LPG Conversion

[Guest]

VERY IMPORTANT

I have been told today that if I have an LPG conversion it invalidates my Volvo warrant on my new engine. Something to consider !!!

 

[Guest]

Andrew, I have just spoke to TMC gas power who are about 300yards from me, they know Richard very well and supply the kit to him. TMC have been installing conversions for 20yrs and are very competent, and honest. They have done some boats but will speak to Richard to combine their aotomotive expertise with his marine expertise amd together get the best soltion for me, seems ideal and I will let you know the result. I guess young Richard, a very competent installer as they call him, will be able to give references about them.

 

[tr7v8]

Ges,
>The performance seemed the same but the consumption somewhat higher, >presumably because fuel is sold by volume not weight and LPG is less dense then >petrol (which is less dense than diesel).

Not really, the calorific value of gas is lower hence the higher consumption, however gas is equivalent to something like 115 Octane petrol so the engine could run with much more ignition advance. Some of the car converters are remapping the ignition to take advantage of this. Apparently like that you end up with a slight power increase over petrol.

Jim
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[Guest]

I am probably wrong and my physics was a very long time ago but I thought calorific value was a function of energy produced/weight (units = Mj/kg) if so calorific value and density go hand in hand - sort of

It's interesting about the ignition advance, it would be difficult to have this with a duel fuel setup though and I just didn't have room for enough tanks to run on gas alone

You couldn't help but note how clean the engine oil was after several months use. Whether this would result in longer engine life, I don't know

On the warranty, the installer gave me one for any problems the conversion caused (none) and I believe that the then Mercruiser agent would have covered their problems (none)

Geoff

 

[tr7v8]

Think on reflection you could be right with regards to the first point, but dual fuel is definitely possible to amend ignition advance whilst on gas you'd have two maps in the engine management system (which even boats have now) ad this would have a feed from the Petrol/LPG switch, switch in Gas and you get a highly advanced ignition curve. Easy!
Have a look at http://www.rpiv8.com/Acrobat/LPG Infofinishpr.pdf

As I undrstand it V^%v( are very twitchy about Gas conversions saying no warranty as soon as it's fitted, not that we'd notice the difference eh Dom! But Mercruiser say we'd consider each case on it's own merits. Not sure if that's better or not!

Jim
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[BarryH]

Re: VERY IMPORTANT

Do a search on the user name Landlocked, He had a new mercruiser engine go bang on him after having it converted. Mercruiser told 'im to go get stuffed re repair. Worth reading if you want to avoid the pitfalls.

 

[andrewa]

Sounds good. Richard is doing mine for me and has done alot on the S.Coast

 

[steel_slug]

BSS has no problem with LPG as motive fuel , conversion to be in accordance with LPGA code of practice, company local to us runs a day hire boat on LPG. Problem is with dual fuel systems , as I understand it engine manufacturers are wary about conversions and there have been problems with fuel (petrol) leaks due to gaskets and seals drying out, so no duel fuel in BSS waters. HTH

Paul M

PM

 

[Guest]

I MAY, give it a year to firstly get my years warranty, and secondly find out what my boating requirements will be. Having been on the best private vessel I have ever been on today, I am sure we will have the urge to get a bigger boat at the SBS later in the year. Of course the cost will be a big thing, TMC guessed at least £2,000 for starters, It would not be financially viable to pay for the conversion unless I was to get AT LEAST two years boating out of it. I have already invested in a £600 Camper Canvas, £1,800 trailer, £7,000 on safety equipment and other accessories that I will not get my money back on, and that is without the boat. It may be that we are happy with the little Glastron and want to be trailer sailers in which case I would not go for it. But as ever I am always open to other peoples suggestions, comments, views and experiences, so who knows what lies ahead.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for that, it may make a big difference as I believe the river medway is under BSS rules after Allington lock, that is where i will be pottering about.

Cheers

 

[andrewa]

What safety equipment have you bought for £7k for heavens sake. Hopefully it is portable and can be taken to our next boat.

 

[Guest]

It was actually £9,115 + £600 for Camper Canvas + £1,800 for trailer = £11,514 but that includes other accessories as well though. Sun_Coast and TR7V8 reviewed it today and said that it was OK, just amazing how it all added up, Oh I forgot we duplicated the boat books so minus £69!! (remember slit wrists Clive & Jim, the fraternity!) /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

 

[landlocked]

Re: VERY IMPORTANT

I never had a problem with Mercruiser,my engine was out of the warranty period.The problem was with the installers and MGS who have blamed everything from faulty piston,faulty plugs and faulty injector as the cause of my engine failure! In the end I repossessed my boat ,located and fitted a new engine myself.My boat is back in use.I approached Calor Gas at SBS and asked if they could supply an engineer to check and complete the conversion.They recommended Richard Neville of Marine Solutions.I am still waitng for a reply to my phone call and letter sent last November.
I now have somebody else helping me finish the conversion.There is nothing wrong with LPG conversions(hence mine is still continuing) the problem is with the ability of the so called secialists.Some are more capable than others.
I would ask what backup you have if you do come across a problem after you have a conversion.
I am still locked in a legal battle to resolve my problem!

 

[Guest]

Re: VERY IMPORTANT

Like I said earlier the guy next door to me IS AN EXPERT but specialises in automotive, he has been going for 20 years and knows them all. He knows Richard, and I trust him 100%, if he was dodgy he would not be there, he is a very profesional outfit. He was good enough to say that he would consult with Richard to see what the best plan would be, but I would like as I said on the other post to get my years warrant out of the way first. Ring this number 01959 570180 it is TMC, speak to him at NO COST and suss him out, he may be able to guide you to another marine guy, he does EVERYTHING by the book, I know because his company MOT's my vehicles. Safety is No1 with him. Let me know what you think.

 

[andrewa]

Happy boating to ya Grumpy, i'm sure you'll get loads of pleasure our of her. Don't forget in a 21 footer which I believe you have the fuel won't be to bad on a V6, do you use cans or marina? I have the 7.4 454 ci but even that when I behave myself around 3000 rpm does over 2 mpg at 24 knots and thats on a 27 footer. I think sometimes we dwell to much on the fuel issue, boats drink fuel petrol or diesel period, and on average only do 50-70 hours a year with our weather just enjoy and analyse after first season. By then you will probably want a bigger boat I do and i've only had mine 7 months!

 

[Guest]

I don't get mine (boat) until 22/3 so don't know yet, but guess I will fill up at the MArina, for what the difference is.