LPG Diesel

tick59 · 26-12-2007, 03:07 PM

Has anyone converted there diesel motorhome to run on LPG? Can a Diesel be Converted and how much does it cost?

dylan · 26-12-2007, 03:28 PM

Its a bit quiet here today but someone will be along to help you soon.

American Dream · 26-12-2007, 03:49 PM

Hi,

As far as i know Diesels cannot be converted to run on pure lpg as Petrol engines can.

There are people working on an LPG mix to run in diesel engines.

As I understand it, LPG will not ignite at the cylinder compressions reached in a conventional diesel engine and need another form of ignition.i.e. spark assistance.

Interesting thought and well worth further investigation.

I Take that back.Just found this.

http://www.ilovesponge.com/spongecars/diesel/diesel.htm

SpongeCars have been working with engineers in the UK and abroad to achieve the goal of converting diesel engines to run on LPG. The system has been developed over the past 5 years, taking into account all variations of the diesel engine. After extensive development work, our goal has been realised, and we can now offer direct injection diesel LPG conversions. Direct injection engines are used in the Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Traffic, most 7.5 ton vehicles and similar. Installers can also convert the Land Rover Discovery.

Initial tests we have found that the diesel LPG conversions not only results in fuel savings of up to 30%, but also improve performance and reduces emissions.

All diesel LPG conversions are carried out by Avon Autogas in Bristol.

And this.

http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/diesel.html

And This.

http://www.tinleytech.co.uk/lpgsys.html#lpg

Diesel LPG Conversions
Diesel engines can be converted to run partly on LPG, partly on diesel. This method uses the combustion of the diesel to ignite the LPG. The benefits include large increases in power and reduction in emissions, particularly the black smoke often associated with diesels.
Typically a ratio of 30% LPG to 70% diesel is possible. No adjustments are required to the diesel injection system and fuel savings come from the fact that throttle openings are lower due to the greatly increased power, which basically means you do not have to press the accelerator as hard to get the same performance.
Fuel savings upwards of 30% are possible with the increased power levels seen as a major benefit to users.

Road Runner · 26-12-2007, 06:01 PM

Would there be any saving though?

I doubt it.

olley · 26-12-2007, 06:22 PM

Hi been looked into before, basically LPG is injected in through the inlet manifold and enriches the mixture, as you will use less diesel you save money, but you have to pay for the conversion and LPG.

With LPG on a petrol engine you run on just LPG, on a Diesel you will still be using diesel so to my mind savings aren't going to be great. Maybe if you are a lorry doing 100,000 a year it would be worth it, but an RVer doing 10,000??

Olley

Supertractorman · 26-12-2007, 06:44 PM

I believe a number of Diesel engines have been converted to run on Liquid Natural Gas quite successfully. This was being done by Foden Trucks and Hardstaff Commercials. From comments made by Drivers they are most successful on long Motorway journeys, rather than stop start work.

David

olley · 26-12-2007, 07:14 PM

Hi David I think you will find its vapour not liquid LNG, compressed to about 3000psi.

Methane which is what natural gas is, doesn't liquefy above minus 161C at atmospheric pressure, so very difficult to use in this state.

Olley

Zozzer · 30-12-2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fordson

I believe a number of Diesel engines have been converted to run on Liquid Natural Gas quite successfully. This was being done by Foden Trucks and Hardstaff Commercials. From comments made by Drivers they are most successful on long Motorway journeys, rather than stop start work.

David

I've worked in Diesel engine manufacture mainly marine / railway / power generation for 30+ years and it's quite common for engines to manufactured as dual fuel engine running on either diesel or gas. The only design change is to the cylinder head to accomodate a spark plug. As yet I've not seen anything for the newer common rail type configuration, but I suppose it's only a matter of time.

Ecomix Ltd · 12-09-2008, 06:49 PM

Yes they can be converted take a look we have installed on a few www.ecomix.co.uk

pappajohn · 12-09-2008, 08:17 PM

just done a quick calculation on ecomix's website and i would save around £96 per year with a purchase and fitting cost of, i would think, around £3000 based on a car at £2000 and an hgv at £6000.

based on an average annual milage of 3000mls it would take around 30 years to recoup my money.

on top of this there is the cost of LPG which they appear to have forgotten to add to the calculation.

HGV and heavy milage.... yes

motorhome and light milage ....definate no-no.