Jackaroo V6 LPG Conversion

Submitted: Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:43

ThreadID: 41897 Views:8817 Replies:6 FollowUps:3

This Thread has been Archived

4tysumthing

Just had the 2002 V6 Jackaroo converted to LPG. The tank sits nicely where the old one was with no obvious decrease in clearance. The LPG tank is 85 litres in volume , but actually only takes 65 litres LPG. I get 350 kilometers (city driving) on gas. Have not had it on the highway or bush yet. The old 83 litre fuel tank was replaced by a new 65 litre petrol tank, giving 130 litres fuel in total. No more need to take extra fuel cans on the roofrack anymore when I go bush!
I got the Sequential Injection system which cost $1200 more than the standard conversion because I was told it would not decrease power or economy. It cost $4,700 in total and I got the $2,000 gov. rebate in the bank within 2 weeks!
First impressions is that there is no drop in power or economy at all.! The Jack always had bad fuel economy (Bush 380 klms, city 420 klms and Highway 470klms on a tank). With the cheaper cost of gas, it will pay for itself in one year.
The engine starts on petrol the automatcally switches to Gas when its heater up after a couple of minutes. When the gas runs out it switches over to petrol.
Nice system - worth looking at for fuel-hungry Jackaroos.

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:59

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 14:59

Good on you for giving it a go, but I don't like your sums matey.

$4,700 minus the $2000 rebate equals $2,700 worth of fuel before you break even.
Can't see you recouping that within a year.

Yes, the 3.5 litre petrol engine is a little thirsty but it has plenty of grunt.
I think I'll stick with the standard setup myself.

Good luck with your choice anyway.

Bill

I'm diagonally parked in a parallel Universe!

Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 219250

Follow Up By: 4tysumthing - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 16:07

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 16:07

It does seem alot, but I keep a log book and travelling over 30,000 klms/year (using it for work and play), I spend over $5,000 on petrol. So, one year payback for me is about right. Without the Gov. $2k rebate, I would not have done it.
Cheers

FollowupID: 479799

Reply By: Member - Barry M (NSW) - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:48

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 15:48

Interesting reading. I thought about such a conversion but couldnt make the sums
work as my 2000 Jack will only be used as a holiday/casual transport & not an everyday use vehicle. Opted for a 135 L long range tank found cheaply. I had heard
the tales of woe re fuel consumption for the V6 but not proven in my case, as I get
12L to 100k consistantly with country driving. Yes I drive with economy in mind
& spend more time at 100 than 110, auto too by the way. Towing a light C/t to Kimberley shortly, anticipating around 15L to 100, but wont blow a fuse if it proves
to be more than that.
Good Luck with it, you might post some current figures when available :)
...oldbaz.

AnswerID: 219270

Reply By: Camoco - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 16:30

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 16:30

Hi 4tysumthing,

I have a Frontera (last model) (baby Jack) and we converted it to gas over a year ago.
We also have fairly good economy due to driving habits (11 l/100k highway) and the range of our LPG tank (63l fill) is around 400 hwy and 330 around town.

Everything was going well (except for "engine Check" light stays on on LPG until we let the installers play with it at the 10,00k gas service. Been a bit of a dog ever since. We now run on petrol during the summer and gas when it's cooler.

All up though, when left alone, it's a great conversion. Even though we did it before the rebate. We now get the local Holden mob to service it and since then it's been fine. (not badly priced either).

I hope your is even better.

Regards Cam

AnswerID: 219278

Reply By: FZJ 80 - Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 21:15

Friday, Feb 02, 2007 at 21:15

4tysumthing,

Good on you bud!
I had LPG fitted to my 80 series cruiser in nov 05. Wish i had done it 2 years earlier. Economical way to use a fuel monster like ours. Also LPG is the cleanest fossill fuel availiable for automotive use and being largely non related to oil supplies the use of LPG helps conserve dwindling oil reserves.

Hope it all goes well.

Regards

Greg

AnswerID: 219348

Reply By: Member - Bradley- Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 00:08

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 00:08

Nice one champ, is that the OMVL kit from italy? how strong is their aux tank? and who did the conversion?

I have been quoted the same from Smithys in bayswater in melb.
Just need to raise the bucks first, then on she goes...

I estimated about 20lt/100 on gas but you are getting better than that so i will definetly even out within a year of fitting it. I get 13-14/100 on petrol.

My only prob is that i will have to sell my existing Aux tank setup as its not suitable.

cheers Brad.

AnswerID: 219563

Follow Up By: 4tysumthing - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 21:04

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 21:04

Hi Brad, it could be worth selling the auxillary tank on e-bay to help fund the conversion. Because the price quoted includes both the LPG tank and a new fabricated petrol tank.
Smithys at Bayswater was recomended by a mechanic mate to get it done at . Yes, it's the Italian Kit.
The auxillary petrol tank is steel (although I was quoted on Aluminium). It is mounted in several places and sits flush with the rest of the underbelly supports.
It is tucked in nicely - I guess like a long range one would, and although it'll be a few weeks before I can go off-road I don't expect any issues .
The LPG tank has a steel cradle under it for protection from scraping etc. and sits no lower than the original tank.

For me , it was either get it done to reduce fuel costs and increase driving range, or trade it in on a turbo-diesel. But the retail and trade-in value on Jackaroos is pretty bad at the moment, and as it's such a competent and reliable vehicle, I am glad to be keeping it for a few more years.

FollowupID: 480321

Follow Up By: Member - Bradley- Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 23:48

Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 23:48

cheers mate, yeah the tank is "aluminiumised" steel - ie steel sheet plated with ally for corrosion resistance, same as exhaust pipe etc. No ally tanks made for jacks.

I was thinking of keeping my existing tanks and installing a "scuba" tank same as the discos, mega range but i would loose too much space in the back.

So me thinks i'll just go with the standard kit and flog off the leftovers.

Thanks mate.

FollowupID: 480362