Alt. Fuel Conversions / cng?

Question

I live in Phoenix Arizona, where the smog is unbearable..I have a 2005 GMC Sierra (no i dont want to downsize, or buy a new hybrid vehicle, im too bonded with my truck) and am really considering having a conversion done to help with this big issue. I try to carpool as much as I can but I cant take the live karaoke in my passenger seat 5x a week anymore. The only problem is I cannot find a local place to do it, i've been researching for a few weeks and the best opinions i've heard is to buy the kit online now and worry about install later..and I'd like to have it all covered at the same time. So anyone who can help me out with this, tell me pro's, con's, and most of all where I can get this done at! thanks so much!

Answer 1

Getting it done is the easiest part. Finding the fuel is the tough part. CNG requires special handling and just isn't available at the corner gas station. The only CNG hookups I've ever seen were in Municipal vehicles or Buses and the "station" was in the municipal or bus co. maintenance compound. Also reliability isn't that great. Here in Austin, TX the local bus company took out ads and crowed about going "Green" with CNG buses a few years ago. Less than a year later the CNG's were all gone and they were back to diesel buses because of reliability issues. Of course THAT fact was never advertised. Unfortunately, the biggest reason for all the smog, is people who won't give up the fume emitting gas hogs. "Bonded" with your truck? A vehicle is a tool to get you from one place to another. If people would realize that, they'd get rid of the inefficient tools and the problem would be solved or at least greatly diminished.

Answer 2

I've run propane on my trucks (3) for over 30 years.  Cng requires a pretty hefty tank and unless you run in a particular area all the time, fuel may be scarce.  Propane is easier to get.  I'm not familiar with Arizona smog check laws, so you have to check first.  Try an get a 100 gal tank, 80 gals are useable and should be good for at least 800 miles.  Call some of the propane distributors (who sell to industrial and bulk users) and ask them for the names of companies that sell conversion equipment.  On my vehicles, I mounted a part which requires the heater hoses to route hot water through it (needed to vaporize liquid into a vapor) and then it goes into what takes the place of the old fashioned carburetor.  Since your engine is fuel injected, it will be an easy matter to direct the vapor into the throttle body and kill off your original fuel pump and injectors.  Other technicalities have to be answered as to what will happen to the oxygen sensors and catalytic converter.  Since the computer requires some information from certain sensors, modifications may need to be done make sure your ignition timing is correct for all phases of engine operation.  Talk with those people and see what they say.  Since my vehicles are all older that yours, (prior to 1970), I haven't had to confront the problems I mentioned.  There is a place called Meeder Equipment in Fresno, CA that I buy stuff from.  It may be worth driving to Calif (12 hrs) if you can't find someone to do the work in your area.  I don't think the conversion would take more than 2 days if all necessary parts are on hand.

Answer 3

Too bad its not diesel,

simply changing to Biodiesel makes a big difference!

here, someone already converted their jeep!

http://www.canev.com/Jeep.html