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Cost effective to convert to propane?
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mscain77
New User
Apr 13, 2013, 2:01 PM
Post #1 of 5
(2168 views)
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Cost effective to convert to propane?
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I have to have a used engine put in my '99 Chevy Astro, which sucks, literally as far as gas goes.
One mechanic said if I converted to propane, I could save 50%-said I needed to replace the manifold and tank. I also heard the word "carburetor," which didn't make sense. A friend told me you can fill you lp tank at most Uhauls. So, questions, are, 1)Is it worth it? 2) What is rough cost of conversion? 3) Does "closed loop," or "open loop" make a big difference in the conversion
For the record, I'm a contractor, in Chicago, and almost all my driving is stop and go. Thanks in advance.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 14, 2013, 7:41 AM
Post #3 of 5
(2114 views)
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Re: Cost effective to convert to propane?
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You'll have to sit down and figure that one out. You'll have to know the price of converting it to run on LPG and how much LPG costs in your area.
Then you can compare the cost of running it on gasoline to the cost of running it on LPG plus the cost of conversion to figure out how long it would take to recoup what you lost before you start seeing a benefit.
Gasoline has more BTUs than LPG, so your fuel mileage will go down.
You could also factor in buying a vehicle that has already been converted to see if it would be cheaper to go that route. There are some vehicles that can run on either gasoline or LPG/CNG with the flip of a switch.
Other things you'll have to consider is cost of maintenance if something were to go wrong with the system. How does your state's vehicle safety and emission inspections work with LPG conversions? How many shops in your area are specialized to work on these systems?
You really need to talk to a business owner or individual that uses LPG vehicles in your area and get their opinion.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Apr 14, 2013, 7:46 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Apr 14, 2013, 10:14 AM
Post #4 of 5
(2104 views)
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Re: Cost effective to convert to propane?
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My comment: I doubt very much that you could recoup the costs to do that. Not too many but some natural gas vehicles used by the gas company do use LNG and say so on them. Not sure but think they were purchased that way, pre-engineered by the vehicle maker?
Other: If you are really going block to block city driving you aren't going to get any great mileage out of much of anything,
T
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nickwarner
Veteran
/ Moderator
Apr 14, 2013, 8:35 PM
Post #5 of 5
(2093 views)
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Re: Cost effective to convert to propane?
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Putting it on a 99 Astro would cost more than a 99 Astro is worth. Check out www.icomnorthamerica.com they are in Detroit and have a few licensed installers in IL. The company is italian, and in Italy these systems are pretty popular with the cost of fuel. The fleet I work for just bought 140 2013 F-150 trucks and had them equipped with the Icom propane system. They are actually pretty good. The head tech guy for Icom is Albie Venezio. I've spoken a bit with him to get tech data. He translated the wiring diagram for me from italian to english and sent it in PDF form. Thus far, the system works. They size the metering system to put out the same horsepower levels as the gasoline fuel sytems. They also have figured out how to get them to start in cold weather. I've started them in -5 without being plugged in.
This might be worth it if you were doing it to something new. One nice thing for you is that along with writing off the cost of the system and the install, you also get an EPA alternative fuels tax credit of 50 cents per gallon on top of writing off the entire cost of fuel just like you do your gasoline.
If you are in the Chicago area you can get bulk propane not only at U-Haul but at a lot of Menards stores. They are putting in bulk propane fill stations there because of these trucks.
Icom does have dual-fuel kits as well, so you can keep the gasoline system should you have issues with the propane system or end up in an area where you can't get to the fueling station during operating hours.
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