How to Convert a Gasoline Engine to LP Gas

If your skills lean toward the mechanically inclined, taking on a vehicle conversion from a gasoline fuel system to one using liquid propane might be your kind of project. Not only does the challenge offer an abundance of tinkering, the conversion saves money as well. Liquid propane runs cleaner than gasoline, saving you money on fuel costs as well as engine repair. Additionally, most urban areas stock propane supplies, so if you live in a medium-sized town or bigger, you shouldnt have a problem finding propane refill stations.

Instructions

1

Determine which vehicle youre going to convert to run on liquid propane. Choose a car that already operates without any major problems.

2

Decide whether you want your vehicle system to use a conversion with electronic monitoring or not with monitoring tends to cost more to install. Choose the appropriate system and buy the necessary conversion kit.

3

Confirm the conversion kit you buy includes a fuel mixer such as a carburetor, hoses, actuators, fuel tank and appropriate valves. Pick the kit that matches your vehicle; kits are built specific to car makes and models.

4

Locate where you will install the propane storage tank. Place it in the vehicle if you have room and want to keep your gasoline tank intact to switch back in the future. Position the propane tank so that it can be secured into place with metal straps and has enough clearance that car parts as well as the road do not interfere with operation.

5

Hire a mechanic to adjust your car engine timing and compression settings to match the propane fuel demands per the information provided with your kit. Have the mechanic also set up your modified gas lines from the propane tank, into the kit carburetor and the engine intake valve.

6

Direct the mechanic to bifurcate the propane fuel flow line with an emergency shut-off valve. Wire the valve so that it shuts off when the car engine power is turned off or the car stops in an accident.

7

Open the fuel line once the system is completely installed. Do not start the car yet. Check every line, hose and valve for leaking propane to confirm the system is truly sealed. Start the car when comfortable no leaks exist. Use a screwdriver to adjust the carburetor idle screw, setting the engine idle speed.

8

Monitor the propane fuel systems performance on flow by occasionally pulling the engine spark plugs with a socket wrench. Increase the fuel flow if the plugs are chalky white and decrease if they are sooty black. Run the system as normal if the plug tips show a brown color.