Hey guys/gals,

This might be a bit of a long-winded post, but its something I have been researching for a long time and want some good feedback on from the forum.

As we all know, gas is going up, and our trucks are thirsty. I can't really see any argument from anyone there.

So before her unfortunate demise, I was poised to do a bi-fuel conversion to my 2002 Disco SD.

I run a business, and have access to very cheap ($2.03/gallon) liquid propane from our forklift distributor.

I just bought a 2003 Disco SE today with 158K on it, and want to do the propane kit on the new one. What good is a toy if you can't play with it?

The kit that I have decided to buy comes from Energy and Water Solutions, (Energy and Water Solutions CGN kits LPG kits, Solar Emergency Power Water Storage and Sanitation,and Magnetic Water and Fuel Conditioners) and is their "Millenium" version, which has some computer controls for the mixer.

Here are my concerns: propane is a great fuel, but is 120 octane, and burns very hot. The 4.6L doesn't have enough compression to take full advantage of that, but I think it will muddle through OK.

I would worry some about valve train overheating because of extra heat. I know that bi-fuel (E85/gas) engines have higher temp alloy valves. I think that as long as it's driven judiciously, it'll be OK. Anyone ever try installing a pyrometer on one of these things?

Timing: Most of these kits advance the timing a couple of degrees to take better advantage of the high octane. Is that going to cause a problem further down the road? Maybe put in 1 higher heat range of spark plug?

Kits are bi-fuel, meaning I can switch back and forth at will, and are computer monitored to make sure you don't run out.

Cost to get this done (me turning wrenches) will be about $700-750.00. At nearly $2/gallon savings ($2.03 vs $3.89+ for premium here) and the amount I drive, I think it'll be a good investment, and its way better for the environment.

I know that some (not sure on these) engines use gasoline to lubricate part of the upper cylinder assemblies. Is this true on the 4.6L? How could I get around that? Maybe run some synthetic 2-stroke oil in my gasoline while I'm running liquid fuel?

Any and all feedback is appreciated, and I will be sure to write this up and keep a log of what happens. I'll probably put in some extra monitoring (ultragauge, oil pressure, etc) for safety's sake.

As soon as my $$ shows up from insurance, (RIP my beloved SD - bought this one with cash) I'll order parts.

And obviously, anyone who has done this, or possibly a CNG conversion, chime in!!

 

Just buy a street legal forklift, that way it runs on propane and if you need a parking spot you can pick a car up and move it, then park in the spot.

 

This is a common mod in the UK.
I would pop over to a UK LR forum and ask around, but because of the price of petrol it is very very common over there.

 

Spike - I'll check a few out. Registrations and Usernames pending approval.....

and I already own two forklifts. Once as a joke (he's a very good customer) I picked up a guy's S10 truck and carried it around the side of the building, set it behind our rolloff dumpster. I only gave it away after he had his phone out trying to dial the sheriff......

Call me juvenile, but I'm still laughing about it, and its probably been a year. He thought it was pretty funny too, after a bit.

The old "put a log behind your car" is another favorite of ours when we get bored at work.

But after looking around, I think this might actually work. It'll be like college gas prices again, but I'm not poor anymore!

 

Articles

interesting stuff - LPG & more rover swaps

 

can anyone post up pictures for the LPG conversion for Disco2, very much appreciated!

 

They have been doing on LAnd Rovers for years....

Chris


"RPi Engineering - Specialised Rover Engines"

 

I think if you were to go to Wheeler Dealers,they actually do a show on the Rovers and installing the propane kit. It was vry insteresting to watch. And you are correct they do most of the Rovers over there to Propane

 

What is the advantage of doing this mod on a gems engine? The RPI site doesn't discuss Bosch management. I wonder if it's still possible?