Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

8 replies [Last post]
Anonymous
Anonymous's picture

Read a few websites advertising LPG for diesel, claims you can get easily 10%more power and 30% economy . The system inject 1/5 of Gas to 4/5 diesel.One plaice was quoting £1300 for conversion. Seems to good to be true! Does anyone have experience of LPG in Diesel, HGV or otherwise. Anyone recommend a good specialist in the midlands/ north?

marcus
marcus's picture
Offline
Joined: 02.05.2004
Location: Co. Antrim, N. Ireland
GWOA Groups: Members
Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

Jatoc,
I have seen this described in a trade journal, Scania? or Volvo? probably? and recommened for Bin lorries etc due to reduced emissions -- but understood that it was a very hi-tech factory fit job -- not suited to after-market conversions at all.
Marcus

mickgunn
mickgunn's picture
Offline
Joined: 07.10.2004
Location: London, England
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

Hi there,

I have a 300GD that I had converted to LPG by Gordon Finlay (http://www.gordonfinlay-lpgconversions.co.uk/). Supply and fit cost was in the region of £1500.

The kit consists of a "black box" fitted to the engine (not sure of technical details) and an LPG tank in the boot plus all the wiring and piping. The black box mixes the LPG with the diesel increasing the combustibility of the diesel (from approx 70% to 90%+) hence improving engine performance and running.

The results were quite impressive all around. I cannot provide quantitative data but:
1. the engine runs far more quietly and smoothly due to improved diesel combustibility
2. performance was noticeably improved especially on the motorway - could be maintaining 70mph up inclines on motorways (engine running temperature was not noticeably affected but to bear in mind that you will be able to drive faster than you normally would so check water levels)
3. fuel economy is noticeably improved around town or cross country; can do between 50 and 60miles off £10 worth of diesel (driving with a light right foot)
4. fuel economy is only slightly improved on motorways - the engine is not economical at these higher speeds and engine revs.

peter perfect
peter perfect's picture
Offline
Joined: 07.11.2003
Location: Bahrain
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

glad to see some ones done it to a g, heard that as diesel is only burnt some70% efficient LPG increase the combustability hence more power. Is it worth the £1500 though?. do you tow with your g, if so noticed any difference there.

mickgunn
mickgunn's picture
Offline
Joined: 07.10.2004
Location: London, England
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

I wanted more power for going across Europe and mucking around in North Africa. Vehicle was fairly heavily laden with fuel and water. Improvement in fuel economy alone at low speeds made it worth it. So here you get noticeably more power and noticeably improved fuel economy plus a noticeably quieter, smoother engine. Does not sound like a diesel at all. As a daily runner it would pay itself off pretty quickly.

Anonymous
Anonymous's picture
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

Is it allmost as good as a turbo conversion? How often do have to fill up in relation to Diesel? I have read you can alter the system to inject more LPG therfore getting up to 50% more power or is this the stuff of dreams?

mickgunn
mickgunn's picture
Offline
Joined: 07.10.2004
Location: London, England
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

I have no idea about turbo conversions.

The unit I have cannot be adjusted to alter the LPG:diesel ratio although I have also heard of being able to alter the ratio (presumably on a different unit).

Last time I filled it up was in January in Italy. I am not exactly sure how much mileage I covered in Tunisia but after 8 days of driving (including much off-road driving) I had only used 32L of LPG.

ipanema
ipanema's picture
Offline
Joined: 31.05.2006
Location: Kensington, London/Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

Does anyone know if this qualifies for a reduction in the London congestion charge?

cox.adrian
cox.adrian's picture
Offline
Joined: 23.05.2010
Location: HAILSHAM E SUSSEX
GWOA Groups: Members
Re: Diesel LPG? Anyone got experience?

   
            hi
                  after my last trip home fuel price wow
                  this forum is a bit old 
                  any info upto date
                                            thanks adrian