propane conversion

gothodgie · 10-27-2009, 10:11 PM

I am seriously considering running propane on the trail rig i am building.
Seems to be the way to go these days. From what i have read here there are a few of you that are running propane on your trail rigs.

I have tanks already and will be needing the rest of the parts. Was hoping i could get some advice, parts soures, how much $ i might expect to spend for the parts. Will be running a 4.3 chevy if it makes a difference at this point.

thanks in advance....

Trigger · 10-27-2009, 11:34 PM

Check out this site. Most of the guys I know that have done it use their kits.

http://www.gotpropane.com/

carwash · 10-28-2009, 12:00 AM

propane is gay... but if you must use it, check out the link above. His stuff is a little more pricey, but his kits are COMPLETE and the customer service is great. If you have issues or need help, you can count on him...

gothodgie · 10-28-2009, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carwash

propane is gay... but if you must use it, check out the link above. His stuff is a little more pricey, but his kits are COMPLETE and the customer service is great. If you have issues or need help, you can count on him...

Can you tell me how you really feel about propane ?

boomhauer · 10-28-2009, 10:30 AM

propane is gay

it may be gay but i've never seen a rig run as long as ur's on 1 tank b4

carwash · 10-28-2009, 10:36 AM

Ha, no kidding, i was amazed at how efficient it is. I ran the power valve way in, thinking i was gonna starve for fuel, but it seems i may have got it just right.

Used just a little more than 2 tanks the entire weekend. 2 full days of wheeling...

Nuts · 10-28-2009, 01:06 PM

Propane's not gay, its just misunderstood! I pieced mine together from junk and it works great!!! There can't be an easier fuel system to set up, a tank seems to last way longer than everyone told me they would, it runs at any angle, won't spill out if you roll over,and you can work on a running vehicle inside all day and it won't kill you. The only things I don't like about it are dragging 2 extra tanks around, and remembering to get them all filled before a trip.

itbrokeagain · 10-28-2009, 03:13 PM

If I had 2 identical engines next to eachother both with flowmaster mufflers, could you tell a difference in them by sound?

Flxratd · 10-28-2009, 03:58 PM

if your nose was plugged no but i will say driving it you will. when we put it on my buddies sammy (i know some of you have weedeater engines that have more power) it was like a fresh engine as far as the power was concerned. propane i think is like 110 octane and it sure made his feel alot more responsive

WrenchMonkey · 10-29-2009, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuts

...you can work on a running vehicle inside all day and it won't kill you...

Really? That sure doesn't sound right to me, but I guess I don't really know...

Robert

blazerbrad · 10-29-2009, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

Really? That sure doesn't sound right to me, but I guess I don't really know...

Robert

That's why forklifts and other stuff with engines that are inside a building all day (i.e. warehouse, etc...) run propane.

Flxratd · 10-29-2009, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

Really? That sure doesn't sound right to me, but I guess I don't really know...

Robert

wont kill ya but sure does make you want to grill some burgers

cheapthrills49 · 11-09-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuts

Propane's not gay, its just misunderstood! I pieced mine together from junk and it works great!!! There can't be an easier fuel system to set up, a tank seems to last way longer than everyone told me they would, it runs at any angle, won't spill out if you roll over,and you can work on a running vehicle inside all day and it won't kill you. The only things I don't like about it are dragging 2 extra tanks around, and remembering to get them all filled before a trip.

i built my set up the same way and it is amazing how simple it is.
your prob gona need a 200-250 mixer, a regulator(converts l.p. to vapor, and these all do the same thing), and a vacuum block off/filter first in line. look here https://www.altfuel.com/

KargoMaster · 11-09-2009, 06:37 PM

Hahah, just reading this...

difference in sound, no
difference in smell, should be minimal (almost "no") if running right
110 octane... yes-ish
takes longer to burn, burns hotter I think (exhaust valves do not love propane)
BTU's per gallon about 90% of gasoline
You can usually make up for less energetic fuel through timing adjustments or propane specific cam...

Liquid draw tanks (BBQ is vapor draw tank) converted into vapor, delivered at any angle... It's cool stuff for sure...

