Propane???

KCMav713 · Jan 9, 2005

I subscribe to Petersen's 4 Wheel and Off-road. Anyways, in the Feb. 2005 issue, there was a little write-up about propane retrofit for a carbuerated engine. Their website is www.gotpropane.com . Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has done this, or knows anything about propane engines. Are they economical, get good fuel efficiency, etc.? They claim it won't stall on an incline, which will be really nice for those hillclimbs. Check it out, and tell me what you think, because I don't know that much about alternative fuels.

bluesman17 · Jan 9, 2005

Unless you have a tank heater, it wont start below 20-something degrees. My dad had to be picked up for work because of it.

KCMav713 · Jan 9, 2005

What all does the tank heater consist of? Is it an internal component, or what? do you know of a website where I can find one of these?

Ziggy · Jan 9, 2005

I have heard that the valve guides on propane engines tend to wear faster due to the loss of the lubrication properties provided by gasoline. It's just a matter of trying to find a place to locate your propane tank. Some how, mounting it under the truck where it may get damaged and leak doesn't thrill me.

Seabronc · Jan 9, 2005

Interesting, thanks for the link

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JAmal · Jan 11, 2005

Seabronc said:
Interesting, thanks for the link .

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Don't forget on trying to find places that sell propane if you are traveling. i have had a few propane trucks and is is a real pain in the butt to find propane at 12am sunday morning or in downtown seattle. it might be worht it if you are just driving it once in awhile. bbut as a daily driver good luck.

davids78bronco · Jan 12, 2005

There's more involved, than just adding that kit. IDEALLY, the engine will have a higher compression ratio (to compensate for the loss of power running the propane), and the timing is advanced big time... 18-22BTDC

Now, I haven't checked into that kit, specifically, but if it truly is a bolt on and go, then it must have compensated for the necessary engine changes, with the vaporizer and regulator

Mounting the tank under the truck is no more dangerous than your stock tank. In fact, it's a little more safe, because of the fact the propane tank is built to hold a pressure, not just the weight of the fuel. Granted, a skidplate is a good idea anyway