Propane injection system has anyone put one in a CUCV

[Skinny]

I don't see any advantage to running propane on a NA diesel other than possibly gaining a more complete combustion process (which is complete speculation on my end). Without some type of forced induction, the stock 6.2 will only make as much power as the fuel you put into it. Meaning the point at which it starts to create soot in the exhaust is the maximum power output. Giving it more fuel (ie propane) will only make more smoke I would assume at that point.

Propane is a great fuel for spark ignited engines and I'm sure it plays a huge role in a turbo diesel application by cooling combustion temps, possibly even lowering the intake charge temp because it vaporizes below room temp. Other than that, I don't see how a stock 6.2 is going to gain ANY power from anything unless you change the volumetric efficiency (headers, turbo, pistons, etc.) and compensate with increased fueling.

 

[NC PREPMAN]

I would like to run a small amount for hp and fuel economy. No where near 100hp. Maybe 30-50? Would this still be too hard on my 6.2? I got a propane guy close to my house that can install a progressive introduction system. This is the only cost effective HP I can find. Has anyone actually installed this in a m1009? I can only find conjecture so far.

 

[NC PREPMAN]

So I just spoke to Keith at diesel performance products .com who makes the powershot 2000. This seems to get good reviews on the web. He said a system for a n/a diesel motor like our detroit 6.2 should add about 30hp. This is a non progressive delivery set at idle running about 1.5cfm. He said after 14 years experience to: hook up a temporary BBQ tank with regulator for a short test run to see if I was happy with results, this is how he originally started experimenting. If I'm happy with result, we can custom build a system operating off throttle position or constant flow at idle. Very helpful guy, and was not just trying to sell me something. http://www.dieselperformanceproducts.com/contact.html

I have a propane injection mechanic location very near my house as well that I will get to either install or consult before proceeding.

 

[richingalveston]

I looked into from what I found out it only pays with range on the vehicle with a turbo. On a non turbo it adds a minimal horsepower gain. ONLY a small trickle charge type system is recommended unless you want to blow it up fast.

By saying it only pays with range means you can drive farther on a tank of diesel with propane trickle charge but $ wise it is a wash.
You are much better off increasing range with larger diesel tank than adding a propane tank.
Just adding the turbo alone should be the most you want to push a 6.2 and the propane does very little with out it.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

If it really performed all that well for fuel economy, I'd expect fleets to be using it. Often such tricks are interesting to the hobbyist, but really don't buy anything in the long run.

 

[Skinny]

Best bang for the buck with an NA 6.2 would probably be to shed weight, add an overdrive, destroy the lethargic TH400 in trade for something with a lock up converter, go to a 5 speed manual, add turbo.

I really think this propane thing is a waste of time and effort for not much gain. Plus you have another fuel on board (which I don't exactly feel comfortable with an LP tank unless it is 30' behind me in a motorhome).

The turbo is key (as long as you stay out of the throttle) because you are gaining volumetric efficiency off of the wasted exhaust heat.

 

[NC PREPMAN]

How about a 3" custom intake straight up through the hood with a 6x7 k&n filter? Maybe a 3-3.5" exhaust hi flow muffler and turn up the pump a little? Just replaced both injection pumps.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Silk purse, sow's ear. The math just doesn't work.

 

[NC PREPMAN]

What is that supposed to mean?

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

It is what it is. You just aren't going to get much gain from an intake and an exhaust system, not nearly enough to make it worthwhile. A turbo with mild boost will get you some useful power, and might even make sense if you can get the parts cheap.

You can't make a high performing engine out of a 6.2. Not for very long, anyway.

 

[rsh4364]

Exactly as Marcus said,our 6.2s are the turtle in the turtle /hare race ,slow and steady.If you want to read up on some interesting upgrades check out Heath Diesel,interesting stuff there.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Wow. I never heard of them before, so I checked it out. That is one seriously lame website!

 

[rsh4364]

Ya,you really have to dig a bit,They built a 500hp 6.5 using mostly 6.2 parts.I think I found interesting stuff under news.and tech. articles They do sell a cam for6.2 N/A motors 20hp and 60 ft.lbs. torque.

 

[Keith_J]

Propane does nothing to increase the percentage of fuel burn unless the engine is blowing black smoke, that means nothing for normal engines. It only works for turbo engines when the injection pump cannot inject enough fuel during the short injection window, inject too late and just smoke.

without enough oxygen, like a turbo, you get nothing. The window is only wide enough for full injected volume at low speed, limiting power.

 

[MarcusOReallyus]

Ya,you really have to dig a bit,They built a 500hp 6.5 using mostly 6.2 parts..

And how long did it last?

 

[rsh4364]

And how long did it last?

Im not sure,and Im really not interested in a 500hp 1009,Im perfectly happy with the performance of my stock 6.2.I just thought it was an interesting read.I liked the articles about comp.testing and the cheap test for testing the cdr vale and blowby test.I had to edit. I would like to turbo my 1009,but just for the extra mpg...LOL