Got Propane?

[uglyoinker]

I saw on extreme 4x4 today a thing about running propane as a alternative to fuel injection. I have heard of it before but always thought it was weak. Of course that was not based on any actual evidence just assumptions. So my questions are how powerful is it. I know it has an octane rating of 110 but still wondering what kind of throttle response it has? Also what kind of mileage I would expect?
I think one of the things that hinders me is having the tank inside the vehicle taking up space and that I already have exhaust fumes inside and I don't want propane fumes too......
I am runing a basic chevy 350 4 speed and double cases on 38's. I don't want to be underpowered.

 

[clemson55]

My only real experience with propane is in forklifts which my dad works on. They dont have any fumes that I can recall. If setup correctly I do believe they would have good pickup. No idea on gas mileage. Another consideration is the ability to fill up. There arent exactly propane stations sitting around the way gas stations are.

 

[battle]

We used to run a whole bunch of farm pickups on propane. It does not provide as much power as gas, and you won't get near as good fuel mileage. I think in the eighties the low price of propane made up for loss in fuel economy, so it was cheaper to run. If you plan on going on extended trips, I'd stay away from it. Most of our trucks were selectable, gas or propane-there was a device that went between the carb(or throttle body) and intake that put the fuel in the engine. Fuel storage was bulky, with a large tank behind the cab that took up about a quarter of the bed. We quit using propane in the late 90's- we never got it to work well on multi port fuel injected (i.e. vortec) engines. On the plus side, it burns clean, and will run on any angle. I guess if you are looking for something to run extreme angles and don't want to deal with the electronics(sensors, computer,etc.) of fuel injection, it may be a good option. I think it may have its place for rock crawlers-a buddy of mine runs it on a crawler and really likes it. With extreme low gears and a 350, the power loss probably isn't too noticeable. I think he uses two forklift cylinders for fuel tanks and keeps a couple of spares to swap out when needed.

 

[battle]

I may have some parts laying around one our shops if you are serious about propane conversion. PM if you're interested..

 

[pr0ject42]

If you go strictly propane, you shouldn't notice much power or MPG loss.

Also a thought, since propane is such high octane, you could easily slap a turbo on there to more than compensate for power losses. I've been tempted by this, not having a computer like a carb setup, and much easier to adjust than a carb and tossing a turbo on to boot.

Of course having a propane fill up station on my way to work doesn't help with the temptaiton.

I think the biggest deal (for me anyway) is coming up with a fuel tank, sure you can use the forklift tanks, but I'd rather have something where the stocker tank goes that could have a higher capacity.

 

[ecodan]

Have a search on some Australian websites if you want more info on Propane or LPG as we call it. The Aus government is paying the total cost of converting cars to LPG to get us off petrol (well up to $2000 of the cost in Western Australia any way).

I havent done it yet, but i belive the cheapness of the fuel makes up for any milage loss, we have LPG at all our petrol stations and it sells for about 50c/Lt. Systems are very safe, and tanks come even as doughnut shapes to fit in the spare wheel area under the car!

My only concern is whilst the engine runs cleaner, you suffer reduced lubrication to the valves, even with an oil dripper installed into the gas feed line. I think hardend valve seats would be a must the first time you had an excuse to pull the head off.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

Jake here is a killer thread on propane, not a 350 but probably still relevant...

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=114654

 

[solidfrontaxle]

Check out www.gotpropane.com. Sweetest system ever. I don't think there are any landcruiser applications yet, though. My minitruck is definately gettin a kit.