propane conversion question
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Rosedale BC Can.
propane conversion question
I want to install an inline 300 in my truck and want to run it on propane.My question is,should I go with a fuel injected engine or a carburated engine?Since I'm building the truck frame up it doesn't matter which way I go at this point.It will be running only propane.Which stock engine will perform better after it's converted?Any help from you guys would sure be appreciated.Because it seems the more research I do, the more confused I get.Thanks.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
Seems to me somebody on this forum had a 300 that had been run on propane and was converted back to gasoline. He had mentioned having a carburetor that was somehow set up to run with propane. I think the subject matter was something like carburetor troubles and he just mentioned having the carb but didnt go into details on propane conversion. It would have been off topic. Maybe he will see your post and fill you in. Good luck!
P.S. Why to people convert to propane? I would figure industrial/indoor use as one reason. Any others? I guess if Mr Bush's economy keeps getting better it will be cheaper to run propane than gasoline. What a plan! Less jobs, more inflation, no retirement, and body bags.
Gimme an F!!!! F Some of you may know the rest. Others should.......
P.S. Why to people convert to propane? I would figure industrial/indoor use as one reason. Any others? I guess if Mr Bush's economy keeps getting better it will be cheaper to run propane than gasoline. What a plan! Less jobs, more inflation, no retirement, and body bags.
Gimme an F!!!! F Some of you may know the rest. Others should.......
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Propane could be cheaper, it has an octane rating of 110, and it's great offroad..in a carb'ed setup. You don't have to worry about steep angles on a vehicle with propane as you do with carbs offroad. I'm actually converting my 86 f-150 to dual fuel. I'm going with an offy manifold, holly 4 barrel, and an impco 300a regulator. There's nothing like carrying 60 gal propane, and 40 gal gas to get you where you need to go.... I'm actually converting my cj to propane only..for offroad use. I'm going to run forklift tanks. It's because I want to run steep angles without spending the dough for a FI kit. The entire conversion minus tanks is going to cost me less than 200. -Will
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From: Rosedale BC Can.
Thanks for the info guys.But I'm still not sure which engine set up to use.From what I've read the EFI is better because the computer does a better air fuel mixture.But I also don't know anything about the Impco propane carb set up.If that carb would run just as efficiantly or even close it would be a lot less complicated to set up.
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I've had my 87 f150 300 cu in on dual fuel for about 5 years now and it runs like a charm. Its true the computer does a better job than the carbs did on my previous (chebby 454 carbed) truck. When I want to switch to gas all I do is hit the fuel tank switchn timing etc is taken care of seamlessly by the computer. Up here in BC Canada propane is just over half the price of gas so its paying off for me. Another benefit is my oil stays clean for over 5000 miles.
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Sorry to intrude and derail things a bit, but do you have a source of info on your dual fuel/EFI setup? I've been searching for decent info for weeks, but I get mostly UK or Aussie sites about propane conversions.. and what sites I do get here in the US or Canada seem to be mostly about carbed setups.
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Junior User
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From: Rosedale BC Can.
Thanks for the reply Wolfd.Thats what I needed to here.I was leaning toward EFI but wasn't sure if it was worth the effort.But it obviously is.So that's direction I will take.I'm from Chilliwack B.C.so I know what your saying about fuel prices.
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i ran propane in a dual system for about 7 or 8 years, and was generally satisfied with performance. however, here are several considerations. propane by nature has alower btu content. this will effect performance. in other words if you have a "sick cylinder" you'll have some power issues. additionally, if you live in colder temps and you work the engine to hard you run the risk of freezing up your system. that too will effect performance. don't cut your fuel lines too short, as colder weather will shrink those lines. i snapped one off while doing some off roading during a cold weather trip. there are lots of benefits. cheaper fuel, cleaner burning, more range with a dual fuel system. i am considering reinstalling the system now that fuel prices are soaring.
good luck
good luck
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
Maybe propane powered automobiles are the answer for a way once again drive economically (or at least within reason) and keep from lining the pockets of the Middle Eastern oil barons. Oh! I forgot the Bush klan. This could be a big thing. Could all the greed, death, and destuction going on in the world be stopped by propane? Maybe not all but a whole darn lot of it would vanish if not for the whole rediculous oil thing.
I guess cost has always been the big reason for not using LP for everyday cars. Has anybody figured the cost against gasoline at the present prices?
I guess cost has always been the big reason for not using LP for everyday cars. Has anybody figured the cost against gasoline at the present prices?
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Venezuela
Originally Posted by ptmilan
Since propane burns cleaner than gasoline, propane engines last longer.
Gas engines needs good ignition system performance, includying timing because they have tendency to overheat exhaust valves and the piston crown when they get over-rich. One more good thing is oil usually run longer since there are less contamination produced at cylinders.
Have a look at the Impco WEB page, they have some electronics controller than can adjust mixture and can be configured to run dual with gasoline or natural gas.
I live in venezuela and we have a lot of experience on natural gas and propane engines here...
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Originally Posted by pantherscat
its a waste of time converting. Best to stick witha gasoline engine .....