Posted by Paul in New Zealand [198.41.238.25] on Friday, February 08, 2019 at 17:46:11 :
In Reply to: Re: propane question posted by Tim [162.158.75.115] on Friday, February 08, 2019 at 09:01:32 :
I’ve driven a little over two million kms , over 30 years , around town as a taxi , here in NZ , all on LPG . And since about 6% of all natural gas here , is LPG , and they have limited storage , it’s sold at the pump , for about 40 cents / litre (that’s a “ fleet buying rate “). The remainder , is just burnt off at the refinery . I started back in the 80’s , when CNG ( compressed natural gas ) was also popular , mostly because of its price , but but it lacked energy , and even being compressed to about 3000 psi , distance per tankful was poor ., and the tanks were thick walled and heavy . LPG , is only compressed to about 200 psi , and the tanks are really light . I used to get between 6 and 7 km / litre ., and a 100 litre tank in the boot , meant I didn’t run out of fuel on a normal 12 hr shift . I reckon the difference in power to 91 octane petrol , was about 5% at the most . My first car ( ‘78 Ford Falcon ( Australian Ford ) , 250 ci , cast iron cross flow head ) did almost 800,000 km , and was still running sweetly when I sold it . The second , an ‘88 Falcon , did 600,000 , The next , a ‘97 Falcon , only about 200,000 , because it was totalled in an accident , and the last one , another Falcon 2006 model , just over 500,000 ., the only “ dedicated LPG “ vehicle amongst them . The rest were “ dual fuel “ The only issues I had , were , valve head recession , in the first two of them , and finding a decent converter . I settled on IMPCO , and largely , the problems were solved . The last dedicated car , had a Dutch unit in it , factory fitted , and apart from reconditioning it once , it never let me down . Instant starting , smooth running , .... the best fuel , bar none , in my opinion . I never had to replace an exhaust system either , , the exhaust residue seemed to coat the inside of the pipes with a finish like glass.
I don’t know what mix your LPG is over there , but ours has served me admirably , and so have the Ford 250 ci engines ., it’s a shame about the rest of the car though , not built to last , and they’re not making them any more , thank goodness .
Sorry about the rant , but it’s a highly underrated fuel IMHO . Paul .
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