Why Use Alternate Fuel?
Converting engines to propane and natural gas is
nothing new. The same technology used over fifty years ago, with a track record
to match, is still the standard today.
Almost every engine that runs on alternate fuel started
out as a gasoline engine. For instance, visit any home center, warehouse, or
industrial complex and you will find forklifts running on propane. These lifts
had their gasoline systems removed and were replaced with propane components.
One of the reasons the in-field type conversions are so popular is that factory conversions are much more expensive versus a
do-it-yourself kit.
Here are just a few reasons why engines are
converted:
LONGER ENGINE LIFE
First of all propane and natural gas burn
cleaner than gasoline. No carbon deposits in the engine or on the spark plug.
Second, the fuel is already a vapor so the engine can be
started at IDLE instead of wide open throttle. Would you start your car with
your foot to the floor? It has been proven that the majority of engine wear
takes place when the engine is first started. So it's easy to see that an
alternate fueled engine can last several times longer than a gasoline engine.
NO GUMMING UP OF THE FUEL SYSTEM
Alternate fuel does not go stale so it's ready
when you need it. No additives are required.
DEPENDABLE
In ice storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and other disasters, natural gas and
propane are always s readily available. If you've ever been caught in a
line at the gas station with your little lawn mower gasoline tank only to find
out the gas station has no power to run their pumps, you know that gasoline is
not a good emergency back-up fuel. Long lines and small storage are only
part of the reasons gasoline is not to be counted on as a back-up fuel.
Natural Gas is the most
dependable fuel the average person could have. Today's gas mains with
their redundant backup systems can be counted on to supply natural gas in the
most common emergency situations.
Propane can be safely stored
for years with no apparent decrease in quality. It is easily transportable
in small cylinders.
Both natural gas and propane
customers tell us all the time how they have used their generators nonstop for
days and were so glad they made the switch prior to an emergency.
As a vapor, the engine can start in very cold
weather. Propane vaporizes even at 40 BELOW ZERO!
BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Recall we mentioned forklifts? The reason they
are running on propane is the three reasons mentioned above and the fact that
they are being used indoors. Because of their low carbon monoxide emissions,
they are approved for indoor use. Even though no generator or kit is approved for indoor use,
the point is, alternate fuel makes what comes out of the muffler cleaner and
better for the environment.
