Re: LPG/CNG cheaper?

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 10 May 2005 farna@xxxxxxx wrote:

> I knew there were other benefits, especially cleaner burning.
> The only thing that I've read concerns about is cylinder and maybe
> valve wear because LPG/CNG burns so clean. I guess when you have
> to take yours apart we'll know!

Cylinder wall wear is universally claimed to be minimal. No wet
fuel to wash oil, no micro-abrasives from burned oil seep. Since
oil also stays VASTLY less contaminated (no contest; the oil on my
200K+ mile 232 stays like-new up to 5000 miles) it continues to
lube parts like a just-assembled motor.

While there is a different burn pattern to the fuel load, which
I'm sure changes the exhaust mix and temp, there's simply the same
BTUs per cylinder load driving down the road; total heat output is
the same as gasoline, even if peak temps are higher, the heat
isn't (eg. you can put a 700-degree match out between your fingers
(low heat); burn your hand on a spoonful of boiling water (high
heat)). Valve mass is the same. Could probably improve valve lip
cooling with camshaft.

I dunno, my engine runs OK, I'm not gonna tear it down from
curiosity. Maybe I'll fix the head/compression and find out then.
Someday if I drive to someone's place and they have a borescope
maybe a look-see down a plug hole or down the distributor hole
would be interesting.

The 72 Hornet gets the Rambler's used spark plugs -- they look
like new. Probably shouldn't even change them. I heard some fleet
places run the used LP motor oil through their gasoline vehicles.