Propane? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MercedesRover · #1 02-26-2004, 11:44 AM

Speaking of propane, has anyone ever put propane injection to a 2.4 diesel? Anyone know of a company making kits? Seems like an easy way for a few extra horses.

jim

R Leo · #2 02-26-2004, 11:48 AM

Do it and report back. We're all curious to hear what happens to a Benz diesel with propane injection but we're too chicken to try it out.

vwbuge · #3 02-26-2004, 01:12 PM

There is a guy on another site that has his SD boost turned up to like 20psi with propane injection. It is still together as far as I know.

westkill · #4 02-26-2004, 05:01 PM

I did the Mercedes diesel to International Travelall conversion. I have the boost cranked up to 13.5 psi. I intercooled it using a intercooler from a ford probe. The propane is set to inject when I hit about 5-6 pounds boost. It is controlled by a adjustable Hobbs pressure switch which screws in to the intake manifold. (Theres a plug near the rear you can remove and srew in switch). I also have a manual overide button that I use to give me propane earlier, such as coming off a light with a grade and boost hasn't built up yet.
The instalation is nothing more than a barbeque propane tank with an adjustable regulator, like an acetylene setup. LPG grade hose which runs to the firewall where you use a 12v pressure fuel lock. I got mine from a place that runs there fleet on LPG. From there you run the hose into the aircleaner. I used a fitting I had like an air hose coupler. The wiring basically controls the 12V pressure switch. Energize it an propane injects. THe closer interlock switch is to the aircleaner the better. You get less lag when you hit it. THe adjustable regulator is set to about 1 1/2 lbs
THe power difference is UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!
Propane is 118 octane. If you rev the benz to 1000rpm and hold it there and hit the button, the motor goes to 3500 Rpm instantly!!!!
AS far as safety issues I am not going to get into it. My vehicle I have it in, now resembles a 4 door pickup so my cylinders are mounted ina compt that is now technically in the "BED" portion..
Could you mount it in your trunk, sure I guess but a safe vent would be ideal. It is up to you to decide how and where to mount the tank. Keep in mind that there are alot of propane/Nat gas vehicles on the road that come with the tanks mounted in the trunk from the factory.
THe mercedes motor accepts propane wonderfully. I drove that truck to Carlisle PA from LOng Island and the "juice" was on most of the time due to the hills. Drove there and back and didn't even burn up one tank. I think its the best thing since sliced bread.
Good luck Mike Moran

#5 02-26-2004, 06:13 PM

Bully dog makes kits for American
diesel engines.

I'm sure you could adapt one to our engines.

Louis.

coachgeo · #6 02-26-2004, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by westkill
I did the Mercedes diesel to International Travelall conversion. ..

What MB motor is now in your Burb?

84300DT · #7 02-26-2004, 06:48 PM

cool rover!! a friend has a rover but with a bmw diesel in it ... awesome machine, but surely not built the way you did yours, hehe

westkill · #8 02-26-2004, 07:24 PM

The motor in the International is a 1983 5 cyl. turbo diesel and tranny from a 83 SD

#9 02-26-2004, 11:49 PM

How long have you had the LPG setup? Any problems with it or the engine?

How did you come up with the 1-1/2lb figure?

coachgeo · #10 02-26-2004, 11:59 PM

yes more details please.!!! Was this a 617 turbo? I have 617 turbo engine in my 5.25 ton Unimog and need some help rolling along up grades with out being run over by truckers etc. I have a LP injection system waiting for me to install.

westkill · #11 02-27-2004, 10:46 AM

Yes the engine is the turbo version. I have had the setup last june. No problems to date. As far as the 1 1/2 lb # that was by trial and error. If you have too much pressure the engine will "ping" letting you know its too much. Its something you have too play with. Once you have it, you lock the pressure adjustment "T" handle on the regulator. Your adjustment will vary because the longer the distance the tank is from the aircleaner is, the pressure will drop.
I am going to take photos and post them to my Yahoo Photos acount. I will post the link when I'm done. Mike

81Wagon · #12 05-02-2004, 01:30 AM

Just came across this interesting thread. Any updates, westkill? You never posted any pics...

vwbuge · #13 05-02-2004, 10:50 AM

SOunds great. Where do I sign up? I think the boost on these engines are supposed to be 13.5 psi. I have a manual boost controller installed on mine. I adjusted to 13.5 after spiking it to 15. I came up from the 8 psi. (CA emissions)
If you want bang for the buck, the boost controller is the way to go. It only takes an hour or so to install.

westkill · #14 05-02-2004, 01:28 PM

Hi guys,
I'm sorry about the pics. I forgot all about it. I have been working on the SVO conversion ( Veg oil) and that I must say works great. Flip the switch and drive for free! I will, I promise take pics and post them to my yahoo account and will post the link. Heres the link for the veg oil conversion for all those interested.

http://biodiesel.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=447609751&f=898605551

coachgeo · #15 05-02-2004, 02:34 PM

Hope you dont mind me wanting to really wring your brain out to get info on your whole setup. It sounds like a PERFECT arrangemetn for my needs.

I look forward to any info you can give on the LP boost setup, Probe intercooler etc. My 5.25TON MB w/the 617 turb really needs this for highway upgrades. (Pic below) Do you have an EGT gauge too?

George

PS. I have a place where we can permanently post some of your pics so they will be available for future searches. Yahoo pics is very hard to get links to etc. I try to put together the FAQ's over at the SVO forum. I would LOVE to include in the FAQ's info/pics on your SVO conversion of your 617 engine. You can contact me at coachgeo@hotmail.com to discuss further.