Compressed Natural Gas / Gasoline dual fuel 3

[SolderingGunslinger]

When I was starting to drive, I remember many farmers converting their pick-up trucks to run on either Propane or Gasoline. Obviously, this was before Fuel injection was common.

Does anyone make a dual fuel carburetor? I would be interested in finding one which would allow operation on either gasoline or Natural Gas.

Alternatively, I could switch the old ford from carburetion to Throttle Body Injection. I have a 2-bbl intake manifold to replace the tri-power (6-pack…Three Deuces…etc.) intake to simplify the conversion.

Thanks for your help.

I remain,

The Old Soldering Gunslinger

 

[patprimmer]

Most if not all dual fuel conversions left the original carby in place and added a device in the air filter region to metre the propane.

There are also systems to do this with fuel injection.

If you contact any local conversion specialist, he should be able to show you conversion kits.



Regards
pat pprimmer@acay.com.au
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[curious125]

Pat is right,
I have seen a unit where there was a second fuel rail added with modified fuel injectors for use with propane. The system was set up that each fuel source was seperate all the way through to injection (storage, pumps, injectors)
By toggling a switch you could choose the fuel of choice, and the appropriate fuel injection computer would be active (one for each fuel)

 

[franzh]

While some of the bolt on components may be available for the consumer, there are no generic fuel injection packages for the aftermarket. Each one is especially tailored for the specific engine family. In the US, the "toss on and see what doesn't fall off" has for all purposes killed the aftermarket vehicle propane and CNG conversion industry due to shoddy workmanship, archaic carburetion equipment, and no emission certification. Just because it is a gaseous fuel doesn't mean that it is cleaner than gasoline.
Franz

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[SolderingGunslinger]

Thanks to everyone who replied.

It looks like I will need to go the Fuel Injection route on the old FE block Ford before I take the next step and convert to Compressed Natural Gas.

My reasons for this are simple.

1) The 390 is a Premium burner. Premium Unleaded gasoline availabel in Tucson still requires an octane boost additive for the engine to run properly. CNG is approx 120 Octane equiv.

2) CNG runs approx $.75 (US) per GEG (Gasoline Equiv. Gallon) Premium $2.129 + $.27 for the Octane Boost (US)

3) It is going to be 80 degrees farenheit this week in Tucson and the convertible is more fun to drive than the Focus under these conditions. B-)

Thanks again!

I remain,
The Old Soldering Gunslinger