I may be looking at a 2017 Caravan in the next few days that was previously run on NG. Apparently it no longer uses NG.
I tried googling natural gas conversions to get an idea what to look for but everything I found was long on story, short on technical info.
Is there anything I should be concerned about, or looking for?
EDIT: Always remember to check the title before you post, I said to myself. If you make a mistake, you can't fix it...
I had a 65 Dodge Dart that ran on natural gas. I've had a fascination with the fuel since. Some of the OEM built vehicles that were made for natural gas had higher compression ratio's than their gas counterparts. On something that new I bet the ECU programming is significantly different, they need a lot more timing advance than a gas car. The ECU probably has a bunch of integrated safety items that are fuel system specific too.
Sorry none of that info is 2017 Chrysler specific, just areas I would start digging.
It can be really hard to find fill locations these days. There are home compressors available but I don't think they are cheap.
Worked for a Natural Gas Utility back in 19 O'$$$$
Most local gas utility companies have filling stations as part of their local infrastructure.
Just a hint on where to get it filled, should you go back to using that fuel.
YRMV
In reply to RacingComputers :
Here is a map of where they are. The one I used was at the local utility but they decommissioned the system and took it out after they stopped using CNG trucks.
https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural-gas-locations#/find/nearest?fuel=CNG
In reply to Peabody :
Find a junkyard Gas Caravan or find a wrecked one to have all the parts at home. Your gonna need a bunch of stuff.
The old cars were much simpler. Just replace the fuel system from tank to carb.
I recommend fixing what you have and continue to run on CNG if fill ups are convenient.
Maybe I wasn't clear. The caravan was NG powered but is currently running on gas, it has been returned to stock.
My question was, is there anything in the return to stock that I should be looking for? I'm familiar with propane conversions on carbureted vehicles, but not NG on modern fuel injection
Every NG conversion I have seen was dual-fuel, they ran a second set of injectors (being NG they could be mounted anywhere within certain limits, and connected via short hoses to the intake) and a second tank and a second computer that piggybacked off of the gasoline computer.
Everything I have seen indicates that the NG stuff runs cleaner with less carbon and oil contamination. If the setups were done correctly and professionally, not sure I would be scared of it.
Might be worth looking over fuel tank mounting/etc to be sure good work was done.
Peabody
MegaDork
7/25/24 10:30 a.m.
In reply to Pete. (l33t FS) :
Thanks. That's the kind of info I was looking for