Converting over to LPG?
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 37
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Converting over to LPG?
As I have been watching the gas prices rise steadily, I have been wondering how long it will be until it is too expensive to fuel my * up. Even though I get 25-26mpg on the interstate, I'm thinking that by the time gas hits the $4/gal mark - Which I believe will be within a year or less - I won't be able to afford to drive, since I am on a fixed income.
I have heard, in passing, a bit about converting engines to run on LPG - The same type of gas that runs an outdoor grill. When I searched Google about it, most of the results were UK-centric. This makes some sense, as gas is much more expensive there than in the States.
Would such a conversion make financial sense in the US? Other than cylinders of LPG intended for outdoor grills, I have no knowledge of the price or availability of LPG. Can a '93 3.0 be easily converted?
If anyone here has any information on this subject, I'd be interested in hearing it.
I have heard, in passing, a bit about converting engines to run on LPG - The same type of gas that runs an outdoor grill. When I searched Google about it, most of the results were UK-centric. This makes some sense, as gas is much more expensive there than in the States.
Would such a conversion make financial sense in the US? Other than cylinders of LPG intended for outdoor grills, I have no knowledge of the price or availability of LPG. Can a '93 3.0 be easily converted?
If anyone here has any information on this subject, I'd be interested in hearing it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
I use to do LPG conversions for Frito-Lay, City of Fort Worth and Dallas.
It is not hard and not that expensive. Most conversions require a Intake adaptor, Pressure Regulator, Hoses, Clamps, and LPG bottle. The beneifits are longer Oil changes, Plugs, and engine life. The draw back is getting used to finding were all the LPG stations are in your area.
You will lose around 10% HP for going that way but the milage will be about 5% more.
It is not hard and not that expensive. Most conversions require a Intake adaptor, Pressure Regulator, Hoses, Clamps, and LPG bottle. The beneifits are longer Oil changes, Plugs, and engine life. The draw back is getting used to finding were all the LPG stations are in your area.
You will lose around 10% HP for going that way but the milage will be about 5% more.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 21
A place were I worked had some LPG and LNG vehicles, they were not any cheaper to run down the road, even when you figured in reduced maintenance. We broke even by doing volumes of paperwork for the Government study rebate. Also if it was real hot you couldn't fill the LPG tank all the way up. The LNG had to be left on the fill overnight, no mater what the temp was. Neither one would go as far down the road between fill-ups as a gasoline vehicle. Also remember they are all Petrol products.
The only thing I could tell you is to reduce the weight, if you are not using all the seats take them out, if close by home, take the spare off, remove the luggage rack and store it. Try a synthetic oil if you aren't burning oil. Try increasing the tire pressure by 1 then 2 psi cold above door sticker recommendations. Change air filter every 15K to 20K miles. The milage you are getting is very good, so you may not be able to improve on it.
The only thing I could tell you is to reduce the weight, if you are not using all the seats take them out, if close by home, take the spare off, remove the luggage rack and store it. Try a synthetic oil if you aren't burning oil. Try increasing the tire pressure by 1 then 2 psi cold above door sticker recommendations. Change air filter every 15K to 20K miles. The milage you are getting is very good, so you may not be able to improve on it.
Last edited by Aftrmidnite; Aug 12, 2005 at 02:27 PM.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, Texas
A single user would not be filling out tons of paper work for "Ungle we have no good idea's that are cheap" Sam.
These types of conversions are for local use not 500 mile trips.
Anytime the temp changes your fill volume is less or more. It's so it does not blow the relieve valve. Also if your in a cold climate area it's gets closer to a liquid state.
These types of conversions are for local use not 500 mile trips.
Anytime the temp changes your fill volume is less or more. It's so it does not blow the relieve valve. Also if your in a cold climate area it's gets closer to a liquid state.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 996
Likes: 0
lpg conversion
I used to run a fleet of trucks I converted to run on propane. Easy to do, mounting the tank is the hardest part, engnes run very nice, smooth. slightl less power but acceptable, burns about 10 % more propane than gas.
Bottom line, if you have a source of cheap propane, go for it. If lp costs the same as gas, it wont be worth it.
Ken
Bottom line, if you have a source of cheap propane, go for it. If lp costs the same as gas, it wont be worth it.
Ken
