Gas conversion on trucks and cars..

Boatygringo says on May 5, 2008, 05:57:

I have an Isuzu/Chevy truck that runs on CNG, compressed natural gas, it costs about half of the price of gasoline. About 20,000 cp to fill up. The power loss is not bad and I don't realy notice it. Though on cold starts untill it warms up it has a real rough idle, so I usualy run on gasoline for a few minutes to warm it up. CNG is real popular around Cartagena and all other cities, most buses and taxies run on CNG. The down side is if you are not in the city they dont sell CNG but you can always switch to gasoline untill you come to a large town. There are huge repair shops that do conversion and repairs to CNG powered cars veichles. Also once a year you have to have the system inspected so it will not activate the CNG pump at fill up time. Cost me about 100,000 cp. All in all I am real happy with it. CNG is produced in Colombia and a by product of the oil industy.

Boatygringo

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 5, 2008, 06:07:

My mum converted her truck or pick up to run on gas, they saving she made were great, to filled her Car she used to paid 80.000cop and now she is paying 24.000 with gas, although you do lose a bit of power on the motor specially if you go up hill, what we do is when we go to Bogotá we change from gas to petrol when we got uphill then on straight road we go back to gas.

Frank Rizzo says on May 5, 2008, 08:28:

Hi Boaty and Kat....thanks alot...looks like the savings is really worth it !! I think i'll do it too....

mranderson says on May 5, 2008, 08:30:

I don't understand very well. How do you change from gas to petrol? Are there 2 tanks? The motor can run on both gas and petrol without changing anything?

Ctg Bound says on May 5, 2008, 08:32:

Frank Rizzo,

You should also ask around regarding interest free loans from the local government.

Some will pay for the conversations, depending on what you are converting and give you two years to pay off the money, with no interest charged.

Frank Rizzo says on May 5, 2008, 08:39:

Will Ctg Bound.... we got the number of a shop that does this...i'll check in on this tomorrow...after the holiday...

Mranderson....thats my question too...must be a switching mechanism...or something...

Boatygringo says on May 5, 2008, 08:47:

mranderson, I have a little switch console that has lights to advise me of the amount of gas I have, 3 green the gas cylinder is full, 2 half full, 1 1/4 tank, yellow you need gas and red you are about to run out, on the dash that you just flip, gas or gasoline, There is a gas tank mounted in the bed of the truck, along with the original gasoline tank. The cost to convert to Gas or Gasoline is quite high, i am told 3 to 4 million depending on the car or truck, mine was converted before I got the truck, but you save a budle every time you fill up with Gas.

Boatygringo

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 5, 2008, 08:55:

Yep, like boatygringo mi mum's car got the same.

to convert our it cost 2,800.000 cop

mranderson says on May 5, 2008, 08:58:

Amazing how that works. I thought it was an engine mod to run it off of gas and then would have to modify it back to run off of gasoline. I didn't realize you can switch from gas to gasoline with just a flip of the switch. That's brillant.

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 09:10:

Brazil is big on these Multi or Flex fuel cars&trucks. They started research into this system back in the 1970s when the big fuel crisis hit, same as we here in the USA did. Only thing, Brazil kept their EYE on the ball and full developed these Alternative fuel cars where we, the USA, shelved the research and went back to our Gas-Guzzling ways. Brazil also is big on Bi-Fuel Cars that run on Liquid Gas or Natural Gas, not to be confused with flex fuel.I personally like Diesel vehicles as you get approx 30%(some say 40%) more energy from a gallon of Diesel then a gallon of Gas. I get approx 37 mpg in city driving, 54 mpg for highway driving in my VW Turbo diesel. And Diesel costs much less to refine and with New Diesel Technology, its much cleaner burning as is the new diesel low sulfur variety fuel.In the Future, more diesel cars will be sold in the USA, Volvo is sending a Diesel car here, along with Mercedes and VW who aleady sell diesels inthe USA. Wait 'til the Diesel Hybrid comes out, now that will be an extremely high mileage car.


Natural gas version
Other big automakers, like Ford Motor Co., plan to start selling Brazilian flex-fuel cars this year. And GM recently upped the ante on fuel choice for Brazilians, offering a flex-fuel car that also runs on natural gas, widely available at the pumps in Brazil’s biggest cities.

Brazilian drivers for years have hired mechanics to install natural gas conversion kits on their cars. But GM’s compact Astra is the first to come with natural gas as a factory-installed option, with an extra tank for the fuel in the trunk.

After buying her flex-fuel pickup in January for $8,300, Santana experimented with mixes of alcohol and gas before settling on pure alcohol. The vehicle’s performance is the same on both types of fuel, she says, though it gets slightly fewer miles to the gallon with alcohol. So far, she’s saved about $200 on fuel.

