propane powered diesel - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

CHAPP · #1 05-15-2002, 05:50 AM

Has anyone used the system where propane is entered though the air intake...giving more power less smoke and better fuel milage. I know of a ford diesel application....Mercedes???

Wasuchi · #2 05-15-2002, 11:53 AM

I think this has been discussed some. Generally I think just about everyone thinks it would shorten the engine life. Might try a search, I think there was a thread 4 or 5 months ago.

#3 05-15-2002, 12:08 PM

Apparently, for VW TDI cars in Europe, such devices are as common as NO2 injection systems among American hot rodders, and there's lots of stuff about it to be found at the tdi site -- claims of diesel Golves approaching 250KPH on the Autobahn, even.

The Warden · #4 05-15-2002, 03:50 PM

Honestly, if you were careful about it, I don't see any reason why engine life would be shortened. If you install an EGT (pyro) gauge and watched it with the propane on, and if you took your foot out of it when the temp gets to 1200° or so (pre-turbo; 900° post-turbo), I don't see any reason why the engine would live any less.

In fact, propane can be a good thing, from what I've heard...mileage goes up and the EGT's can actually cool down some. I haven't had any direct experience with it...simply 'cause I haven't had the $$ or, really, the need, to hot-rod any of my diesels... However, if I decided to hot-rod a diesel, my first step would be an EGT gauge, second would be an straight exhaust pipe (if legal; it's not legal on my F-250 since it's a non-turbo, but it would be on a 300D-T if I so wished; this entails removing the muffler), third would be some form of ram-air, and fourth would be propane injection.

BTW, a Ford guy I know used barbecue parts to install a propane setup on his F-250...I think it cost him less than $200, and he's been quite happy with it.

He did a write-up of it on his webpage; if you want to see it, you can go here: http://www.members.shaw.ca/k2pilot/Propane%20article.html

Just my $.02...good luck!

Wasuchi · #5 05-15-2002, 04:02 PM

Personally I think it could be good if you were careful. There are a lot of people that know a lot more about MB Diesels than me here though.

Hey Warden, ever get a new injection pump for your 6.9?

The Warden · #6 05-15-2002, 05:20 PM

I'd forgotten that I had mentioned needing an injector pump on here. I haven't put one in yet, but I'll order one from DIS tomorrow. Once that's done, I can drive the truck and won't have to rely on the van...and after that, I'll probably put the van on eBay so I can get my Benz!

CHAPP · #7 05-18-2002, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the good info and insight. I read the homemade recipe on the webpage and it looks it really "cooks"...but I don't want a hodrod...I just want more power/less smoke, and to burn off the extra fuel. I'm getting ready to do a valve job (bad #2 exhaust,leakdown test) and want to come back with propane. I hate to pay $ 549 for a "kit" worth $200 at best. My engine has less than 100K since overhaul and I have keep the fluids and filters changed...I think it will work. The cleanest engine I ever ran was a CAT tow motor forklift powered by propane. It was 5 years old when I started running it and the engine was as clean as new.

rickg · #8 05-22-2002, 01:42 AM

Kinda off the point, but at the machine shop I work at we make parts for a company near Tacoma, Washington that converts large diesels to run on natural gas. I mean big, as in train locomotives. Go to http://www.energyconversions.com/

mreid · #9 05-23-2002, 12:13 AM

Back in the eighties it was common to put propane injection on highway tractors. Improved performance and all that good stuff with nothing bad to the engine. I am not aware of anything for a small diesel in a car. I am sure you would like it if you could find a proper kit. If not done right over fueling will do serious damage.

The Warden · #10 05-23-2002, 02:01 AM

I believe there's a propane setup specifically designed for the VW TDi...may be a Bullydog product, but I'm not sure. I doubt something exists specifically for the 5 cyl M-B diesels...but I don't see why it would be hard to adapt something (or, as I mentioned earlier, start from scratch)...

Fathead · #11 05-24-2002, 12:17 PM

Gents,

I was strongly considering this for my '83 300CD to bring the motor up to the chassis capability. It is very cool indeed.

Since another member of this forum is flying to Texas to buy the CD tomorrow, I won't be converting that car. But my newly purchased '92 W124 diesel might see it next year...

IMPORTANT NOTE: Injecting LP into diesel fuel is very much like NO2 injection and it has many of the same hazards.

The LP acts as a catalyst to improve the combustion of the diesel. The LP itself is used in such small quantities it has almost zero fuel value.

The hazards I've heard about include snapped halfshafts, gear rings ripped off, and EGT heat.

A friends son juiced his Dodge/Cummins up to 750 lb-ft of torque and removed the 5th gear from his transmission while crossing the Rockies. Hmmm...

One Golf TDI owner reported ~60mpg and 1,500 miles per 5 gallon tank of LP. Yikes!

Check out this web site:

http://www.diesel************************/faq.html

mikemover · #12 05-25-2002, 01:39 AM

Using propane, nitrous, or anything else, to get more power from an otherwise unmodified engine WILL shorten it's lifespan.

HOW MUCH, is always variable and debateable, but regardless:

More hp = more wear = shorter lifespan.

Period.

There's no way around it.

If you want neck-snapping performance, and you have a diesel, you're driving the wrong car.

Mike

zbenz · #13 05-25-2002, 04:49 PM

I think I might try this on my Chevette first. Lots of questions though. These are valving, metering, and how much volume is needed. Any ideas or advise?