I'd like some knowledgeable feedback on this setup....

http://www.motorhomemagazine.com/forums/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/CFB/1/Tid/198668/DoOnePage/Yes.cfm


Thanks.

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79 300SD - $50 out of pocket purchase
03 Dodge Ram 3500 CTD
2003 VW Jetta TDI

"It gives diesel fuel the ability to give a complete burn."

Not true. Over 99% of diesel burns in the engine when there is enough air. Propane is just another fuel. That's it. It's not a catalyst and it does not it does not help it burn completely. You can get exactly the same effect by turning up the full load adjustment.

MPG goes up with the use of propane for the same reason. You are burning two fuels instead of one. Diesels only put out what power they need to maintain a speed. That propane fuel is adding power so you won't use as much pedal to do the same speed and the result is more MPG. If you measure the amount of Diesel AND propane used, you will actually see lower MPG because propane has less BTU's per liquid gallon.

Ever see a Schwans food truck converted to propane? They only get 2-3MPG.

OK, here is a perfect example. My water/methanol injection setup and DYNO printout. Injecting pure water gave me the exact same HP and TQ as nothing at all. When a water mix with Methanol was injected, I gained 3HP. That's because the methanol is working as a second fuel the same way propane would.

The only benefit to propane and water injection is the heat energy absorption (intercooler effect) as they convert from a liquid to a gas.

Is that truck originally gas powered? If so sounds like somethings wrong. Should get the same mileage as gas. P.S. you get an interview yet?

Yes, they are 8.1L Vortec V8 gassers. They have two huge tanks on the frame and only see about 200miles on both.

Interview?

Didnt you apply at UP? I thought we talked about that.
Is there some sort of computer adapter to change the spark timing map on those engines? If ignition timing doesnt come really fast with propane both power and mileage will suffer.

they tell you water is bad for the engine but then they tell you that when you make alot of power you need to put water in the engine(mist)... weird world we live in

Ah. I have not heard back from them.

But I'm only injecting 300cc/minute, nowhere enough to hurt a loaded engine (I'm thinking of moving up to 400 or 500cc/min). Sucking up a pool of water.... not such a good thing.

It's not a conversion, it's an augmentation. Google "propane injection diesel", and read up. I'd prefer something that tied flow rate to boost pressure, but it does work.
My setup.

Which, while true, isn't the important measurement. When comparing fuels you need to measure MPBTU rather than MPG so that you get a fair comparison. MPG will only tell you you need more volume of fuel, thus a bigger tank. Finally it all boils down to MP$F (Miles Per Dollar of Fuel)

So if augmenting with propane is cheaper per mile (by enough to make up for the install cost) then it makes sense, otherwise it's a waste.

On a seperate note, anything wrong with burning JetA other than needing additional lubricants?
-nB

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'83 300D Turbo
Current: ???K mi - 19.2mpg -> 17.4mpg -> 22.9mpg ---> ODO Died
bought at: 233.8K mi - 10MPG For $1.00
3.5 cylinders work: 320 320 100 340 280
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