Patrol 3L TD diesel gas conversion

Submitted: Sunday, Oct 29, 2006 at 22:11

ThreadID: 38947 Views:4558 Replies:3 FollowUps:3

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PhilZD30Patrol

Hi

My 2001 Nissan Patrol ZD30 TD automatic was converted to diesel gas 1 month ago.

Prior to LPG installation I have averaged 12.1 litres per 100 kms over 10,000kms. Immediately prior to the LPG installation I recorded 10.9 litres per 100 kms over about 1,000kms of careful easy hi-way driving at or below the speed limit with 1 person load.

The 1st 1,593 kms on diesel gas I have used 12.2 litres per 100kms of fuel at 9.8 litres of diesel and 2.4 of LPG. Roughly I save at least $2.05 per 100 kms.

During the 1,500km service, completed a few days ago, the ratio of LPG to diesel was increased slightly. I believe that the overall diesel and LPG fuel economy has slightly improved after the service but because I have only covered 490 kms, it is to soon to be sure.

It is going to take a few years to recover the installation costs. However, I hope the reports that diesel / LPG provides significantly less noxious exhaust emissions is correct. I really do believe that we all need to take seriously the global warming problems that scientists are certain is occurring.

I also understand that diesel / LPG improves combustion efficiency, reduces carbon build up in the combustion chambers and lowers exhaust gas temperature. Hopefully this will increase engine longevity. Time will tell.

Overall the vehicle has noticeably more power when moving from standstill and on steep hills. The engine starts instantly and runs smoothly.

It is very easy to accelerate faster from traffic lights and to push faster up hills. It is more like a sedan car that a diesel truck. I am certain that if I was careful and accelerated and drove at exactly the same speed as pre LPG installation the overall fuel consumption would improve. The temptation to show up Tojo Cruisers is just too great.

The installation was carried out by DIESELGAS in Kingswood, a suburb of Penrith NSW. They did a tidy and good professional job. They are friendly guys and they communicate well with customers.

The 30 litre tank fits well snugly under the floor inside of the chassis rail on the passenger side just forward of the rear wheel. They installed a solid plate steel protection plate below the tank. Ground clearance has not really suffered very much.

I trust and hope I will be able to write to this forum with good news when I reach 250,000kms. My dream is to do this in next few years of retirement touring around Oz.

Keep 4wding in our mighty Nissans
Phil

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Reply By: Motherhen - Sunday, Oct 29, 2006 at 23:28

Sunday, Oct 29, 2006 at 23:28

What sort of cost was the conversion? Do you know of anyone else who has done the same with a ZD30? All the same, I don't think i'd do anything non standard to the ZD30 - except replace it with a V8.

Motherhen

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AnswerID: 201721

Reply By: Member - Jeff H (QLD) - Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 00:14

Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 00:14

Mate, you and me both!!
As I have posted previously, the concept is compelling.
Unfortunately, in the absence of both Company guarantees and reliable independant confirmation, I remain sceptical. The $4000 conversion fee ($2000 after rebate) is much more than I feel entitled to gamble on ,(apparently), unproven technology.
I so wish it were otherwise. JH.

AnswerID: 201728

Reply By: PhilZD30Patrol - Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 08:19

Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 08:19

Hi

True, I may end up with 'egg on my face" but hopefully I can report back with a good news story when I role up 250,000 kms trouble free in a few years time.

As far as putting in a V8, why? I don't really need any extra power, I don't tow anything and why burn up extra fossil fuel and pour out all that extra pollution to cause more droughts?

What I do want is cheaper fuel costs and less pollution. If I achieved increased engine life it would be a bonus.

I forgot to mention in my first email that the $2,000 rebate was paid within a fortnight after lodging my claim to the Medicare office. Total installation cost was $4,000 less $2,000 rebate.

Cheers
Phil

AnswerID: 201744

Follow Up By: PK Eildon (VIC) - Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 09:03

Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 09:03

Had mine over 6mths & 25k on 2003 GU 4.2. Contrary to the doom & gloomers, have not struck any problems and more than happy.
There is fuel ecomony, however the urge to feel it lift remains and minimises the overall power/economy equation.
Getting the tappets set this week and will be interested to see how clean the top end is.

PK

FollowupID: 461127

Follow Up By: Blaze - Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 22:09

Monday, Oct 30, 2006 at 22:09

Lots of modern Diesel owners put chips on the units spending in access of $1400 with only a power increase, here they have the chance to increase power and milage for around $500 extra and they are worried about spending the money.

When you look at how many truck companies are now using duel fuel diesel/lpg I believe you would have to really consider it.

FollowupID: 461347

Follow Up By: PhilZD30Patrol - Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 08:27

Tuesday, Oct 31, 2006 at 08:27

Hi Blaze

I am not sure how many truck companies are using diesel/lpg in Oz. It is widely accepted overseas for many years now.

The headline news today is about Global warming. It really does seem that it cannot be ignored any longer and all motorists need to do what they can.

However, I'm NOT going to trade my 3 litre Patrol in for a push bike. The change over price is to high because the drop in value of 3 litre Patrols and I still think my Patrol is more reliable than me on a push bike despite the ZD30 engine and dieselgas installation.

Thanks for your comments
Cheers
Phil

FollowupID: 461448