Three of Santana’s friends bought flex-fuel cars after she told them she will never go back to a gasoline-powered car, and will only buy gas for her pickup if the price drops significantly.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5829046/

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

Gator says on May 5, 2008, 09:13:

Our sobrino's van runs on gas/propane or natural. Some lost of power while passing and climbing in mountain roads. Also everyone must get out of the vehicle and stand outside until the fill up is complete

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

kat1 (Moderator) says on May 5, 2008, 09:32:

that's why when we go to Bogotá specially when you arriving that there is a lot of climbing we switch to petrol, but as soon as we enter Bogotá we go back too gas on the way back to Villavo we run mostly on gas as it's downhill :)

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 10:02:

Diesel Powered(clean technology) Vehicles are the best for Colombia's Mountainous Terrain, they(diesels) have much more Torque,,,

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

Gator says on May 5, 2008, 10:24:

Mikr-Big Bucks

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 10:27:

"Diesel Powered(clean technology) "
mike I would have to disagree
I would say cleaner than gasoline but not clean
hydrogen which is a clean fuel but too expensive or electric...we are talking emissions here aren’t we?

listo

robi666 says on May 5, 2008, 10:31:

Boatygringo said all.
Just a note from me:
1) I do notice a loss in power. It is because the hilly roads of Medellin. Especially if you have a big engine, who cares, anyway...
2) If you own a vehicle with a fuel iniection engine, it is better at start. Also, it is easier to switch from Gas to GNV (you do not have to wait until the Carb gets empty). From GNV to Gas is the same.
3) If you own a vehicle with a fuel iniection LARGE engine, be carefull at the "flame return" that can happen sometime if your system loose balance. It can blow off your air filter box. It happened all the time with my old Bronco.

I own a 93 Burbuja with a carb engine and, apart from the problem of cold start, I am happy with GNV. I'd say more than 50% of saving.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Frank Rizzo says on May 5, 2008, 10:39:

50% saving Robi??? I'm definately doing it now....!!

Still good power in your Burbuja??

Gracias..

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 10:52:

Vic--that may have been true about Diesels in the past as well as with the old dirty high sulfur diesel fuel but not so with new common rail Diesel technology. Mercedes and Volvo meet the EPA Regs to import Diesel powered cars and if there weren't up to the Grade they wouldn't allow them here. I doubt MB, VW/Audi, Volvo would put out such a Car that pollutes as they are in the vanguard when it comes to Safety and Clean Non Polluting Cars. Simply, the Diesels of Today are vastly improved and different then a diesel of 20 years ago. I know, I have owned 3 Mercedes with the Old (but current then) Motors and the difference is indescribable. So is the new Low Sulfur Fuel, a great help also. I won't get into clean hydrogen fuel as its not a current/viable fuel alternative in the USA,,,

New VW Jetta--cleanest Diesel Ever: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/01/23/new-jetta-tdi-is-the-cleanest-...

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

robi666 says on May 5, 2008, 11:45:

I heard that diesel fuel quality in Colombia sucks.
Big problems with engines' diesel pumps.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 12:14:

actually diesel is not even available in B/manga every one uses ACPM which is horrible for the environment and the diesel motor

listo

robi666 says on May 5, 2008, 12:19:

Wait Vic... ACPM is not even Diesel?

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Tinto (Moderator) says on May 5, 2008, 12:20:

Judging by the spew factor, I think it must be bunker fuel.

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 12:30:

hey rob I watched a guy fill up his MB tank with ACPM and I warned him of motor damage...he laughed like I was a stupid ass gringo...oh well sucks to be him when engine overhaul come around cant be too cheap in Colombia...ACMP in the US is like stove oil but I actually think its more like kerosene

listo

robi666 says on May 5, 2008, 12:58:

I made some search on the internet
ACPM is Aceite Combustible Para Motores, the Colombian name for Diesel.
Am I wrong? Do you think that it is kerosene instead?

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 13:08:

rob I have bought ACMP before to clean my motorcycle engine...I am not a chemist but it sure smelt like kerosene or stove oil from back home in Canada...and sure ate up that grudged on oil...when I was a kid my dad and I use to do oil furnace to gas furnace conversions and I sucked many a gallon of stove oil through a hose inot buckets....yuck

listo

Frank Rizzo says on May 5, 2008, 13:13:

Hi guys....i'd really like to know the quality of diesel in colombia too.... is anyone got a turbo diesel there?? i've seen some ford powerstroke's going 'round before....that would be perfect for out of town..

