Sounds very dangerous! Would not want a leak to happen anywhere in a system using flammable gas..
Is there that much to gain from using propane/CNG compared to using water or methanol?
I ran propane on an older mechanical injected truck and it really helped to clean up the exhaust emissions as well as gaining some overall economy. Todays generation of CR engines run so much more efficient that it is not as effective for milage gains or creating more power.
What was your application? I would like to try to use it to get a better fuel mileage. I already have the set up, just haven't hooked it up yet. Other than buying some propane/cng, I don't really have much money involved. It will be going on a 97 12v, my signature truck. Not trying to use it as a power adder. It is my understanding that the #2 fuel mixture should be a little rich vs. lean because the propane/cng will help burn excessive fuel.
Smoke more? Since when do either of those fuels create smoke when burned?
When it comes to injecting propane or cng, should one run more fuel than normal, so you're not running lean? If anyone has experience w/ theses setups, please enlighten me.
Thanks
No, there's a good reason people quit using it.
If you want power, use nitrous.
LP and CNG are fuel, if anything it will smoke MORE. If you want a quality CNG kit look up Marc Deluca. But be warned, CNG kits are pricey compared to what you can get a LP setup for (mostly the cost of the tank is higher).
Neither fuel is any more dangerous than diesel fuel, just don't be stupid. Depending on how close a CNG station is to you, LP is a better bet, BUT you won't be able to get LP filled on a truck for as cheap as your house.
Both of these fuels are good candidates for extra MPG and HP, just don't bolt on a kit and expect 150hp, typically 75 on a CNG equipped truck. The main limiting factor will be the line size/regulator flow capabilities. If it were my truck, CNG would be on it for extra mpg, already makes plenty on #2
I will come up front and say I was probably wrong about LP being "safer" but CNG is for sure. You can open a CNG tank valve next to a torch and it won't light. CNG has a very narrow window of AFR that it will burn.
Back to the smoke.... A CNG kit is going to inject into the compressor inlet, so let's say 1/8 (I really don't know, just putting a number up) of the air your turbo compresses is CNG, less air for diesel to burn. A friend of mine put a cng kit on a LBZ Chevy and I had to take almost 30% of the pw out to clear up smoke 100% (started with a stock tune). He is getting 38-42mpg hwy on diesel, not sure on cng but at $1.69 there is a benefit.
You will still be controlling your AFR with your foot/AFC on a 12 valve. Don't install the kit for power gain. By the time you're making enough extra power from LP you'll be detonating and blow your head gasket.
As far as installing it for fuel economy, you're simply trading one fuel for another and will still require the same amount of BTU's to get you where you want to go at whatever speed makes you happy. The BTU's from LP or CNG will cost less, but you have to figure out how long it will take to offset the cost of the kit and the headache of keeping two fuel tanks filled.
This^^^^
I ran LP for a couple of years. It didn't smoke more. Again, you're controlling the AFR with your foot/AFC on a twelve valve.
If you get an LP tank at your house you can install a wet line on it and fill your vehicle at home for the same price.
I'm not sure I follow you on your first statement. If you open a CNG valve to air and provide fire, it will burn. The tank will not explode because the fire can't follow the fuel thru the valve where there is no air, but the fuel outside the tank will burn provided that there is enough fuel.
Why do others claim that it cleans up better w LP/CNG?
I'm sure if you opened a tank on a house fire it might light up, but it will just blow out a campfire. Have you tried it? Didn't think so. And how many people have wet lines on a house tank? Probably 1 guy that works for a gas company.