LPG running report

[jakub]

For those considering LPG conversion I present few figures which might or might not help to decide. I have installed LPG four years ago, since then I’ve covered 4803 miles using in the process 3199 litres of LPG and around 100 litres of gasoline, that gives figure of 41,40 ltr/100 km on LPG and 42,70 combined or 5,5 and 5,7 MPG respectively.

Before conversion I did 988 miles with 44,7 or 5,3 MPG average.
Since that figures include all the driving, shows, parades and bit of off roading I collect data for highway driving. Petrol and LPG works out more or less same with 36 ltr/ 5,6 MPG figure with steady 30-35 MPH.

In contradiction to popular belief I can not see higher consumption on LPG, what is more important I can not see lower power output either. On the contrary I have feeling but not measurable data to support that, that on LPG vehicle has little bit more oomph, especially up the hill. Which might be easy explained by ancient design and poor workmanship of carburettor (cast iron in my case).

Since the LPG is about half price of petrol here the cost of installation paid itself off within first 1000 miles. The cost of installation with 100 l tank was around 400 euro/500 USD.

Servicing LPG installation requires filter replacement every so often, new filter element cost about 1 Euro and takes about 5 minutes. Since the installation consists of standard elements (tank, valves, vaporiser and very simple electronic) I can not see a problem for a future with replacing any of components if they become faulty.

Technically almost all installation is add on which allows to return to original condition in about 1 hour. Items which require alterations are head relief pipe which had to be cut to get hot water to vaporiser and carburettor body which had to be drilled to include LPG dosing pipe. The tank sits in the back with the wooden crate around it which looks like a part of truck cargo just between benches.

The only problematic issue is supplying electricity with original 6V installation. I have got around with simple and reliable system of two bike 6V batteries. Without being too elaborate after four years and almost 5000 miles I can say that it works. I have also tried 6V/12V electronic converter but it proved power consuming, troublesome and unreliable.

In conclusion I have always regarded LPG as fuel good enough for cookers only and nothing else but power of economics forced me to use it and after four years I am starting to appreciate it.

[rikgerards]

Hello Jakub

I can agree running the gmc on LPG is less expensive. I have running our truck on LPG for two years now without any trubble. I have about 120 litres in two tanks under the cargo bed. One round one behind the fuel tank and one oval one above the first rear axle. The problem to supply 12 volts for the LPG installation i know also about. In the beginning i had also a 6 to 12 volt converter this didn't work because the generater couldn't supply enough to keep the battery charged. ( i had one of the strongest converters). Know i run the LPG installation on 6 volts. I was so tired of the converter i just took it out and connected the installation to the 6 volt ignition switch. To my supprise the 12 volt valves and safty releay work just normal on 6 volts. Even starting on LPG with a good battery is no problem with the 6 volts. The only thing that does not work is the LPG level indicator. But i can live without five green lights .

Kind regards,

Rik

[Fernando Mendes]

http://yfrog.com/jdcckwmeuantesedepoisj
The previous owner used LPG in this GMC during fifteen years making bricks.

[Corne Lauwerijssen]

I have my LPG installation for about 5years know, works excellent and never failes! My fuelconsumption at the highway with an average speed between 40 and 45 is same as Jakub has. 40l/100km

I have a chosen for a large tank 230liter so I dont have to drive from fuelpumpstation to fuelpumpstation. I converted it from 6v to 12v, so I can use
all modern car 12v lightbulbs, battery, etc. With a modern alternator so it has no problems keeping to battery loaded.

It has absoluty no loss of power with LPG!

Greets,
Corné

[Fernando Mendes]

Mine is 12 volts too.I have no problem with it.Now I bought 4 news NDT military tires 7,50x20".First I put two on front axle balanced.Made two new completely pins and bushings from tie rod end.Do you have a pic of your truck?

[Barry Churcher]

A few years ago I imported a DAF Ya314 into Canada. In Holland the truck was equipped with LPG??? but I had the tank removed for shipping.
I thought this would have prevented the container from being placarded with an explosive sticker. When we went to unload the container I noticed all the "EXPLOSIVE" stickers all over it. Obviously removing the tank didn't work and I had to pay large. I have since wanted to reinstall the tank but never have. I noticed the fill line is equipped with a fitting that is different than the ones used in Canada/USA. Is there an adapter available? The fitting actually looks closer to the one used on Natural gas vehicles. Could it use natural gas and not LPG. I hesitate to do anything until I am better informed.
Barry

[Fernando Mendes]

I have a pic to send to you with one exhaust valve tosted(damaged) from my 270 engine when it used LPG.I would like to know if the causes were the LPG.

[Fernando Mendes]

http://yfrog.com/bcimagem269j
I have a pic to send to you with one exhaust valve tosted(damaged) from my 270 engine when it used LPG.I would like to know if the causes were the LPG.