propane injection - diy?

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I was perusing thru some different websites and ran across some propane stuff. One mentioned an in tank pump for liquid propane efi. Another mentioned aftermarket fuel injectors for liquid propane. I did a quick search and a 20lb tank can range from 20psi at very cold temps to 200psi+ for tanks in the sun. Until it gases off the temp is the same as ambient.
Could I adapt the ford frame rail return style fuel system to run liquid propane?
Would a stock fuel pump pump liquid propane?
There would need to be a new fuel map produced to run the engine, so I imagine a mega-squirt or similar?
How hard is it to program such a map? Do I need to learn any particular programming language, if so which one?
@PetroleumJunkie412
@snoranger
@RonD
@bobbywalter

 

[RonD]

No, if you wanted to run dual fuel with EFI, gasoline or Propane, then you would run separate injectors and fuel system for the propane and just turn the gasoline system off when using it, and yes separate computer's for the EFI

I think that would be the simplest way, although not "simple", lol

Carb conversions were simpler

You do have to be aware that Propane can burn up an engine if not mixed correctly, it does burn hotter than gasoline, so at higher horse power you will burn exhaust valves up if mix is not just right, or if you try to max out HP
With 1 to 4cyl engines it is more manageable

Propane is cleaner burning which is why it was popular for forklifts or other vehicles used indoors

Google: autogas
And: autogas conversion

 

[Dirtman]

This is one scenario were I would say screw EFI. A propane carb setup is so simple it's insane. And your mixing a gas with a gas instead of a gas with a liquid. My propane forklift runs like a raped ape and I did a propane conversion on a early 80's chevy 350 once. Took me 45 minutes to get it running on propane. Several hours to mount the tank and remove all the old fuel system obviously but that's just dumb work.

Propane is like 110 octane in gasoline terms so it works well on high compression. I think my dumb little nissan forklift is 11:1 compression.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

The reason for this is to see if I can run straight propane (no gasoline) efi on basically junkyard parts. I have a couple different engines I could do this to; a high compression 2.3l and a high compression 429/460. I have lots of access to tanks and convertors and hats for carbs. Just wanted to experiment a little if its feasible. I like the high octane and high compression. Maybe low compression engine with boost?

 

[Dirtman]

Never seen a propane engine with boost... that would definitely be interesting. Your in @PetroleumJunkie412 territory there with needing to have stand alone programming or tuning. Maybe his squirting thing would work with propane. I'd think a supercharger would be more efficient on propane because a turbo might run too hot even intercooled to death. Propane burns hot.

 

[bobbywalter]

i think your missing some fundementals.....liquid state is not how propane system work in most systems.


dual fuel is possible....though cng is easier.

a proper regulater is key. with lean being the big concern you would want a different timing curve on an eec to use the fuel with a eec ignition...

i have drove my 302efi on propane to get off the road before....was using my roofing torch feeding my snorkel to to get it to a high idle and rolled to a gas station.


i have installed several dual sstems efi and carb...and a bunch of systems on diesel pickups and tractor trailers.


running too lean is the issue with fawking up valves and pistons ect.... it is a dry fuel...so it is similar in issues with direct injection gasoline

 

[bobbywalter]

the propane guy on pirate is the dude to call...i think he is a flappy headed kanook too....

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I haven't been on pirate for a few years. I'll check it out, thanks.

 

[bobbywalter]

http://www.gotpropane.com/p4.html



top notch people last i knew.



https://www.rasoenterprises.com/propane/35-conversions/67-diy-conversion-kits?showall=1



not a whole lot . the mega squirt with a edis setup would allow for a cake dual fuel install that ripped...especially wth a turbo where making use of the 100-110 octane the propane offers.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've been on rasoenterprises forums but didn't know about the link you posted. I need to do a little more exploring on sites I'm already a member on....
Thanks for the links.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Never seen a propane engine with boost... that would definitely be interesting. Your in @PetroleumJunkie412 territory there with needing to have stand alone programming or tuning. Maybe his squirting thing would work with propane. I'd think a supercharger would be more efficient on propane because a turbo might run too hot even intercooled to death. Propane burns hot.

I have heard my call. That's how my name is pronounced in Pittsburgh. Ask Bobby he's been there.

I know three things about propane and propane accessories:
1) Hank Hill
2) megasquirt supports it
3) taste the meat, not the heat.

 

[snoranger]

I have heard my call. That's how my name is pronounced in Pittsburgh. Ask Bobby he's been there.

I know three things about propane and propane accessories:
1) Hank Hill
2) megasquirt supports it
3) taste the meat, not the heat.

So 2/3s of what you know about propane you learned from a cartoon...

 

[Dirtman]

I whole heartedly retract my statement thinking @PetroleumJunkie412 was an expert here...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I whole heartedly retract my statement thinking @PetroleumJunkie412 was an expert here...

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

So 2/3s of what you know about propane you learned from a cartoon...

Yessir. King of the Hill was very informative.