propane qustion

witchdoctor said:
can anyone tell me what all has to be done to convert a 4.2 to propane?
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This is what I did.
Got all the parts off of a junked 4 cyl. forklift. I got lucky and happened to have an old Weber carb adapter that I was able to use to bolt the propane carb to my 258 intake. I then mounted the converter and vacuum lockout onto the driver side fender. I did have to buy some brass hose connectors and some feed hose at a local fork lift shop. I mounted 2 forklift tanks in the rear of my cage. They are connected by individual hoses running to a t-fitting and then a single hose runs up to the under hood parts. This allows me to run one tank until empty then just close the valve on that one and open the valve on the other. You also have to run some heater hose to the converter to put it into the coolant loop. That way the hot water circulating through your engine also goes through the converter to help turn the liquid propane into a gas before it goes to the mixer. Once I had everything mounted and all the hoses correctly connected and leak tested (very important), I proceeded to fire it up. It started up really quick and ran pretty good. I did do a little adjustment at the mixer to calm down some of the raw propane smell coming out the tailpipe. That is actually the only adjustment to anything after converting it over. I have read that you can play with the timing to help it out some. I've never even done that. Mine runs so good as is that I'm afraid to mess around with it and screw something up. I've been running it for around 3 years now and consider it to be one of the best things I've done to it. Even if it's been sitting for a month, I can turn on the gas and it will start right up. It is a trail only rig now though, so YMMV. I did use junkyard components that must have still been in really good shape because I have had no issues at all. Knock on wood. That's pretty much it in a nutshell. I can shoot and post some photos if that will help any.
 
For your engine I would recommend an Impco 225 mixer(carb) a Model E converter, and a Your choice of lock off, either vacuum (VFF)or electric.
You will need an adapter to mate the mixer to your intake(goes between your mixer and the base plate of your carb.
Vapor hose to connect the mixer to the converter.
The converter has to be in line with your heater hose(keeps it from freezing up and ceasing operation)
Then you need propane supply line to your lock off, then supply line to tank(s)
Tanks of course, I recommend two tanks, but a lot of folks only use one.
You will need to either fab up, or buy tank hold downs.
All your supply hose and fittings can be bought at a local forklift supply place. You can also get with Kenneth, 4x4girl, on this board. He has a lot of pane stuff and has fittings and hose in stock. He may even have the adapter you need. He, as well as gamedog of this board has tanks for sale too.
Hope this helps
 
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