Wow, $2/gallon. It's just about $10/gallon here in the UK...
(£1.19/litre) and going up daily.

James



Philip Cassel wrote:
>
> The point about using '70's & '80's engines works well for simplicity,
> ease of service, and Locost: the major concern is that of emissions
> standards. I have not checked for prior mention of propane fuel in
> this group, but I can recommend it beyond the emissions issue for the
> sake of engine life, reliability, a customary 10% discount in price,
> and general availability- every town has a propane outlet somewhere. I
> speak from the experience as the owner of a 1964 Ford Econoline van
> that I converted to propane use, back in 1981 (when gasoline seemed
> about to double in price to $2)
> The procedure is straightforward, as plumbing standards go, with main
> concerns providing space for the regulator and fittings for the
> carburetor (in a dual-fuel configuration), and designing around the
> clunky fuel tank, tho the hurdle of getting a homebrew installation
> approved is formidable. The cost of getting it installed commercially
> (~$3K) blows away any most budgets, beyond having one's project
> butchered in the process. One must be very careful about potential
> leaks with a flammable gas such as propane. Check about first to see
> if there is a standard for getting your own installation approved by
> inspection by a state CARB agency, for instance.
> That being said, the operation of such a rig is rewarding, for the
> sake of the aforementioned 10% discount that propane fuel enjoys
> compared to regular. It should be discounted more: back in the '80's,
> propane as motor fuel was priced a further 10% less than camper/grill
> fuel- that doesn't happen any more. I should mention that milage on
> propane is mebbe 10% less, but the engine runs so sweet and clean as
> oil contamination by carbon and unburnt fuel doesn't happen. I seldom
> change the oil in my Ford, only add a quart as required, and the oil
> filter seems good for a year at least. Engine wear is minute, proven
> by many stationary engines running with minimal maintenance. Heavy
> road use means that you should get newer hi-temp valve installed, as a
> gaseous fuel doesn't cool the valves like gasoline does. For lighter
> recreation use, don't bother.
> After 30 years, I have had to service the carb adaptor once, changed
> out one fuel check valve for leakage, and tightened up fittings as
> required.
> If you're still with me here, check online with www.ProPaneCarbs.com/
> for more info. He seems to have hardware and adaptors for any-sized
> engine, air or water-cooled, and has been the most helpful, with good
> prices. I'm not affiliated, just a satisfied customer. Hope this is
> useful. ;-}
>
>