propane/natural gas conversion?

[Steve P.]

Has anyone here converted their Spridget to run on
propane or natural gas? If so, I'd be interested in
the details.

No, its not for any of my cars. Its for a co-generation
project I'm thinking of building. Its basically a
motor-generator set where the hot water is used to
heat a building. In my case, a small cabin I built.

I've got a somewhat worn out (smokes too much to
put it on the road) 948, that runs fine otherwise
that would be perfect.

 

[bthompson]

I'd be <span style="font-style: italic">really </span>surprised if anyone has. The only reason to go LPG is for economy or emissions. A (properly-tuned non-Weber!) Spridget gets amazing MPG as is, and clean emissions usually isn't high on a Sprigeteer's list of priorities. :wink: Add to that the problem of where the heck to put the tank, and the question of carburation...!

But all that being said, the lil' BMC engines seem sturdy enough to be well suited for propane. Might have to harden the valves, or run a mist of MM oil thru the intake. It's an interesting idea, at any rate!

You might want to ask this to the Moggie crowd...they like propane, I've heard. :laugh:

 

[nomad]

Veeeery interesting. I would suggest you check into forklift carburetors. I would expect they would be about the right size. If the engine is worn anyway, run it till it dies!! Best of luck!!