Diesel to natural gas conversion

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08-12-2009, 02:14 AM

#31

1-5-3-6-2-4

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Quote:

Originally Posted by searcher

From what I understand, it is pilot ignition. The diesel ignites as always and that simultaneously ignites the gas. I read that you could run on 20% diesel. If CNG is as good for the engine as propane was then our engines should last forever. We had 3 propane tractors and a big flatbed international hay hauler when I was a kid that outlasted every vehicle on the farm. That hauler stayed on the road delivering hay to several race tracks across the south. I was always told that propane was the best fuel for longevity of any engine. I would think that it would be a lot simpler to get an old gasser and convert to CNG than a diesel conversion however.

Natural gas (CNG) and Propane (LPG) are not the same thing.

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08-12-2009, 11:46 AM

#32

Lil Dog

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Originally Posted by 1-5-3-6-2-4

none of those Nat gas Cats are road engines though. NG are usually generators or as you know compressor stations that burn what they're pumping.

Agreed, however I was just using it as a power comparison. NG fueled engines are not as cost effective due to the nature of trying to store NG in enough capacity to fuel for any distance. ATCO Gas in our province runs NG vehicles and the range is very limited, less than Propane and like I say, the carbonfibre reinforced tanks are a little scary.

The arguement on heating value is valid. Engines require a certain BTU per hour to provide a level of power. Whether its gas or diesel, the BTU's have to be there.