The only exhaust should be CO2 (again, if running right), so yes/no on the "breath exhaust all day long" piece... CO2 is still an asphixiate.
(It will displace the oxygen that you need to live, well, that most need to live)

I have a 425 that needs rebuilt, bought it when I was going to go C3H8 but plans changed... couple of throttle plates too I believe... I gave all my tanks to CW...

btw, just for fun youtube "BLEVE" (pronounced 'BLEV-EE)
...Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion

jamie L · 11-09-2009, 08:28 PM

I love propane! Especially the fact that it doesn't spill out when I role over.

eighty3bronco · 11-09-2009, 11:55 PM

watching BLEVE movies on youtube is awsome but would not want to be near one in real life!

KargoMaster · 11-10-2009, 09:53 AM

like I said... just for fun...

I happened to catch a show on explosions last night... had some of the biggest ones filmed... LP train car was sick... tossed sections of car thousands of feet...

Anyway... I don't know that I've seen/heard many folks say that it was the worst thing they have done...

gothodgie · 11-10-2009, 01:25 PM

Thanks for all the info folks, it has been a big help.
I will for sure be using propane when i get to the motor/trans/tcase swap in my truck. I have almost everything i need now, just missing hoses and some fittings and some small stuff. Now i wish i could just find time to work on the truck. Gonna try to be ready for a test ride in early spring.

Oh yea, the 'bleve' video was great, and i have seen the train car explosion
on TV.

thanks again

cheapthrills49 · 12-30-2009, 10:17 PM

hodgie, go see the guys at Ohio hyd. they have every hose, fitting, and connectors or adapters you would ever need!

gothodgie · 12-31-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheapthrills49

hodgie, go see the guys at Ohio hyd. they have every hose, fitting, and connectors or adapters you would ever need!

Thanks... I have used them in the past for brake lines and some power steering hoses... And yes they can make just about any kind of hose..

10-27-2009, 10:11 PM	#1
gothodgie Join Date: May 2009 Location: loveland Posts: 843 Images: 49	propane conversion I am seriously considering running propane on the trail rig i am building. Seems to be the way to go these days. From what i have read here there are a few of you that are running propane on your trail rigs. I have tanks already and will be needing the rest of the parts. Was hoping i could get some advice, parts soures, how much $ i might expect to spend for the parts. Will be running a 4.3 chevy if it makes a difference at this point. thanks in advance.... __________________ chris hodges 96 fzj80 3x locked, 4"lift, 37s, homebrew sliders and bumpers,a work in progress 71 fj55, SOA, locked...The jungle bus... retired

10-28-2009, 12:00 AM	#3
carwash pimpin' IS easy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Union, KY Posts: 3,344 Images: 605	propane is gay... but if you must use it, check out the link above. His stuff is a little more pricey, but his kits are COMPLETE and the customer service is great. If you have issues or need help, you can count on him... __________________

10-28-2009, 10:30 AM	#5
boomhauer Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 188	propane is gay it may be gay but i've never seen a rig run as long as ur's on 1 tank b4 __________________ 95 yj, fresh fuel injected 302, c-6, twin sticked 205, 3 linked high pinion d60 front, double trianulated 4 linked 14 bolt rear (all aluminum links) locked both ends, 4:56 gears, full hydro steering, high steer, 4 wheel discs, 16" 2.5 fox air shocks, 39.5" irok's. just finishing a full frame-up redo thanks to a great friend and one knowledgable(sp?) s.o.b casey cravens for without him this could not have been done in such a short time and done right! LOOK OUT "WHITEY" HERE I COME!!!

