762mm
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- July 13, 2004
- Messages
- 197
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- City, State
- Canada
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- '99 XLT (4x4, SOHC)
With the fuel prices reaching new heights these days, I started thinking more and more about an LPG (propane) conversion for my '99 SOHC. I do about 400-450 km/tank at best with regular 87 octane, and the recent $1.40/L fuel prices have started taking its' toll on my wallet. So, I decided to put an end to the criminal profits the oil giants are trying to dictate upon the average customer (me), shove their precious gasoline right back down their throats and let them choke on it... by not needing any! 
I have a few questions though... First of all, I wonder if propane would wear the engine down faster (by running it hot and dry)? From some sources I've read that maintenance is actually at longer intervals, resulting in even more savings but that was on some "tree-hugging" sites (promoting clean emissions, less pollution, etc...). However, some more objective information from Europe suggests that propane actually causes a requirement to change oil and spark plugs more often (possibly because of the heat), plus has it's own set of problems. A bit of conflicting info that can steer most people towards or away from LPG, depending on where the truth lies... Any insights are more than welcome.
Second, I can't find any info anywhere on how much an LPG conversion would cost for a '99 sohc explorer here in Canada (or US - prices are probably similar), and where these conversions can be done (I like DIY, but I don't want to wire a bomb to the back of my truck, lol). I would be basically interested in keeping the regular fuel tank, plus installing the largest LPG tank available by a qualified shop/person and running it on propane most of the time (a tank of about 90 L or so). Propane is about 49 cents/L in my area (Montreal, Qc) last time I heard, so that would be quite an improvement from the price of gas that's being currently dictated everywhere.
Thanks in advance for any info, it is much appreciated. I'm sure that with today's fuel prices this thread will be viewed by quite a few people...
I have a few questions though... First of all, I wonder if propane would wear the engine down faster (by running it hot and dry)? From some sources I've read that maintenance is actually at longer intervals, resulting in even more savings but that was on some "tree-hugging" sites (promoting clean emissions, less pollution, etc...). However, some more objective information from Europe suggests that propane actually causes a requirement to change oil and spark plugs more often (possibly because of the heat), plus has it's own set of problems. A bit of conflicting info that can steer most people towards or away from LPG, depending on where the truth lies... Any insights are more than welcome.
Second, I can't find any info anywhere on how much an LPG conversion would cost for a '99 sohc explorer here in Canada (or US - prices are probably similar), and where these conversions can be done (I like DIY, but I don't want to wire a bomb to the back of my truck, lol). I would be basically interested in keeping the regular fuel tank, plus installing the largest LPG tank available by a qualified shop/person and running it on propane most of the time (a tank of about 90 L or so). Propane is about 49 cents/L in my area (Montreal, Qc) last time I heard, so that would be quite an improvement from the price of gas that's being currently dictated everywhere.
Thanks in advance for any info, it is much appreciated. I'm sure that with today's fuel prices this thread will be viewed by quite a few people...
