Jump to content
The mkiv Supra Owners Club

Running LPG cars on central heating gas?


Chris Wilson

Recommended Posts

Gas as in Calor Gas, in the big outdoor tanks.

 

I have had a MKIV TT in here with a multi point LPG conversion. I remember it well, the underbonnet was a nightmare of pipes and solenoids. I didn't get to drive it on LPG though, so can't comment on how it went. My wifes Jeep 4 litre has LPG single point conversion, and whilst it's noticeably more sluggish on gas it's just fine, and costs the same to run as if it were a diesel version. Downsides are a huge gas tank in the boot, making load carrying space a joke, and if you don't feel brave, and carry the spare tyre, too, a small hatchback has more load space. I use it mainly for towing and on the land though, so it's not a big issue. I chuck the spare in the trailer ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Gas as in Calor Gas, in the big outdoor tanks.

 

I have had a MKIV TT in here with a multi point LPG conversion. I remember it well, the underbonnet was a nightmare of pipes and solenoids. I didn't get to drive it on LPG though, so can't comment on how it went. My wifes Jeep 4 litre has LPG single point conversion, and whilst it's noticeably more sluggish on gas it's just fine, and costs the same to run as if it were a diesel version. Downsides are a huge gas tank in the boot, making load carrying space a joke, and if you don't feel brave, and carry the spare tyre, too, a small hatchback has more load space. I use it mainly for towing and on the land though, so it's not a big issue. I chuck the spare in the trailer ;)

 

Interesting. Yeah I was told by my LPG servicer that it can be done. Just wondered if anyone here had bothered. Any yeah , I must make routine jobs on a supe's engine bay area a bit of a mare, and rack up labour costs for the client.

 

Calor gas eh? One bad thing about LPG is that it smells like rotten eggs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) there are a few systems on the market but they are very very expensive and difficult to install and certify due to the extreme pressure the gas needs to be compressed & stored at.

 

The pump is something like £5k to pump it at home and the gas tank in the car is carbon fibre with some wierd matrix inside using something like coconut shell last time i heard.

 

Its not really practical at the moment although some fleet tests are being done.

 

I worked on a CNG police car demonstrator at Tickford back in 1993. Still hasn't caught on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, no, :) I am talking central heating gas as stored outside in tanks, very common out here in the sticks away from gas mains! AFAIK it's exactly the same stuff as Autogas, but doesn't have the same duty on it.

 

Seems you're right about that...http://www.calor.co.uk/home/central-heating/index.html

 

[edit] = oh, you've just found the same website as I.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chris, I investigated this when I switched from oil to lpg at my home. You can get a proper fuel dispenser unit fitted but because of the tax diifferences between lpg as road fuel and lpg for heating and cooking you would need two tanks. Plus iirc, there was a minimum number of vehicles needed before calor or shell would install a unit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No, no, :) I am talking central heating gas as stored outside in tanks, very common out here in the sticks away from gas mains! AFAIK it's exactly the same stuff as Autogas, but doesn't have the same duty on it.

 

Ahhh, propane or butane (or a mix of both as Autogas is).

 

IIRC its normally propane. I ran my XJ40 on bottled propane & pumped it at home. Filling from a large household tank is the same. You just need a pump fitting to the feed pipe (liquid draw not gas as is normal for household use) and draw it off there.

 

If you're going to use it on the road then you'll need to have a flowmeter fitted & declare how much you're using, then pay the duty direct to Customs & Excise ;)

 

Your supplier will be able to advise you on a pump, meter & the cost to supply & fit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You might also be interested in our Guidelines, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.