Folks,

I'm in the process of going through the list of options for my new truck, a gas engined F-350 Lariat SuperCab with an honest to goodness 8 foot bed. According to a couple dealers I have talked to, such a truck has never been built by Ford, even though it's a mathematical possibility given the 2014 order guide.

So my question is this:

Option code 98F is the CNG/LPG Gaseous Engine Prep Package. According to the description it includes hardened intake valves and valve seats. For me I don't ever plan on converting the engine to propane but I wonder… Would the hardened valves and valve seats be an advantage for longevity in a standard unleaded gas engine?

My 460 powered '94 F-250 with 248K miles is still going strong after 19 years and I'm hoping the new truck will last as long.

Thanks,

Joe

 

The reason for the hardened valves/seats is because, in a CNG/LPG vehicle, no gasoline flows over the intake valves to cool and lubricate them. This means you often end up with valve recession/burnt valves if you don't use a valve designed with CNG/LPG applications in mind.

Whether or not it would help with the longevity of a gasoline-only engine, I couldn't say. They don't clarify exactly what they mean by 'hardened', be it a coating, a different alloy, etc. Often times there is some kind of tradeoff. You might get a more temperature resistant valve, but unfortunately you also get a valve with less wear and corrosion resistantance.

If it was me, I would probably go for it. Not necessarily for longevity reasons, but because, when it comes time to sell the truck, it could add to the resale value (as well as increase the potential pool of buyers). Who knows, maybe in ~15 years lpg/cng conversions will be the norm. You just don't know.

 

Almost 8 years later and I'm asking this same question/ SHould I just pony up the extra $300 for hardened stuff in the engine. I think I'm going to....

 

I just read through the last 3 years of ford options guides - the hardened valves are ONLY for the 6.2L engine - not for the 7.3L Godzilla.

 

The 7.3 probably already has valves that can withstand CNG/LPG.

 

That's good to hear - is there any link you can share showing this?

 

Landi-Renzo did get CARB approval for their CNG/RNG conversion in class 4-7 vehicles with the 7.3 engine. Cant find what all they do for the conversion though.
https://www.worktruckonline.com/1013...ampaign=041921

 

Ordered it on my truck. Gas was around $4.00 a gallon then. Never added the conversion as gas prices dropped. But if gas prices get too high I may reconsider. Nice to have the option. And all in all, the $300 was small change with respect to the cost of the truck.
I think the option also includes the needed ports where the propane/lng would be injected, not just hardened valves.

 

google led me here, questioning what other extras come? is there a box of connections/ hosees on top of the floor mats at delivery? anything loose/ capped under hood or frame?
I also don't plan on the conversion, but for my model i must get the 98G package for the particular engine (2.5 transit connect).

tia,
parker

 

I happened upon 6 months ago and bought a 2013 F 250 with the Roush propane system previously installed when it was new. It was a fleet truck for Amerigas the propane company with the 6.2 liter engine. I was told, don't know for sure, that the Roush system was an $8500 option at the time of the installation. The truck is a Super Duty, crew cab, long bed truck in the 2 wheel drive configuration. Right now propane is $2.29 a gallon as compared to $4 and up prices for gasoline. No complaints except that I can't get a smog test due too the code "Incomplete" when it comes to the ECM seeing the 02 sensors heat cycle. Going to post that issue up in the right section right now.

 

Hello,
Im considering buying a 2012 Ford Transit that has the ford cng/lpg gaseous engine prep package, looks like there is a tank inside already.

My question is if the package hasn't been converted, can the tank be removed without any problems? or would I have to do a full swap to gas.

It looks like the package was installed but not converted to CNG/LPG.

Thanks
JC

 

Normally it is set up to run both gas and natural gas via a switch that would go from gas operations to natural gas operations. If the natural gas is completely hooked up I would think the ports feeding the cylinder heads would need to be removed and plugged.

 

keep in mind that LPG runs about 30% less power than gasoline.. but it does run considerably cleaner.. better for your oil life and better for emissions.. That being said. I have looked into the LPG prep package and thats all it is.. a prep package.. it was the valves and maybe something else.. but it didn't include the tanks, fill port, wiring, hoses etc.. So.. if some other company already put the full package on, then you are g2g and that's great, use lpg for running around town or when you don't expect to need power, and then use gasoline when you want to actually work.