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Propane A How does it work?

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MWM

05-14-2003 17:50:22




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I've just acquire an A that was converted to propane. Anyone know how it works and the theory of operation? Where I might be able to get more information and who might have parts?




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Badger Bob

05-15-2003 14:57:06




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 Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to MWM, 05-14-2003 17:50:22  
Two pops is right the lp has only 80% the power and 80% the fuel econame as gas, starts better in the sumer and poorly in 20 below wether.



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CJDave

05-15-2003 18:32:55




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 Re: Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to Badger Bob , 05-15-2003 14:57:06  
I've done quite a few propane conversions on various gasoline engines, and we usually figured about 9% derate on HP when going to LP on a built-for-gasoline engine.



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G-MAN

05-15-2003 08:01:29




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 Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to MWM, 05-14-2003 17:50:22  
Once you get past the fuel system issue, the tractor itseld functions just like any other "A". Propane has a higher octane rating than pump gas, so it will withstand higher compression ratio than gasoline without detonating. This generally results in a power increase. Like Wayne said, the system uses vaporized propane to run off of, using a specialized carburetor and a converter. The converter uses engine coolant heat to "boil" the liquid (the tank will hold a percentage of the propane in liquid form as it's under pressure) into a vapor, which the carb then meters into the engine in the same manner a gasoline carburetor does. And also like Wayne said, until there is sufficient coolant heat to make the converter work, the system will run off of vapor from the top of the tank. It would definitely be a smart thing to have the system checked by someone familiar with propane fuel systems and tanks. Any leaks with the tractor in a closed building can have disastrous consequences. Our insurance discourages us from keeping LP tractors in the shop overnight for just that reason. It's a safe fuel when used properly, but not something to fool around with.

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twopop

05-15-2003 11:39:57




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 Re: Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to G-MAN, 05-15-2003 08:01:29  
G-man,I do not agree with your statement that propane delivers more power than gosoline.one of us is wrong and therefore if its me,I would like to know it.propane contains 96000 btus per gallon whereas gasoline contains 120000 btus and diesel is 140000 btus.even john deere states,that if using gasoline as the standard of 100% that diesel develops 120% while propane delivers 80%.as i understand it octane rating does not improve btu,s but controls the burn of the fuel so it will not flash.if im wrong please clue me in

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G-MAN

05-15-2003 15:47:55




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 Re: Re: Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to twopop, 05-15-2003 11:39:57  
I don't think that the extra power (maybe not even extra) is because of the BTUs, but because of the higher compression ratio. You're correct that the higher octane doesn't necessarily increase power output, but a higher compression ratio does. I guess the proof would be that generally a LP tractor is usually rated very near or the same as a gasonline tractor of the same model when it comes to horsepower. Check out the following example. JD 3020 Gasoline - 227 cubic inches/7.5:1 compression/64 PTO HP -- JD 3020 LP -227 cubic inches/9.0:1 compression/64 PTO HP. So, using that example, the difference in compression ratio makes up for the difference in BTUs. Does that sound good to you? My intent wasn't to mislead, but I can see where what I said could be taken in two different ways. Gasoline may have more BTUs per gallon than LP, but you can get just as much power out of LP by bumping up the compression ratio.

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twopop

05-15-2003 18:27:33




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to G-MAN, 05-15-2003 15:47:55  
I now understand your statement,most of my experience comes from gasoline engines,with add on propane systems.in this case there is usually a 10 to 20 % drop in fuel mileage.I have also found it difficult to locate propane pistons for 4020,s and have had to install gas pistons,by your example i made a big mistake.



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Frank M.

05-15-2003 17:15:54




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to G-MAN, 05-15-2003 15:47:55  
Since Deere never made the A for LP, I'm betting it has the gas pistons in it. Therefore, it will prob'ly have less HP than a gas model.
Another possibility: maybe the company that made the conversion kit supplied high comp pistons, too. Disclaimer: Both lines above are strictly guesses and might be completely wrong.



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G-MAN

05-16-2003 09:55:53




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 Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to Frank M., 05-15-2003 17:15:54  
I'm thinking that the kits included higher-compression pistons. They were also available for the "G", and since the "G" had a compression ratio of around 4.2:1, it would be pretty ridiculous to modify one to run on propane without bumping the compression ratio.



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Wayne in Tn.

05-15-2003 07:13:09




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 Re: Propane A How does it work? in reply to MWM, 05-14-2003 17:50:22  
MWM, the factory LP tractor is supposed to be started on Vapor, then after the engine heats up you close the Vapor valve and open the Liquid valve. When shutting down the engine, close both valves and let it run until it runs the lines out of gas, then turn off the ignition. As to parts and repair, check with your local LP dealer.



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