Hi guys, I have this sweet idea when I have a few more $ to have a 80 to 86 1/2 ton run on propane. Im thinking a 351 carbed because of the small power loss. Does anyone know about dual fuel trucks? Ones that run on gasoline and propane? These engines need higher compression correct?? Jasper has rebuilds I could buy that are converted to propane, but idk. Im thinking 351w, 4 speed low gear, 4wd. Would the propane cause it to be less of a work truck? Isn;t it about half the cost? Which is easier to convert/ have converted? efi to propane, or carb? Should I have a higher out put coil pack and other after market parts? Thanks just something I might want to do

 

Liquid propane gas conversion kits (LPG) and compressed natural gas conversion kits (CNG). Have a read here. Stock compression ratio, as far as I know, stays the same. Carb engine easier and cheaper to convert.
That`s about all I know.

 

From knowing quite a few rigs on propane, you lose less power with an efi system than carb. IIRC we used to figgure 30% less mileage and close to that on power on duel fueled with a carb setup. It was better numbers with a straight propane setup. The farmers around here used to be crazy about it, but it's popularity has faded to nothing. I don't know anybody still using it, but did have a guy come by last week for some info on using it. Natural gas is uselell unless you are in a larger metropolis and do not plan on going anywhere.

 

very helpful, but would it still be a decent work truck? Plow truck? Start in cold? I heard any propane is quite cold blooded. So, maybe the dual fuel would work best for the cold weather?

 

if you see a propane delivery truck in your neighborhood....guess what it runs on

 

start checking sites out and get educated....then, tell me because i am considering doing it as well.

 

been meaning to go to Ferrelgas site and get info....i used to deliver propane

 

the only headache i see, is availability....actually, its available...you just cant hop down to your local gasoline station at midnite and get 20$ worth

 

Crossroads Fuel has one or two old trucks that haul propane. They don't have a seperate fuel tank either... They run pretty good too. Jim who is the mechanic there says the engine is in top notch shape if it can run on propane, i guess because its a true gas instead of liquid like gas. Idk what engine it has though.

 

hate to say it...ours were 454 chevies....we had an old Ford backup truck, but I dk what engine

 

This article claims only a 10% economy loss and 10hp loss on their old army vehicle. Running a dual fuel setup. Only 1hp to be gained by advancing the timing when on propane. Here's the article. Dual-Fuel Propane System Install - 4Wheel & Off-Road Magazine

 

And here is a site that sells kits for "off road only" use for dual fuel setups both for 1-2v and 4v carbs. They do not sell kits for fuel injected vehicles. They're pretty inexpensive as well.

Propane Conversion Kits : Available Kits

 

I know you can run up to a 200 gal tank, 300 if you are commercial. I have a flat bed so am considering the 200 capacity. I will have just a 300 six, no modifications other than the propane conversion

 

Propane is not that popular because of the reduce fuel mileage you get. There are less btu's per gallon compared to gasoline, and way less compared to diesel fuel. But if you have a cheap supply of propane, then by all means do it. That's why the propane delivery trucks run on propane.

The only advantages are it does keep the engine and the engine oil cleaner. It runs a little hotter than gasoline, and most engines that are designed to put out a lot pf power on propane have special alloy valves in the heads. Normal use engines though seem to get by ok without the special valves.

 

i very rarely disagree with you dave, and only with the point as to why it is unpopular. folks dont want to concern themselves with the added inconvenience.