What is the best alternative for a petrol engine?

Question

I have an old Bedford CA campervan, the engine is good and works, however I was wondering what alternatives that I might be able to install, in order to save money and to reduce the emissions as it is 40 years old, so not exactly the cleanest thing!

Are there certain pros and cons to the different types available, such as natural gas, electric or using vegetable oil?

Any information on the subject would be a great help.

Thanks,

Answer 1

Liquid Propane - because it is easier to obtain than the rest. Compressed natural gas burns clean, but it is hard to find in most parts of the USA.

The research is out on Vegetable Oil.

Answer 2

My husband has a trucking business and when fuel prices started to skyrocket I did some research. We're under strict rules so can't exactly get a hybrid truck, electric, or alternative engine. I even checked out bio-fuels but not going to work there either, no cost savings and no pumping stations.

However, we started using FFI's products 8 months ago and the result, we save about $300/month on fuel. Also, it reduces emissions up to 75%. We've been pleasantly pleased. Because we buy a good amount for the trucking business, we also have a retail site for people to purchase & try the product.

Answer 3

There is nothing now available which would justify replacing the existing engine with the possible exception of a Diesel engine. Diesels get somewhat better fuel mileage than gasoline engines; no other sort of powerplant will have the range and power needed to run a camper. Conversion to Diesel will be costly, and not likely to be cost-effective over the long term.

Answer 4

I would go with a diesel.

Good power, good mileage, good on emissions, easily available. Then it is also good for all the Biodiesels if/when available.

Electrics are very expensive, have no range, and just transfer much of the pollution to another location. Gas works well but requires room for a pressurized tank, and is not readily available everywhere.

Answer 5

Most cost effective way might be to simply keep what you have in well maintained condition.
A good free flowing exhaust helps, low restriction air filter and I agree with another post in that Propane is a good alternative and is cost effective as well as cleaner and better all around, is easy to get and will prolong a healthy engines life.
I guess it all boils down to how often you use it and how much you want to spend.

Answer 6

Biodisel or biofuel.

It is a mixture of fruit oil with diesel/fuel. This is just to reduce the consumption of the diesel/fuel. However, more studies are still required before it can official used by public.

Answer 7

Greener Automobiles+Alternative Fuels/Energy:

http://green.yahoo.com/index.php?q=node/1034

http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/gettingstarted/

http://www.schnews.org.uk/diyguide/howtomakebiodiesel.htm

http://www.bnl.gov/rideshare/reduction.asp

http://www.puregreencars.com/

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/fueleconomy/articles/120863/article.html

http://www.store.sundancesolar.com/

http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk/wordpress/

http://www.evuk.co.uk/

http://electric-cars-trucks.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEq-GbVcFTA

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Answer 8

you can't use vegetable oil unless you have a diesel.

so that one is out.

converting it to electric, in my opinion, would cost more than the vehicle is worth.

nat. gas/propane is probably your best option. you will lose gas mileage though.

the conversion is pricey too. also the special fuel tanks can take up a lot of space.

out of the 2, propane will give you better mileage.

Answer 9

Go to a MacDonald's and use the oil they used for fries

Answer 10

Try a bicycle. Or a moped.