Thanks to all who have posted on this.
Having researched the subject so thoroughly I thought my head would explode, I was intending to go with the thorough Elsbett route and have a one-tank SVO conversion which consists of:
http://www.elsbett.com/gb/elsbett-conversion-technology/cars-and-vans.html
Now, conflicting with this, I hear from Dieselman (who seems to know his stuff!) that this kit won't be necessary. There's a German guy who uses only veg oil in his 200D documented here:
http://www.rerorust.de/ without modification. He's got videos of start-ups and pictures with the head off to show coking. Not being an expert, I thought his start-ups were laboured, and didn't know what to look for to see coking; (it all looked black and oily!) though he reports no problems.
Armed with this, here's my question: If I change over to 100% veg oil, with my 1992 w124 300D, OM 603.xxx 100K miles, should I have any problems? My engine is in good order, I'm prepared to change the fuel filters after the initial one or two tank-fulls, do I need to retard the timing? What I really want to know is if there is any risk in going ahead and filling-up without modification. Thanks in advance.
There only seem to be conflicting reports of people using SVO; some seem to get by without mods, others come a cropper. One minute, I'm sure I need a conversion kit, the next I hear I can live happily un-modified. I would really like confirmation, as this 300D is a keeper, I'd hate to ruin it through my own fault.
I'd like to echo another member's remark that the fact that I'll be satisfyingly CO2 neutral is my main concern, along with longer-lasting exhausts, (no sulphur) but the cost saving of going the svo route is very much a bonus, with diesel now at £1.09!
P.S. I have a video of me cold starting (okay, 17C!) on diesel here: I hope starting with SVO will be equally as brisk. enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R11QnxYrpRE