I know you can convert a diesel to run on propane -- how hard would it be to convert to run straight hydrogen?

Question

About 20 years ago Freightliner had a test truck that was a full diesel propane conversion. It doubled the horsepower of the diesel engine but got 1/2 the mileage. Also the diesel motor would have to have been never fired on diesel.

I am wondering if it would be possible to convert a diesel to run on hydrogen.

My main concern would be if the engine could hold up to the increased power. Diesel engines are built tough for the detonation so perhaps...

If it is likely it could hold up, what steps I would need to take to begin researching/building the solution.

If possible I would like to leave the inner workings of the diesel untouched as I can do some gas motor work but am not a diesel mechanic.

Answer 1

Mother Earth News magazine had an article (in 70's or 80"s) about a guy who converted his gasoline truck to run on hydrogen, so a diesel engine should be plenty strong to take the pressure.

Answer 2

Not hard.  I was on a team who did this in 1973.

Answer 3

I don't think you could do it: hydrogen does not auto-ignite when compressed.  A diesel engine relies on compression ignition so it would not work on hydrogen.  You need something with spark plugs.

Answer 4

The Hydrogen Car Company does this with gasoline engines. You might ask them if they could do the same with a diesel engine. I do not see why they could not.

The contact information for The Hydrogen Car Company is:

mailing address:

5700 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, California