Off Roading Forums banner

Big Decision, Propane injection???

2K views 23 replies 16 participants last post by  toober 
#1 ·
Looks like it I am going to propane. I have been searching quietly, wondering if this would be a good option for me.

I think looking at all the costs of putting the 1.6 in that propane might actually cost me less, which is good! This rig is a trailer queen so no problems there...

I'm psyched. Anyone out there with propane experience? I'm looking for any input other than what I have searched.

BTW... I have a 8v fuel injection set-up for sale now...
 
See less See more
1
#2 ·
Only successful propane injections I have seen performed were on diesels. Its like nitrous to those jokers. I've rode in a buncha HD diesel trucks with them and was impressed big time. Given you had a 8v FI for sale tells me your strapping this onto a gas powered engine???
 
#3 ·
In reply to:

Given you had a 8v FI for sale tells me your strapping this onto a gas powered engine???

[/ QUOTE ]

No, I am converting the engine to run on propane only.

I like it for many reasons...

*No fuel pump
*It is a very safe set-up
*Little to no maintenance
*Engines last longer

*With my setup I do not need to adapt my harness any longer
*I need parts still to finish my EFI set-up all of which could add up to close of what it will cost me to convert to LPG.
*It's something different, I like that.
 
#4 ·
Be aware that propane can eat some types of stock engine gaskets over time since it's "dry" compared to gasoline . I've seen a couple of Chevy's nearly burn to the ground from this . If you are running propane only , shouldn't be too much of a problem . The vehicles that really had the issues were dual fuel units ...
Sarge
 
#5 ·
Wonder what the cost per mile is to run a propane only rig, compared to a gasoline rig? Any idea?
Any idea as to what it would cost to convert?
 
#6 ·
Dale,
You burn a bit more prop than gas since the Fuel value of prop is a bit lower, and the cost
of prop for your BBQ does not = the cost for a vehicle, They must add the road tax's. On
the other hand prop doesn't have the "mood" swings on price that gas does. Prop is harder
to find for fuel stations .

Some things to consider...
 
#7 ·
back in high school my buddies truck ran on propane.

it was a ford 390 i believe. he would have to get propane like once every month or 2 depending. he would go out to an rv place to get the propane because it was cheaper than going somewhere like uhaul.
 
#8 ·
NICE! That should be sweet when is all said and done. Are you gonna prop. inject the 1.3 or a 1.6? We ran a propane injection setup on our push vehicle at tech. school years back (chebby 350 BTW) and worked well. Was a bit thirstier,as mentioned above. I think Daxe is looking for some 1.6l stuff...
 
#9 ·
In reply to:

Be aware that propane can eat some types of stock engine gaskets over time since it's "dry" compared to gasoline .

[/ QUOTE ]

From what I have read that doesn't seem to be an issue on a propane only rig.

In reply to:

Wonder what the cost per mile is to run a propane only rig, compared to a gasoline rig? Any idea?
Any idea as to what it would cost to convert?

[/ QUOTE ]

There is a kit available for suzukis... here is on of the sites I have referenced. http://www.gotpropane.com/p4.html I can get most of the parts locally for less. Today I am going to search "real" costs when I find out more I'll chime in.

In reply to:

You burn a bit more prop than gas since the Fuel value of prop is a bit lower, and the cost
of prop for your BBQ does not = the cost for a vehicle

[/ QUOTE ]

From what I have seen around my area the price is not only less than filling a BBQ tank(the volume cost) but much less than gasoline. They best bet is to fill at a large filling station rather than a place that does BBQ tanks. The taxes are less as well as the cost of fuel.

In reply to:

Prop is harder to find for fuel stations .

[/ QUOTE ]

There are more places around that can fill than you think, the issue not running out or not being prepared if you do. I am going to have two tanks and keep one on my tow vehicle or in my garage. For the amount that the Samurai will be used in comparison I think propane will be efficient enough.

I hear the trick to high efficiency is to accomodate for the 100-110 octane of the propane.
 
#13 ·
I run with a number of guys (no Sami's) that run propane and it's something I really want to do. The 1 drawback I heard is a bit of power loss, they say you lose about 20% on an unchanged engine (you can go higher compression pistons to get that power bback).

I've researched and could do for about $300 + tank. Let us know what you think when you do it..I'm very interested
 
#16 ·
Tom, I'm going with the 1.6 with a 1.3 head (A rebuilt head) so I'll be asking you some questions soon to pick your brain.

This engine shouldn't be much "thirstier" especially if it is built right. Like I said... I'll be picking your brain.

Daxe, I'll put you first in line! I sent ya a PM.
 
G
#20 ·
Ok, I am a certified propane installer in Texas... I have had a Ford 460 one ton with Propane conversion- in fact it was strict propane- close to half a million miles- never a problem besides an occassional rebuild of a part that would convert the liquid propane to a vapor - vaporizer... Failure to maintain that vital part can cause massive problems- fire, internal engine explosion that is much more than just a typical internal combustion!

Only thing is when you do it via do it yourself, as you are suppose to be a certified installer and the state - which ever you live in requires a federal sticker on your vehicle stating its propane conversion- propane companies will not fill your tank if your not stickered with this decal... and you cant use your typical bbq tank to fuel the vehicle on the road- has to meet federal road and safety standards... and you have to be certified to get the sticker...

The propane tends to be better on large stroked engines- the smaller engines is a minute less in performance- get more power out of the stroked engines when using propane...

 
#21 ·
thats funny !!!!! im live in arkansas trust me they would let you runn a car off toxic waste here.. as for the fill stations i have propane fork lifts i get the bottle field all the time no questions asked .. freind of mine runs his farm trucks the never sak him 4 anything nither do the guys in town that are direct shooting it into there diesils for more HP
 
#22 ·
I am not worried about the cert. I have a gas account with my local provider and where my mom works they fill RV tanks (Not BBQ tanks). Luckily I live in a small town so I won't have any problems and when the vehicle gets trailered out of town I will bring extra LP with me.

Good thinking though...

Performance wise on the 1.3 or 1.6 I hear that pumping up the compression will give me about the same results as a gas 16 valve. That is all the power I'll need.

I think the biggest benefit even if the power is less is the simplicity of it all. I am getting rid of some of the headache of the wiring, ecu, etc...

Edit: Just got this info... IF the tank is stickered (I am using forklift tanks) then I can bring it to any LP dealer and get it filled without problems. This came from an LP guy but I really won't know until I try to fill one.
 
G
#23 ·
ok, forklift bottles are not considered to be used for automotive road use (and are regularly filled with no problem)- important thing about using them- set up so your getting liquid feed to vaporizer...

Wouldnt want to get caught with one (forklift bottle on an automotive application) in my state on any vehicle Im driving- hefty fines... the sticker (required for refilling at LP stations) that I was referring too is usually placed on the windshield... fillers usually dont ask to see it- its in plain sight on the windshield (and I am not talking the blue LP triangle sticker)...

over here, last year- a filler filled two of these type tanks for the same type use (forklift bottles on a car)- turned out to be a sting operation by railroad commission- $10,000 fine per tank... My stations have turned several away- in fear of being a sting. The tanks that are required for automotive use are relatively cheap... remember propane weighs about 4 pounds per gallon... but those little tanks for automotive use are heavy empty- heavy gauge metal!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top