dellpitch
Member Since: 12 Feb 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 37
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Hi Everybody
I have taken the bull by the horns and am having my Disco 3 converted to Bi-fuel. Diesel conversions in HGV's seems quite common but except in Australia & Italy not very common in smaller diesel engines.
Two reasons for me a) increase in efficiency 75/80% to 95% cleaner exhaust etc. and better economy/power, you decide which is to take priority.
Having been a member for a liitle while I have found the site invaluable but I do not believe anyone has taken the next (hoped for step) to get the most from what is a lovely motor. I wiil keep you posted on my results.
TDV6 HSE Telephone, Tow Pack Zambezi Silver/Ebony leather
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 15th Dec 2006 10:47 pm |
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bluebarchetta
Member Since: 25 Oct 2005
Location: Aylesbury
Posts: 524
  
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I don't know anything about this - can you elaborate?
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| 15th Dec 2006 11:17 pm |
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dellpitch
Member Since: 12 Feb 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 37
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Hi
Lpg is injected into the manifold to complete the combustion of the diesel fuel. Hence the the increase in efficiency. The process is called fumigation, as the LPG is vapourised back to a gas before injection.
The claims are for cleaner burn, hence cleaner oil, less particulates emmitted, greater power/economy.
I am told that my average mpg will increase from 24 to approximately 34mpg, taking into account the cost of LPG, about 40p/litre in my area.
The conversion takes place next week and will be carefully monitored.
Regards
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| 16th Dec 2006 12:05 am |
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DaveT
Member Since: 01 Aug 2005
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 2573
 
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I seem to recall an article in one of the LR mags about this.
Jerry Thurston (I think) did it to a series one Disco
Haven't seen any updates on it though.
Dave Long succession of Disco's since 2001...
SIII Lightweight - neglected & rusting. Bulkhead, A panels, vent panel & outriggers now disintegrated - Next years project!
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| 16th Dec 2006 12:13 am |
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Gareth
Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26726
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It was a Discovery used in comp safari racing, and was very quick. In that case the lpg was used as a power boost.
It will be interesting to see how the electronics handle it. Good luck 
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| 16th Dec 2006 12:26 am |
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dgrr
Member Since: 04 Apr 2006
Location: York
Posts: 212
 
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| Re: Diesel/LPG conversion |
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dellpitch wrote:Hi Everybody
I have taken the bull by the horns and am having my Disco 3 converted to Bi-fuel.
I, too, have been wondering about this option, but not yet done anything further. Do you mind me asking how much the conversion work will cost you? Also, where are you having the separate LPG tank fitted? Will it sit in place of the spare wheel? DGRR
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| 16th Dec 2006 12:30 am |
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LRtuning
Member Since: 22 Feb 2005
Location: AUSTRALIA + UK
Posts: 468
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A word of caution here. If you maintain the current engine management settings and install the LPG/Diesel kit it will result in a power and torque increase of approximately 25-40%!!
I am currently working on the same kits for HGV vehicles and we find it necessary to reduce the vehicle's power by 20% before 'adding' the LPG/Diesel kit. If you take this approcah then you you will end up with a fast and economical vehicle.
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| 16th Dec 2006 12:36 am |
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bodger
Member Since: 10 Jun 2006
Location: right here
Posts: 62
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Hi chaps just wondering Does this convertion effect LR warrenty?
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| 16th Dec 2006 1:20 am |
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dellpitch
Member Since: 12 Feb 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 37
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Good morning all
The cost of conversion will be in the order of £2000. It is the first time that the Co. have worked on a Disco 3 so it is a bit of a "suck it & see" job.
The fumigation method gives a fuel relationship of 65%/35% diesel/lpg. So I could have opted for a 35litre tank fitted to one side but have decided instead to fit a 95litre tank in place of the spare wheel. this will lessen the number of refuelling stops although if I run out of lpg the car continues on diesel as normal.
Thanks for the comments from LRtuning from "down under" which I will pass on.
Dieselgas.com.au apparently carry out conversion work on cars/light pickups but would not answer my emails or "snail mail" but may help you.
Warrnty, LR says it stops, but the EEC say they cannot do so, but either way the converter will warranty the engine.
Regards
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| 16th Dec 2006 2:45 am |
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LRtuning
Member Since: 22 Feb 2005
Location: AUSTRALIA + UK
Posts: 468
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Dellpitch,
Is the company who is doing your conversion altering the engine management system?
Have you got a component list of whats involved?
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| 16th Dec 2006 3:16 am |
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dellpitch
Member Since: 12 Feb 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 37
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LRtuning
As far as I am aware they do not propose to alter any of the original settings.
They will add their own ECU, vapouriser & inlet jets. The system will then be calibrated via a laptop to give approx. 20% better fuel economy with the power increase being in the order of 20 - 25%. I will then use the car for approx. 4 weeks, take it back & they will adust the settings to how I wish re economy/power.
I will have a better idea of component list after Monday when I will do a further post.
Regards
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| 16th Dec 2006 10:58 am |
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LRtuning
Member Since: 22 Feb 2005
Location: AUSTRALIA + UK
Posts: 468
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Thanks for that
I'm very interested as I'm working on mods like this for trucks and we are finding that we have to detune the trucks to get the mpg improvements
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| 17th Dec 2006 8:44 am |
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dellpitch
Member Since: 12 Feb 2006
Location: Bristol
Posts: 37
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Update
Had the car back Tuesday pm., apart from the spare wheel now temporarily in the boot & a 77ltr tank in its place no obvious external change of fuel.
Drive the car, one journey of approx 120 miles reveals a different story, much smoother, far greater response, power now is now something really to enjoy.
If the mpg read out is to be believed economy is better by some 18/20%.
Both tanks were filled & I have been asked to keep a diary of mileage & fuel used, both diesel & LPG for approx. 500 miles then to take it back when the system can if nesseccary be re-callibrated, mpg/power.
From driving with one permagrin I now have two.javascript:emoticon(' ')
Very Happy
Lift the bonnet & there is no visible modification, will keep the site posted as I enjoy more driving.
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| 21st Dec 2006 10:10 pm |
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norto
Member Since: 10 Apr 2006
Location: batemans bay
Posts: 1605
 
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Keep us posted
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| 22nd Dec 2006 4:02 am |
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Duncster
Member Since: 25 Nov 2006
Location: Midlands
Posts: 755
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Whats the latest on this, is it all its cracked up to be.
Cheers
Duncan 15 3.0 RRS HSE - Silver
05 2.7TDV6 S AUTO Silver - Retro-fitted Leather.
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| 3rd Feb 2007 12:15 am |
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