Home | Classifieds | History | Technical | Links | Store | About Us | Email
Topics Topics Edit Profile Profile Help/Instructions Help Member List Register  
Search Last 1|3|7 Days Search Search Tree View Tree View  

Propane instead of gasoline?

Old Marine Engine » Palmer Engine Co » Propane instead of gasoline? « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Brent P
Visitor
Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 10:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Has anyone ever converted a Palmer P-60 to run on propane?

While my P-60 runs well, it occurred to me the other day that I might eventually need to rebuild or repower. Diesel is predominant, but I do like the Palmer. Propane seems to offer a decent alternative to some of the shortcomings of gasoline while allowing me to keep the Palmer.

Anyone?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Richard Shapiro
Senior Member
Username: mainesails

Post Number: 66
Registered: 09-2005
Posted on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I don't know if any engine can be converted, but if so ...

You'll need a bigger tank to get the same range. I don't think Propane's got the same BTUs per gallon. There are also strict sealing and venting requirements for any compartment holding propane.

You'd need portable tanks for filling. Propane is rarely available dockside.

I would think it needs a special carb. I'd check out the carbs used on small house generators. I have a 16kw propane home generator, and I think it's got about the same power as a P60.

Finally, and I don't have the link in front of me right now, but beautiful non-metallic propane containers have recently come on the market. They are really cool and come in some different sizes.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

David Stott
Member
Username: david_stott

Post Number: 28
Registered: 06-2005
Posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008 - 02:14 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Brent, Just about any engine can run on Gas (LPG/Propane). Here in Australia all our Taxi's run on bottled gas. I have even seen Vintage cars running on gas. You will use more gas than petrol but gas is cheaper (here in Australia anyway).

You will need specialised equipment that provdes gas to the throat of your existing carby, and will need to talk to a professional installer. Try looking on the internet for "Automotive Gas installers" in Australia. We have many of them here.

The ignition timing can be advanced further than normal when using gas. The only issue will be venting because gas is heavier than air and if a leak ocurs it will lay in your bilge, and I do not need to remind you of the consequences of that.

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Administration Administration Log Out Log Out   Previous Page Previous Page Next Page Next Page

Home | Classifieds | History | Technical | Links | Store | About Us | Email
&copy 2005 OldMarineEngine.com, P.O. Box 188, Forest Dale, VT 05745-0188 • Phone: 802-247-4864 • All rights reserved.
   Marine Engine Seloc Repair Manual Lookup Tool

marine gas engine repair and restoration