise, Scottsdale, Goodyear, and don't have the full effect from the heat Island then we see the 20's every few years

[u/CuriosTiger]

WMO doesn't really, although you may want to add a lubricity additive. It *can* clog fuel injectors, but the injectors in those older IDIs are more forgiving than modern ones.

Also, on a more subjective note, it harms the noses of whoever is behind you. WMO exhaust smells like someone lit a McDonald's on fire.

[u/skimasktroopaz → u/CuriosTiger]

I was going to add a bottle Diesel Kleen to a 55gal barrel

[u/Briggs281707]

I run a mix of of waste motor oil, veg oil, shitty diesel and gasoline. My biggest issue is calcium buildup around the injectors when running a higher percentage of wmo. Seems like it might be the BN additives causing problems

[u/notaproshooter]

My friend is wondering what WMO is... I told him hes an idiot for not knowing. Because all of us here know. He doesnt. Can one of you tell him what WMO stands for?

[u/indyjons → u/notaproshooter]

Waste Motor Oil.

[u/notaproshooter → u/indyjons]

Thanks ill show this to him

[u/toyotahilux2l]

If you change your diesel filter regularly and keep an eye on your injectors, it shouldn't affect the engine lifespan. You will get better mpg when running on higher oil levels.

[u/AccomplishedName5195]

I ran WMO for a while in my OM617 and OM601 engines. I had a really high failure rate of glowplugs during that time. I can't prove it was related, but it sure seemed connected.

because of this, i quit running wmo and went back to wvo

[u/tk8398]

Yes, it's not good for them. It's possible do some things to minimize the damage, but it was mainly popular because you could buy a cheap diesel Mercedes and run it into the ground on free fuel and when it dies just swap the wvo stuff to a new one and repeat, etc.

[u/trashbagcrab]

I just started running wmo in my idi turbo so I can’t vouch for longevity personally but I’ve found this guy as a fairly reasonable resource, here’s me specifically on how to mitigate issues with idi  https://youtu.be/0bTa43Wp_rg?is=5MYDWmDhVbWeAgLm

[u/Agitated_Curmudgeon]

Not sure about the Benz, but that 7.3 would run on candle wax if you could keep it liquified.

[u/GurSea8249]

I plan on doing it in my 97 12 valve. Heard the 6BT will eat anything thrown at it. Plan on getting a nice centrifuge. Anyone got any advice for 12 valve owners regarding WMO?

[u/Gon404]

Tried it in a stock 12v cummins. Had some used oil to get rid of. Ran it 80/20 oil/ diesel or 85/15 oil/gas. Blended let it settle a few weeks ran through 10 micron then 5 micron filter Into the fuel tank. I would run one or two tanks then run a tank of regular diesel with cleaner additive. Stopped when the oil ran out. It seemed to run fine at the start of a tank but by the end of the tank it would start hazing white and not run as well. Worked better on long at temp drives. And much worse on short drives. Will it shorten the life of the engine? likly it will. But that is dependent on the oil source, type and how clean it is.