I've been trying to get some opinions about the safety of LPG fumigation. Apparently LPG acts as a catalyst increasing the amount of diesel burnt from a normal of about 75% to virtually 100%. Benefits include better fuel economy, less smoke and more power. There are kits like the US Powershot 2000 that can be ordered set up and calibrated for the VW 1.9TDI engine, making them essentially plug in and play...

However I wonder just how safe for the engine LPG setups really are.

I'd really welcome a good informed discussion!

Cheers

Bas

I have the non-US version, which works a little different but same kinda principle.

It CAN be safe BUT as per my experience, if you have any engine related trouble then having the LPG will make it go wrong a lot more..

I reckon when set to a very low flow rate things should be perfectly safe, higher flow rates don't appear to be though. I have no idea whether that caused the problem on mine but fairly sure the thermostat --> head gasket --> overheating = detonation as propane exploding too soon because of that was roughly how my engine died..

As a result, if I do ever turn it back on again, it will be with additional temperature sensor fitted at the very least, and if there is a knock sensor that can be fitted to turn off propane that's what I'll do

Mine's good. Not got that long a break at college to go in depth though.

I've been trying to get some opinions about the safety of LPG fumigation. Apparently LPG acts as a catalyst increasing the amount of diesel burnt from a normal of about 75% to virtually 100%. Benefits include better fuel economy, less smoke and more power. There are kits like the US Powershot 2000 that can be ordered set up and calibrated for the VW 1.9TDI engine, making them essentially plug in and play...

However I wonder just how safe for the engine LPG setups really are.

I'd really welcome a good informed discussion!

Cheers

Bas

I'm not a real expert but the armchair type...

IMO LPG fumigation is a good thing if you're trying to improve economy on cruise and you do mega-mileage. Tuning for power, I think can be done but IMO it's far more difficult as you're stepping into more critical areas of the engine's operation - higher output and higher revs.

Main concerns are exhaust gas temperature and the effects on the exhaust valves and the turbo, and the potential for pre-ignition/detonation damge to the engine. I don't think either of these concerns are new or a secret as they're stated on many/any sites which discuss LPG fumigation. For power tuning of diesel cars, however, there would seem to be a dearth of experts and low numbers of vehicles equiped with the equipment.

J.

It's the pre-ignition/detonation that killed my engine.

Must admit the idea of having LPG for fuel economy was the main reason I got it, and it DID work. I will have to discuss this a bit more with some tuners to find out what can be done, it sure used to help spool up the turbo at the lower end and it did give some extra power too, although I think with the derv alone I can get that sorted :P

I'd like to use the propane to clean up the exhaust smoke a tad and perhaps gain a very small amount of power but tuning it for fuel economy on the diesel side would get my vote based on what I now know about it.

NOS would be a laugh too but it would take up valuable space in my boot, as well as it being expensive to refill etc, so I am very much likely to not bother with it

Good post Mr Curry.

EGTs are something you need to be aware. I have a tasy gauge to fit in mine once I get a free weekend to do it. (Not for another 3 weeks at least now....) I am expecting EGTs to go up quite high, but I know the tolerances and will make sure I don't push it too far.

My EGT sensor needs fitting, hole is ready and waiting

hole is ready and waiting

Ooo-er missus! I have a hole in my exhaust too only I hope Allard shoved a bolt in it or something else I'm losing fumes a little too early.

Lol

I can supply the PowerFool2 nitrous kit and the TSP-PP Propane system both designed for diesel engines. Take a look at Diesel Performance Specialists to see whats available

Anyone fitting a propane system needs to make sure that it is EU approved for roads in this country and approved by insurance companies which most American systems are not, plus have a signed certificate from an approved LPG fitter that the system was fitted correctly. The propane system i have adds about 40bhp to my engine. My EGT`s have gone up a bit but nothing more then expected really. When setting up for power you have to be very careful not to get detonation if you do turn the propane down or you will kill your engine same as running any engine with predetonation. Fitting a propane kit to a small diesel engine ( 1.9 etc ) for economy etc reasons is a complete waste of money as by the time you have bought and fitted the kit ( if done properly ) your looking at paying at least

Anyone fitting a propane system needs to make sure that it is EU approved for roads in this country and approved by insurance companies which most American systems are not, plus have a signed certificate from an approved LPG fitter that the system was fitted correctly. The propane system i have adds about 40bhp to my engine. My EGT`s have gone up a bit but nothing more then expected really. When setting up for power you have to be very careful not to get detonation if you do turn the propane down or you will kill your engine same as running any engine with predetonation. Fitting a propane kit to a small diesel engine ( 1.9 etc ) for economy etc reasons is a complete waste of money as by the time you have bought and fitted the kit ( if done properly ) your looking at paying at least

I will one day go back to using propane but for now I've left it off, it was giving me some performance but mainly improved spool-up low down rev range and better fuel economy throughout.

However at the moment I can't risk another engine :P