Propane kit for MB?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

amosfella · #1 12-28-2009, 07:43 PM

Are there any kits to allow mercedes cars to run on straight propane?? I might be looking for one of these as well as a old car for an experiment I"m working on...

truckinik · #2 12-28-2009, 07:48 PM

A close friend of mine made this mod to his, a few years back. He used a simple, generic propane kit, which actually came out of the stock room of our local phone company, of which used them in Chevy Cavaliers, and Ford Escorts. All the systems are basically the same, and have the same components, and can prettymuch be installed on whatever you've got. They aren't make/model specific at all.

amosfella · #3 12-28-2009, 07:55 PM

I was looking for the mb specific fittings for the engine... If they're not hard to get, any well regarded propane kit from a reputable manufacturer will be ok??

truckinik · #4 12-28-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosfella

I was looking for the mb specific fittings for the engine... If they're not hard to get, any well regarded propane kit from a reputable manufacturer will be ok??

Yes, any decent system will work. They're all engineered the same. The fittings are all the same too, as long as they're metric. Everything from the kit worked on his car, and no "additional shopping" had to be done.

quaid · #5 12-30-2009, 05:17 AM

Depending on what you want to fit it to, there is a special mixer available for K/KE jetronic Mercedes, which fits neatly inside the original air filter housing.

I have one installed in my propane powered W126, and it works great, and retains the original look.

Ivanerrol · #6 12-30-2009, 05:42 AM

There are many many vehicles running LPG in Australia.
My brother in law owns one of the largest importers of Kits and installers in Australia.

The kits are very successful - depending on the money you want to spend.
Older cars - those carburetor versions are the simplest to convert.
Newer cars require a fairly extensive modification - (Don't forget that newer cars also have to pass emission regulations).

Not many Mercedes have had the conversion done. Those that have them done seem to be very happy with them - there wives will tell you a different story.

The best conversions on a K/KE jet system do away with the fuel head, injectors, O2 sensor, and supply a new ECU. There is also a system to start the engine on petroleum and then change over to L.P.gas after the car is running. Further a top end lubrication system is recommended. So you can see that the cost of this optimal setup is more than the car is worth.

You need to be very careful with a K jet car and the system as mentioned in above posts. Propane and LPG is susceptible to back fire. One backfire through your inlet manifold can render your AFM and throttle plates history.

amosfella · #7 12-30-2009, 11:01 AM

My experiment is something completely different. I'd be buying an older car to experiment with. If it works out, it will be well worth the expense of the kit...

MattBelliveau · #8 12-30-2009, 12:17 PM

I remember being a pictorial on this in a W123 on here several years back; I'm not sure if it's still on here. It used typical fittings from the plumbing section of Sears, as well as some sort of controller for the cabin...

...then again, I just saw that you want to run STRAIGHT...

strelnik · #9 12-30-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckinik

Yes, any decent system will work. They're all engineered the same. The fittings are all the same too, as long as they're metric. Everything from the kit worked on his car, and no "additional shopping" had to be done.

Anyone got any names?

It seems a possible advantage would be the ability to avoid dilution of engine oil by fuel until the vehicle's engine is fully warmed and operational. Plus, I don't think that prop[ane goes bad in the can, like gas, after 6 months, does it? Or longer?

amosfella · #10 12-30-2009, 01:28 PM

I suppose a regular gas/propane kit would work. but I have no intention of running propane. Got another idea....

cheapold280ce · #11 12-30-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosfella

My experiment is something completely different. I'd be buying an older car to experiment with. If it works out, it will be well worth the expense of the kit...

Are you thinking diesel to propane or Gas/petrol to Propane ?

amosfella · #12 12-30-2009, 06:34 PM

gasoline to propane kit. Was thinking about a diesel as well for this... But that's further down the line...

truckinik · #13 12-30-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amosfella

I suppose a regular gas/propane kit would work. but I have no intention of running propane. Got another idea....

I got an idea...You can try running Gasoline..I heard that vehicles can run on that stuff. I also saw the movie "Red Dawn" and learned that Urin, will cool a vehicle, and can sufficiently substitute Antifreeze...