Multi Fuel engine on propane?

[firefox]

Thanks to all who responded!
Bruce

 

[Autocar]

The reason gasoline engines are converted to propane and not diesel engines is that the air/fuel ratio must be correct. Gasoline engines meter both air and fuel where a diesel engine meters only fuel. You can't just dump propane into a diesel engine because there is no way to meter the air flow to get the right air/fuel ratio.

 

[JasonS]

I have seen very large diesel engines which run on natural gas and light off using a diesel pilot injection.

 

[Autocar]

I have seen very large diesel engines which run on natural gas and light off using a diesel pilot injection.

Correct. Butterfly valves are installed in the intake manifolds and are usually controlled with pneumatic rams. There is usually a very complex control box that meters air flow and controls propane flow(usually by altering propane manifold pressure). About 10% pilot diesel injection is used to fire off the mixture. The engines are called "Dual Fuel" engines.

 

[islandguydon]

Propane will work on start-up on cold days, but to run completely on propane is not good at all. The fuel has no lubricating properties at all.

Don

 

[charger]

I figure the answer is no, but I have to ask. Is it possible to
get a Multi Fuel or diesel engine set up so that it will run on propane or natural gas?
Bruce

a fuel like propane added to the air intake doesn't ignite at the timed ignition point of diesel, it will lift the head, propane kits for diesels are a scam

 

[m16ty]

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc1URQgQWNo&playnext=1&list=PL9775EE38AE452AFC[/media]

 

[jj]

Seem to recall that the Burlington Northern RR experimented with some propane fueled railroad locomotives. A pair of locomotives with a tank car of fuel in between them. I have no idea about the actual engines, though. It would take some doing to put spark plugs and an ignition system on a railroad sized diesel engine.

 

[Pinz25086]

Mack ran tests a few years ago on compressed natural gas powered garbage trucks. They had quite a few out in the field testing them and they did work. They never released it out to the public as it was hard to find a CNG fueling station. I know we are discussing propane but the idea is the same.
Mack Trucks, Inc. Brings Natural Gas Power To Refuse Applications

Wayne

 

[5tonpuller]

I have been running propane in the 5 ton for years. AS a supplement. A boost. The more you feed it the more power you get. ET get hi fast on a good pull. I found out that the best rpm to use it is between 1900 and 2200. Any more then what I am feeding it I think would make the multi confused and the parts will fly. Most D motors use it as a boosting aid. Like NO2 in a gas motor. Lots of gas means lots of power. Will the multi take it? I dont think so. At least that much.

 

[charger]

Seem to recall that the Burlington Northern RR experimented with some propane fueled railroad locomotives. A pair of locomotives with a tank car of fuel in between them. I have no idea about the actual engines, though. It would take some doing to put spark plugs and an ignition system on a railroad sized diesel engine.

a company called Westport converts diesel engines to natural gas, they have their own natural gas injectors, that inject it like diesel fuel,

 

[charger]

I have been running propane in the 5 ton for years. AS a supplement. A boost. The more you feed it the more power you get. ET get hi fast on a good pull. I found out that the best rpm to use it is between 1900 and 2200. Any more then what I am feeding it I think would make the multi confused and the parts will fly. Most D motors use it as a boosting aid. Like NO2 in a gas motor. Lots of gas means lots of power. Will the multi take it? I dont think so. At least that much.

nitous oxide acts to increase the oxygen content of the incoming air in a gas or diesel engine, more o2 better stronger combustion when the diesel is injected, it is non flammable and not a fuel, propane is a fuel and when added to the incoming air on a diesel engine ignites out of tme and outside of the bowl

 

[Verkstad]

I figure the answer is no, but I have to ask. Is it possible to
get a Multi Fuel or diesel engine set up so that it will run on propane or natural gas?
Bruce

I would say most likely yes, Costwise practical, Probably not.
Motors running on NG are very common on stationary applications.
Basically a Diesel motor fitted with sparkplugs and ignition. Caterpillar and Hino are the 2 I have worked along side on the electrical part of their installations.

Of course fitting that old multifuel armymotor would be a top skilled machinists project.

Have Fun,
Jakob

 

[charger]

the best improvements cost wise, are guages, intercooling, correct timing, efficient exhaust and intake system, good injectors set right, pump mods and twins

 

[OPCOM]

nitous oxide acts to increase the oxygen content of the incoming air in a gas or diesel engine, more o2 better stronger combustion when the diesel is injected, it is non flammable and not a fuel, propane is a fuel and when added to the incoming air on a diesel engine ignites out of tme and outside of the bowl

A nitrous oxide trick I have seen is to light a cigarette, inhale nitrous oxide, and immediately exhale through the cigarette. The coal becomes a white hot torch and will burn through a pie plate or aluminum beer can. Bets were won. The nitrous can't burn by itself so it was presumed 'safe' to do the trick but I would not do it.

 

[Jump Start]

Better stay away from this they say propane and natural gas cause cancer in CA

 

[frodobaggins]

Better stay away from this they say propane and natural gas cause cancer in CA

I'll just stay out of California.

 

[xenocath]

my thoughts exactly!

 

[cvh20]

Propane or natural gas is commonly used in big diesel generators to conserve fuel and make the diesel tanks last longer. It is fairly expensive option though.

 

[maddawg308]

That propane music video just isn't right without Hank Hill singing it...