can a gasoline engine be converted to run on propane? is it more efficient?

Answer 1

Why is it, please tell me why, when a person asks a simple question, you bonehead know-it-alls either attempt to discredit him for not asking the right question or spout off as though you really do know anything about the question he asked? This person clearly asked if a gasoline engine could be converted to propane. He did NOT ask about ethanol. And if you all would do even the minimum of research, you would know that it is not only possible, but actually quite popular with a segment of the population to convert a gasoline engine to propane, and in many cases, more efficient. It took me all of 30 seconds to find the web site below and to confirm what I already knew, but which will explain it all for those of you who thought you are smarter than the asker and had all the answers.

Answer 2

The gasoline engine (any engine) could "care less" what kind of fuel it burns, - however there are conditions that have to be met to cause the engine to "burn" the fuel properly - thereby producing power that you can use!

First of all the fuel must be properly mixed with air (carbueration).. Next the compression ratio must be in a certian range for the fuel to burn properly (which produces the power). Then the ignition has to occour at the right point of crankshaft revolution to get the most power (and effeciency). In the case of propane, - LPG ,--- the characteristics are very close, so the engine can (and does) run on either kind of fuel, if it is properly presented to engine intake! There are gas/propane carbuereters, and there are propane only carbuereters also! The propane carb. is a much simpler system that gasoline carb. I have seen "stationary" engines that have nothing more than a piece of big waterpipe with a line running directly to side of pipe (with a control valve to regulate flow).. This was origionally a 50 hp 1 cyl engine (with a 5 foot flywheel), --- it was built to run on the "natural gas that rose from the oilwell), - so in essence it ran for free!! It is a museum piece in an old engine museum, - so it is run on propane now!

Back to fuel again! engines wil run on alcohl, aceteleyne gas, propane gas, petroleum gas, hydrogen gas, or just about anything that burns when mixed with air! Even the diesel burns oil (petroleum) oil -(vegetable), and even fat -(animal), -- but it does it by increasing compression about a thousand or so times more than a gasoline eingie, - so that it actually explodes by"spontaineous combustion", -- so it requires no electrical ignition system like gas engines do! Also some "oils" have to be heated to get them to flow through the injection system!

Answer 3

I have converted a couple pick ups. You will go threw more volume. But the price usually off sets that. With a pick up there is room to put a larger tank in. A real benefit I think is propane doesn't break down your motor oil like gas does or diesel to a lesser degree. So if you have a fresh motor I would definitely consider converting. BUT I would not bother converting a car. No room to put a larger tank in. If you do go propane set it up as a single fuel only. That way your motor can be tuned to it much better. You can get propane carbs that have no moving parts but you use the butterflies from the old carb. Any complete system you can get for $20 is probably only worth $20.

Answer 4

Yes and no.

Yes:Propane creates a lot more energy than gasoline.It is also in the alkane group;which means it burns VERY cleanly with oxygen to create CO2 and water.Therefore,it is not only more eco-friendly;it creates more power,meaning your previously crappy car could be in "Fast and Furious 4"in no time.

No:When propane burns,heat is produced.A LOT of heat.To make engines lighter and to reduce costs,engine manufacturers make the engines lighter.Therefore,less metal.And as anyone who learns Physics knows,less mass + more heat = easier meltdown.Also,your gas tank is meant to fill liquids,not gases(unless you cool the propane to -80something or ultra compress it like in those cooking gas cans).SO,less fuel = less time the car runs.

The bottom line is;dont do it.Your car will explode or melt into a puddle,or both,and even if it didnt melt(good old steam-powered cars with the 3cm thick walls)you wont go very far with a 300mph car that runs for like 6 seconds.

Answer 5

yes, i have an '88 F250 with a 460 that uses both , i probably could not afford to run that beast on gasoline ! , as far as performance goes, there is a slight loss but if you build an engine specifically for propane you can get it back IE: very high compression or turbo/supercharging with as much ignition advance as you dare , propane will not "ping" like gas , also it burns very clean , my plugs wear out before they ever begin to foul and the oil stays the same colour until it gets changed .

Answer 6

Yes, but the milage is not as good as gas, Propane dose not contain as many BTU per measure as gasoline!

Answer 7

yes its very easy to modify and they get more miles to the gallon but you lose alot of power. allmost all government vehicles run on both here where i live at near the worlds largest navy base and airforce base in virginia

Answer 8

It can, but, you will wear out the valve seats on the cylinder heads fast! In about 40.000 miles the heads will be finished.

Answer 9

propane? who are you hank hill? and do you really mean ethanol?

Answer 10

YES IT CAN .
YES IT IS