RickyDL77
03-13-2012, 11:28 AM
:drinkup: The owner of this Company I work for wants to start converting the fleet of small engines over to propane. Anyone done this? Attended a seminar Monday with one of our local prpane distributers and a somewhat "new" conversion kit they want us to try. The name is AltFuel and can be found at
AltFuelconv.com.
The kit is simple enough to install and setup for a normal mechanic without much prior experience. It uses a plate that replaces the insulator and keeps the carburator so that it can easily be switched between the 2 fuels. Installs in about an hour with very "easy" adjustments. the following is a copy/paste of the email i sent to the company CEO and VP. Let me know your thoughts and whether you have used this or a similar kit. Thanks in advance. Keeps in mind we will have 112 Wright Standers, and about 300 other small engines that might be converted.
Feel free to tear this thread a new one, it's a big change with potentially greater risks involved for a company that has never used propane. I myself did not know the first thing about propane before 3-12-12
here is a brief description of what I gathered at the Seminar on Monday.
Pros:
1. Cheaper than gas, propane is going down in cost while gas is rising.
2. Propane is mostly produced in the States.
3. Potential for longer engine life, and the life of the oil (cleaner oil, less oil changes).
4. Cleaner than gas for the environment (up to 90% cleaner) not entirely sure on this.
5. Duel fuel capable, can switch back to gas whenever needed.
6. Simple installation and setup once familiar with the process.
7. Can be reused, taken off one engine and onto another.
8. 1-1 conversion fuel ratio, usually greater fuel economy when using Propane.
Cons:
1. $500-$800 per machine for kits.
2. Only recommended for engines between 25-500 hrs with like new compression. (only applies to V-twins)
3. Tanks do not like inclines greater than 15*, anything greater can cause valve lock and possible damage to pump. (it’s a Vapor system, greater inclines causes the liquid to enter system)
4. Needs Iridium spark plugs, about $20 a piece, 2 per Stander and hard to find. (normal plugs can be used with life expectancy of 3 months, chemicals in the propane erodes the metals used in most spark plugs...Platinum also seems to withstand the erosion with almost twice the life).
5. Adjustment Valve is not tamper proof, guys could easily mess with it and cause engine damage.
6. Is not EPA approved. This allows for the kits to be self installed, otherwise they would need to be installed by someone EPA approved, raising the costs well over $1000.
7. Minor engine ailments now become more prolific, valve timing, leaky gaskets, burning oil…these things are more likely to cause greater problems(propane is more picky)
Other thoughts if we try this route:
1. Will need a trained employee to fill tanks each day, takes much longer than filling gas tanks. A&B Propane will set up a filling station and train someone to operate it.
2. Doug at A&B will get us the kits with no markup in cost, they just want the business.
3. All will not happen overnight, will take 1-2 years to convert everything to propane with the restrictions on older engines and the process of learning something totally new to this company. We could put the systems onto higher hour engines but the chance of engine failure greatly increases (this could possibly be done in a season).
4. Would recommend converting 1 crew with all new mowers (or new engines) to get familiar with the new system and the new duties that will come along with it.
5. These kits can convert all 4 cycle engines from 1-45hp, none fuel injected, so that eventually everything can be converted.
6. I am going to work with Chris at Wright Mfg to come up with best way to install systems onto new machines as not to void warranty. Seen a Wright Stander already converted but it loses the Gas tank, the cylinder takes it’s place. Could install in 2 other possible locations allowing for the gas tank to still be utilized and a duel fuel system to be harnessed.
7. Systems are warranted but has to be returned to manufacturer and a replacement sent out, none serviceable.
8. It is estimated that the kits would pay for themselves in less than a year.
Any other questions I might be able to answer, if not I will find out.
AltFuelconv.com.
The kit is simple enough to install and setup for a normal mechanic without much prior experience. It uses a plate that replaces the insulator and keeps the carburator so that it can easily be switched between the 2 fuels. Installs in about an hour with very "easy" adjustments. the following is a copy/paste of the email i sent to the company CEO and VP. Let me know your thoughts and whether you have used this or a similar kit. Thanks in advance. Keeps in mind we will have 112 Wright Standers, and about 300 other small engines that might be converted.
Feel free to tear this thread a new one, it's a big change with potentially greater risks involved for a company that has never used propane. I myself did not know the first thing about propane before 3-12-12
here is a brief description of what I gathered at the Seminar on Monday.
Pros:
1. Cheaper than gas, propane is going down in cost while gas is rising.
2. Propane is mostly produced in the States.
3. Potential for longer engine life, and the life of the oil (cleaner oil, less oil changes).
4. Cleaner than gas for the environment (up to 90% cleaner) not entirely sure on this.
5. Duel fuel capable, can switch back to gas whenever needed.
6. Simple installation and setup once familiar with the process.
7. Can be reused, taken off one engine and onto another.
8. 1-1 conversion fuel ratio, usually greater fuel economy when using Propane.
Cons:
1. $500-$800 per machine for kits.
2. Only recommended for engines between 25-500 hrs with like new compression. (only applies to V-twins)
3. Tanks do not like inclines greater than 15*, anything greater can cause valve lock and possible damage to pump. (it’s a Vapor system, greater inclines causes the liquid to enter system)
4. Needs Iridium spark plugs, about $20 a piece, 2 per Stander and hard to find. (normal plugs can be used with life expectancy of 3 months, chemicals in the propane erodes the metals used in most spark plugs...Platinum also seems to withstand the erosion with almost twice the life).
5. Adjustment Valve is not tamper proof, guys could easily mess with it and cause engine damage.
6. Is not EPA approved. This allows for the kits to be self installed, otherwise they would need to be installed by someone EPA approved, raising the costs well over $1000.
7. Minor engine ailments now become more prolific, valve timing, leaky gaskets, burning oil…these things are more likely to cause greater problems(propane is more picky)
Other thoughts if we try this route:
1. Will need a trained employee to fill tanks each day, takes much longer than filling gas tanks. A&B Propane will set up a filling station and train someone to operate it.
2. Doug at A&B will get us the kits with no markup in cost, they just want the business.
3. All will not happen overnight, will take 1-2 years to convert everything to propane with the restrictions on older engines and the process of learning something totally new to this company. We could put the systems onto higher hour engines but the chance of engine failure greatly increases (this could possibly be done in a season).
4. Would recommend converting 1 crew with all new mowers (or new engines) to get familiar with the new system and the new duties that will come along with it.
5. These kits can convert all 4 cycle engines from 1-45hp, none fuel injected, so that eventually everything can be converted.
6. I am going to work with Chris at Wright Mfg to come up with best way to install systems onto new machines as not to void warranty. Seen a Wright Stander already converted but it loses the Gas tank, the cylinder takes it’s place. Could install in 2 other possible locations allowing for the gas tank to still be utilized and a duel fuel system to be harnessed.
7. Systems are warranted but has to be returned to manufacturer and a replacement sent out, none serviceable.
8. It is estimated that the kits would pay for themselves in less than a year.
Any other questions I might be able to answer, if not I will find out.