10-28-2009, 10:36 AM	#6
carwash pimpin' IS easy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Union, KY Posts: 3,344 Images: 605	Ha, no kidding, i was amazed at how efficient it is. I ran the power valve way in, thinking i was gonna starve for fuel, but it seems i may have got it just right. Used just a little more than 2 tanks the entire weekend. 2 full days of wheeling... __________________

10-28-2009, 03:13 PM	#8
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	If I had 2 identical engines next to eachother both with flowmaster mufflers, could you tell a difference in them by sound? __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

10-27-2009, 11:34 PM	#2
Trigger Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Xenia, OH Posts: 281	Check out this site. Most of the guys I know that have done it use their kits. http://www.gotpropane.com/

10-28-2009, 01:06 PM	#7
Nuts Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: middletown,oh Posts: 508	Propane's not gay, its just misunderstood! I pieced mine together from junk and it works great!!! There can't be an easier fuel system to set up, a tank seems to last way longer than everyone told me they would, it runs at any angle, won't spill out if you roll over,and you can work on a running vehicle inside all day and it won't kill you. The only things I don't like about it are dragging 2 extra tanks around, and remembering to get them all filled before a trip.

10-28-2009, 03:58 PM	#9
Flxratd Retired Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hamilton/Ross Posts: 645	if your nose was plugged no but i will say driving it you will. when we put it on my buddies sammy (i know some of you have weedeater engines that have more power) it was like a fresh engine as far as the power was concerned. propane i think is like 110 octane and it sure made his feel alot more responsive __________________ One of these days Zuk 2.0

11-09-2009, 06:37 PM	#14
KargoMaster Cleaning off the rust... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,009	Hahah, just reading this... difference in sound, no difference in smell, should be minimal (almost "no") if running right 110 octane... yes-ish takes longer to burn, burns hotter I think (exhaust valves do not love propane) BTU's per gallon about 90% of gasoline You can usually make up for less energetic fuel through timing adjustments or propane specific cam... Liquid draw tanks (BBQ is vapor draw tank) converted into vapor, delivered at any angle... It's cool stuff for sure... The only exhaust should be CO2 (again, if running right), so yes/no on the "breath exhaust all day long" piece... CO2 is still an asphixiate. (It will displace the oxygen that you need to live, well, that most need to live) I have a 425 that needs rebuilt, bought it when I was going to go C3H8 but plans changed... couple of throttle plates too I believe... I gave all my tanks to CW... btw, just for fun youtube "BLEVE" (pronounced 'BLEV-EE) ...Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion __________________ brad 5.0L \| 435 \| 203 \| 300 \| 4.10 \| 39.5 Buildup BACK underway... Last edited by KargoMaster; 11-09-2009 at 06:44 PM.

11-09-2009, 08:28 PM	#15
jamie L Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 43	I love propane! Especially the fact that it doesn't spill out when I role over. __________________

11-09-2009, 11:55 PM	#16
eighty3bronco anywhere but there Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Blanchester, Oh Posts: 174	watching BLEVE movies on youtube is awsome but would not want to be near one in real life! __________________

11-10-2009, 09:53 AM	#17
KargoMaster Cleaning off the rust... Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 1,009	like I said... just for fun... I happened to catch a show on explosions last night... had some of the biggest ones filmed... LP train car was sick... tossed sections of car thousands of feet... Anyway... I don't know that I've seen/heard many folks say that it was the worst thing they have done... __________________ brad 5.0L \| 435 \| 203 \| 300 \| 4.10 \| 39.5 Buildup BACK underway...

11-10-2009, 01:25 PM	#18
gothodgie Join Date: May 2009 Location: loveland Posts: 843 Images: 49	Thanks for all the info folks, it has been a big help. I will for sure be using propane when i get to the motor/trans/tcase swap in my truck. I have almost everything i need now, just missing hoses and some fittings and some small stuff. Now i wish i could just find time to work on the truck. Gonna try to be ready for a test ride in early spring. Oh yea, the 'bleve' video was great, and i have seen the train car explosion on TV. thanks again __________________ chris hodges 96 fzj80 3x locked, 4"lift, 37s, homebrew sliders and bumpers,a work in progress 71 fj55, SOA, locked...The jungle bus... retired

12-30-2009, 10:17 PM	#19
cheapthrills49 VANILLA GORILLA Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: blanmolester, ohio.......stonelick lake Posts: 192	hodgie, go see the guys at Ohio hyd. they have every hose, fitting, and connectors or adapters you would ever need! __________________ I EAT BURRITOS ON EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!