Cars can be modified to operate on liquid propane gas (LPG). The conversion reduces the pollution output from the vehicle and may reduce the cost of operation. While the mileage may remain consistent with that prior to the conversion, the cost of LPG is often less than gasoline. The conversion requires several tools and some specialised equipment, available from LP gas dealers, although it can be accomplished by a home mechanic, according to the magazine “Mother Earth News.”
Step One
Choose a tank with a large capacity. Refilling an LPG tank is not as easy as stopping at the local petrol station. Make sure the tank has enough capacity to provide for vehicle operations until you can return to a known LPG fuel source. LPG tanks are available from propane gas distributors.
Step Two
Install the LPG tank. Because of differences in requirements between gasoline and LPG tanks, it is likely the tanks are not interchangeable. Determine a safe location for the LPG tank and install according to the instructions that come with the tank.
Step Three
Install a converter. This device converts the liquid propane to a gas that can power the vehicle. The conversion process causes extremely cold temperatures. The converter is placed so the heat generated by the engine prevents icing of the converter. Converters are commercially available.
Step Four
ANOTHER WAY - Install a jet in the carburettor. These jets, sometimes called spud-in jets, are the inlet for the gas to enter the vehicle's carburettor, where it mixes with air for combustion.
Step Five
Attach two hoses to the converter. One hose carries the LPG from the tank to the carburettor; the other carries the gas from the converter to the jets attached to the carburettor. The hose from the tank to the converter carries liquid under pressure and should be high quality. This hose may need to be specially ordered from an aircraft parts supplier.
Step Six
Divert coolant from the radiator to the converter to prevent it from freezing up. This requires a heater hose and fittings. Run an electrical wire from the converter to the dash and install a switch to operate the primer on the converter. An on/off valve can be installed in the line between the tank and converter as a safety feature.
Step Seven
Operate the engine as you normally would. Standard maintenance, such as changing the oil, oil filter and air filter, should be continued.