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 13:22:

does this help...not sure about spanish


http://www.ecopetrol.com.co/documentos/37831_CERTIFICADOSACPMAPIAY.pdf
ACPM specs
http://www.cenex.com/Downloads/XgradeLSHSandYgrade.pdf
diesel specs

listo

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 15:12:

FR-I would suspect that many of your new Tractor Trailer Rigs, Caterpillar Dozers ect are all Turbos as well as the new Bus Motors. I doubt you will find any naturally aspirated Diesel motors now being sold in Colombia as Fuel Injected turbos are just a better more trouble free rig. What I would be concerned about ACMP is whether the Lubricity is on par with our US diesel fuel. I believe it is otherwise the Warranties could be voided and I doubt Commercial carriers in Col would run that risk to ruin a Motor that could run over $5K to rebuild. Another reason those diesels spew a lot of Smoke is lack of Maintenence like in not changing their Fuel Filters on a regular basis. This is paramount in maintaining a Diesel motor-regular filter changes as are Periodic valve Adjustments,,,Other then filter and oil changes, not much more to maintain on a Diesel motor as they have no spark plugs, only Glo-Plugs for startup. And they aren't changed often.

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 15:17:

mike ...a truck motor for 5 Gs more like 15Gs....don't forget the injectors mike and especially the injector pump...I don't know if the adjustment in the injector pump is done by computer in the newer engines

listo

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 15:34:

Vic--I factored in Colombia and the lower labor cost. Here in the States, my Buddy in Penna who runs a Mack Log Truck had his Motor rebuilt(it only had close to a 600,000 miles on it) That cost him over 10K by a Certified ASE Shop. Injectors aren't too bad pricewise but the Pump is costly and again, depends if you buy a Rebuilt Pump or a factory OE Pump. As far as I know, at least on my VW Injector Pump, the pumps are timed by hand. And its no small job to get the correct drops per minute into the expansion chamber.

I looked at those Links you psoted and they show an Adequate CE(Cetane) Rating for Diesel sold in Colombia so no big problem from the fuel. Unlike Gasoline which is rated by Octane Ratings, Diesel Fuel is graded by Cetane ratings.See below link

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cetane_number

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 15:35:

Cetane ratings:

Cetane number or CN is a measurement of the combustion quality of diesel fuel during compression ignition. It is a significant expression of diesel fuel quality among a number of other measurements that determine overall diesel fuel quality. Cetane number of a fuel is defined as the percentage by volume of normal cetane in a mixture of normal cetane and alpha-methyl naphthalene which has the same ignition characteristics (ignition delay) as the test fuel when combustion is carried out in a standard engine under specified operating conditions..

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 15:45:

More on Diesel Cetane and Gasoline Octane ratings and why its not a good idea good to mix either,,,


Gasoline and alcohols hit diesel fuel right where it hurts the most. Those light thin fuels will lower the cetane number and lubricity. To explain how octane and cetane DO NOT work together, I’ll have to review more crude oil and fuel fundamentals.

The light distillates that gasolines are made from have a natural high-octane index. The middle distillates that diesel fuels come from have a high cetane index. The octane and cetane indexes are INVERSE scales. A fuel that has a high octane number has a low cetane number, and a high cetane fuel has a low octane number. Anything with a high octane rating will retard diesel fuel’s ability to ignite. That’s why each fuel has developed along with different types of engine designs and fuel delivery systems. Gasoline mixed in diesel fuel will inhibit combustion in a diesel engine and diesel fuel mixed in gasoline will ignite too soon in a gasoline engine.



http://www.turbodieselregister.com/mixing_gasoline_and_diesel.htm

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

vicshere says on May 5, 2008, 16:13:

ok mike now your getting too technical

listo

miamimike says on May 5, 2008, 20:57:

LOL. Vicshere--I'm a Dieselhead and belong to s couple of Websites where Diesel is the Ballgame in town. They even discussed recently that Diesel powered Motorcycle made in India. If you think my posts are too Technical, you should see the Posts some of the members on the below links put out, absurd to the smallest detail. A Buddy of mine in Pa bought an 81 Caddy deville that came with a Diesel Engine brand new, still has it 27 years later,,,

VW Diesel website-- http://tdiclub.com/

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php

Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." GW Bush

GregYohn says on May 15, 2008, 08:03:

Hola!

I spoke with a VW parts manager for Colombia last month and he admitted the dirty diesel in Colombia has been the problem for them selling VW Diesel TDI cars there. Of course, the higher price could be another.

I have been a member of the TDIClub.com, since 2002 and my 1998 Jetta TDI with 128,000 miles is my 3rd Diesel and 2nd VW Diesel.

12VOIP.com gives free calls to Colombia.Greg