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Old 03-11-2018, 07:38 AM   #1
kenparker
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Default powered by propane or cng

A bunch of years ago a fellow attended Texas Tour with a Model A pickup powered by propane and that intrigued me.

I would like to copy that and try to run one of my A's on either propane or CNG. Yes, I know you get less HP out of the propane or CNG, but I want to try anyway.

Anyone out ther tried it or running your A on either? Any info ? kenp

What triggered my reinterest was passing yesterday on the way home two taxicabs "powered by CNG".
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Old 03-11-2018, 07:49 AM   #2
Brian SATX
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Default Re: powered by propane or cng

Check your messags
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Old 03-11-2018, 09:01 AM   #3
denis4x4
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Default Re: powered by propane or cng

The USFS is using dual fuel F-150 pickups. I had a Bobcat that used propane and gas. Always had to switch over to gas when I needed more power.
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Old 03-11-2018, 04:55 PM   #4
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Default Re: powered by propane or cng

There used to be LOTS of cars running on LPG here (propane) because it about halved the fuel bill (remember, we pay lots more for fuel than you guys). The price of gas has been rising since it was privatised until now, it is not much cheaper than petrol (when we say "gas", we mean "GAS", that's why the liquid fuel is called "petrol" - to avoid confusion.)
I have had several cars running on gas but the current one will be the last.
To get the best out of LPG, you need a higher compression ratio so the ultra low Model A CR won't allow you to burn much rubber . Then there is the problem of where to put the tank. OK in say, a pickup but a roadster, coupe or sedan would be a challenge.
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Old 03-11-2018, 05:04 PM   #5
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Default Re: powered by propane or cng

Find an updraft carb off of an old LP forklift and fit it to the A manifold. Or buy new, here is a source: https://www.propanecarbs.com/wisconsin.html
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Old 03-12-2018, 11:45 AM   #6
Jim Brierley
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Default Re: powered by propane or cng

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I ran LPG on my cars for years (not Mod. A's). It was cheap and clean but lost a little power and fuel mileage. Found that when traveling, LPG was often hard to find. Today it is not cheap. CNG losses even more power and gets fewer MPG. I'd stay with gasoline.
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Old 03-12-2018, 12:31 PM   #7
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Default Re: powered by propane or cng

Quote:
Originally Posted by kenparker View Post
A bunch of years ago a fellow attended Texas Tour with a Model A pickup powered by propane and that intrigued me.

I would like to copy that and try to run one of my A's on either propane or CNG. Yes, I know you get less HP out of the propane or CNG, but I want to try anyway.

Anyone out ther tried it or running your A on either? Any info ? kenp

What triggered my reinterest was passing yesterday on the way home two taxicabs "powered by CNG".
Hey Ken,
You are going to be called a 'non-conformist' ..ha !
It costs $ to experiment, you may realize that. And, one of the higher cost with lower return is cost of propane these days !


There is a 'silver lining' , IMO, the propane burns very clean with less stuff left in your engine.
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