Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2001 22:09:29 +0100 From: Martin Hilvers <mhilversnopsamir1.inter.NL.net> Subject: Re: Saab 900 and LPG
Shannon wrote: > First, just to clarify terms-- I assume that by "LPG" you mean Liquid > Propane Gas? No, Liquified Petroleum Gas, otherwise the same thing. > No experience with a SAAB on LPG (propane) specifically. But in general-- > No, an LPG conversion doesn't need "petrol" to start. Depends, modern systems have a computer that switches over to 'gas'= petrol before starting. Older systems have two electrically operated valves that do the same, one valve in the petrol supply line, one in the LPG line. It is not a smart thing not to have any petrol in the tank or not to switch to petrol once in a while. It keeps the rubber parts in good condition for when you really need the petrol when the LPG tank is empty and you have to get to the LPG filling station. Obviously you need an engine that runs on unleaded fuel or you need to convert the exhaust valve seats to LPG/unleaded use. > I'm not sure you even > could run a dual-fuel system, because of the modifications made for the LPG > (altered throttle body/injectors, etc). No problem, you can switch over from LPG to petrol anytime but it takes a few seconds until the carburetor is pumped full with petrol and really starts working, so you need some speed (and a disengaged freewheel) to do this. In slow city traffic the engine will starve and die and you will have to crank the engine longer than usual to start (because there is not yet any fuel in the carburetor). To switch from petrol to LPG you have to wait until the fuel in the carburetor is used up(a few seconds), then switch on to LPG (all this does not apply to injection engines). > Propane conversions are popular here in the states on fleet vehicles because > of the clean emissions, and the tax incentives that go along with them. Same in Holland, but only if you drive over 15000 km/year - depending on price of petrol, LPG and road tax. One of my 1979 SAAB 96s (Ford V4) has done over 300000 km on LPG without problems. -- MH ('77 96 '78 95 '79 96 '72 97) http://go.to/saab96
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