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[GMCnet] Propane fuel conversion...? [message #120341] Wed, 30 March 2011 11:25 Go to previous message
Ek_Lektro is currently offline  Ek_Lektro   United States
Messages: 167
Registered: March 2011
Karma:
Senior Member
Have the pros and cons of propane conversion been discussed on the list lately?
(if so, please direct me to the date of the archive... and either way, please forgive me for potentially opening a can of worms... thanks!)

Back in 2001, when gas jumped up to $2 / gallon, i first heard about conversion kits where you could run a pickup truck off propane... and i wondered if it would be a good solution for a GMC. Down in Mexico in '03, i saw lots of these pickups, and the mechanics told me it was a simple job, with propane tanks being the only big issue for my GMC. When i posted my questions to this mailing list back then, the conventional wisdom weighed in with the pros and cons facing the engine itself, and it seemed like mostly uncharted territory at the time; and so when gas prices went back down again, i put the topic on the back burner... again.

So now we've got $4 gas in S. California, and all bets are on $5 gas by summer. The cheapest propane supplier here in Los Angeles charges $2.28... when i can get to him... $3.59 seems more of a readily available average,... and U-Haul has no problem charging $4+... (so if we did a conversion, we'd likely need big tanks, to be able to go longer between fill-ups,...)
Beyond saving a little on fuel costs, sure, we wouldn't mind being part of the oil boycott (prices and political ramifications)... while still being able to drive as much as we please! And for my earthy-crunchy friends, of course with cleaner-burning propane there's a bit of reduction on the "carbon footprint".
So with our "fleet" of 2 GMCs for a gig called SolarSonic, let's just say we're a little more motivated than most to open up this topic again, and invest a little $$... as long as it doesn't keep us from climbing hills... and more importantly, blowing up the engine!

here's an excerpt from a pro-propane website, and wondering how much of an issue this might be with a GMC:
Propane will not burn the valves. On older engines without hardened valve seats, this used to be a problem. Even so, this wasn't a problem until tons of miles were accumulated. But on engines designed to run unleaded - no worries.

I recall that Jim Bounds was doing a couple conversions (to switchable systems) by special request, back in '07 or so... And i know that there are some list members overseas who have been doing propane (LP) all along. Apparently in Europe there are certain retrofits available for bigger trucks, which are noteworthy for their improved fuel efficiency (solving the propane efficiency loss), and i'm wondering if any of that updated technology is available here in the states now?

Yeah, gotta consider the 'ole equation for lost "efficiency" of propane, per gallon,... anywhere from 60% to 90% that of gasoline? This could take back a big chunk of the savings at the pump; but i believe the more technical systems like the ones they use in Europe are closer to 90% or better. Anybody want to do a group buy???? LOL...

And then there's the question of where to mount a tank. I wouldn't mind losing one of the 25 gallon gas tanks if there was a propane version that could fit that space without too much trouble. Any clues where to start looking for one of these tanks? Other than that... Is mounting conventional propane tanks on the back bumper safe (like some trailers i've seen) ...? or legal? Heck, could you mount one on the roof and bring the valves down to regular height for pump-ability?

Our 23' Birchhaven has been mostly idle the past couple years, and so given its thirsty 455 engine, maybe this one becomes the test coach.... unless of course there's something to the design of the 403 which would make it a better candidate?
Yep, lots of questions... considerations... First day back at the beach with the GMC... since November

cheers,
Greg
SolarSonic
Los Angeles


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