[ihc] Rocky's gas

["Jim Grammer" <jgrammer@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 07:12:15 -0700 (PDT)
>From: David Raistrick <keen@domain.elided>
>Subject: Re: [ihc] Cheaper fuel for IH's

>On Thu, 13 May 2004, Rocky Lear wrote:

>> gasoline. They take the place of the carb and bolt right to a 4v intake.
>> I'm thinking about putting one back into service. Does anyone have any
>> experience with propane as a fuel for their vehicle? I think it burns
>> cooler and there may be a power loss too but if a gallon of propane goes
>> twice as far...it would be a lot more economical. I know there has been
>> some interest in propane in some of the 4x4 mags but probably for a
>> different reason.

>An otherwise-unmodified conversion to propane will produce less power, and
>if memory serves milage should decrease.  Of course, as you say..with the
>price of gasoline, it might still work out cheaper, particularly for daily
>driving.  Increasing the compression ratio should enable to regain a lot
>of the extra power...but will prevent a dual-fuel setup.

>My understanding is that propane will get you about 80% of the power from
>gas...and about 50% of the miles per gallon.  The trick is to carry much
>larger tanks (which at least with our trucks isn't much of a
>problem...plenty of room!)

'Propane' varies in composition by area and supplier, so the energy density
varies as well. It's always lower than gasoline. IH's estimates back in the
day were approx 10% reduction in power and by extension fuel mileage. Rocky,
dunno about where you are, but here road taxed propane is still more
expensive than gas :(

The propane stuff in the 4x4 rags is usually about propane injection for
diesels. More power, Mr. Scott!

Dilithium crystals are the real magic fuel source ;)

Jim