propane conversion

[Q'man]

Has anyone tried a propane conversion on a garden tractor?

[Tractor-Holic]

I have not,but I saw the plans to convert a Walbro carb to propane useage is listed on the www.theepicenter.com website ..they used it on generator engines,but a Tecumseh or Kohler with a Walbro on a tractor would likely be the same..

[js5020d]

It is doable and the proper equipment is out there for a conversion but Im not seeing an advantage in the running of propane. Propane has less BTUs per gallon than gas and would take more fuel to do the same amount of work. Unless you need to run it inside or have a real cheap source of fuel I dont see the advanage myself. But it can be done.

[davidg]

the way fuel prices have been, i don't even see a cost savings. LP cost almost as much as gas, so unless you are using a lot you won't save enough to even pay for the conversion.

several farmers here run LP in their trucks. they had them converted when LP was around 1.00 a gallon here and gas was around 1.50. currently LP is within 10-15 cents of gas per gallon and they say it ain't worth it to them if they had to buy now. most of them have a huge bulk tanks at their shops though, and purchase several thousand gallons when the price is low so that it will carry them thru the year. then they fill teh 50-75 gallon tanks on teh trucks.

[Q'man]

Gas is cheaper right now, so this wouldn't be an advantage at the present...
I'm looking more for the advantages of cleaner burning etc. Just wondering for future use and would the engine last longer on propane is the big question. I know the amount of oil changes are less when burning propane. You don't have to worry about ethanol gum up when sitting for a period of time and not being used (like gas engines).
Any other advantages? Or is earth day just going to my head?

[js5020d]

I was in the industrial lift truck biz for many years,, to my knowledge none of the engine manfacturers recomended a different maintenence schedule for a propane powered engine compared to a gasoline powered one, and there was no noted advantage to propane when it came to wear on internal components. Leave a propane powered engine sit around for any length of time and you will need maintenence on the fuel system due to the additives put in the propane also. Sorry still no advantages using propane.

[Marty]

the biggest advantage to lp is that it is very clean burning. I've heard of engines with ten years old being torn down to rebuild that were as clean as new. They seen to not be prone to the carbon build up as with a gas engine. Thus less wear.

Bob

[draddogs]

I was in the industrial lift truck biz and there was no noted advantage to propane when it came to wear on internal components. Leave a propane powered engine sit around for any length of time and you will need maintenence on the fuel system due to the additives put in the propane also. Sorry still no advantages using propane.

I will have to disagree to your staemnt that there was no advantage to wear of LPG to Gasoline. I was an industral mechanic for years for Clark Equipment and the LPG powered engines ran longer and less mechanical engine repair due to wear compaired to those run strictly on gasoline. Tjhe biggest benefits are less wear and cleaner air..

[mrnu]

Hey I think it is worth considering the SW, esp as we Know GAS will go up ! and The Cleaner engine from what I have read on it.. My Area it is 30 cents Cheaper a Gal difference today..In 1 Year I can see It being paid for ,Plus The Benies..NU

[Kbeitz]

One advantage with LP is you can let the tractor sit for a few years and it will start right up...

[Walt 2002]

I'll bet it doesn't leak into the oil contaminating it and causing thrown rods either.

Walt Conner