Canso Auto-Propane Conversions - FAQ's > Commonly Asked Automotive Propane Conversion Questions

Answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about automotive propane conversions.

Q. Is converting my vehicle to propane safe?

A. Yes, the Canadian B149 installation code applies to all propane and natural gas vehicles in Canada. It ensures that Canada has the world’s highest safety standards for automotive propane components, including crash testing for tanks. Suppliers and installers are also closely monitored. Make sure your propane installer uses fully certified parts and has all the proper licenses required by federal and provincial law.

Q. Can any vehicle be converted?

A. Virtually any normally aspirated, gasoline engine can be converted to run on propane. The only limitations are physical. For example the location of the propane tank is different for every vehicle. On a pick up truck it can be placed in the bed or underneath where the spare tire is located. On a sedan or smaller vehicle often a portion of the trunk is used to accommodate the tank.

Q. What is a dual or bi-fuel conversion?

A. A dual or bi-fuel conversion simply means the vehicle can run on either gasoline or propane. The original gasoline system remains completely intact and the propane components operate separately. Drivers can switch between fuels at their convenience.

Q. Are all conversions the same?

A. No, not all conversions are created equally. Experience plays a large roll in the quality of a conversion. Canso Auto has been converting vehicles for more than 25 years. Secondly, parts quality can vary greatly. We use only OEM propane and electrical components from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry.

Q. How much do propane conversions cost?

A. Currently propane conversions cost anywhere from $2,500.00 to $6,500.00

Q. Why such a large price range?

A. There is a large variation in the cost of propane tanks from vehicle to vehicle. Also, some vehicles require a far greater amount of labour to convert. Finally, some vehicles can only be converted using propane sequential fuel injection.

Q. What’s the difference between a regular conversion and a sequentially injected propane conversion?

A. A regular conversion delivers the propane vapor to the engine via a mixer that mounts before the intake. This system is called gaseous propane carburetion. When the propane is activated, the gasoline injectors are shut off and the propane enters the engine very much like a carburetor would deliver gasoline. This is the primary system that has been used in North America for decades. Its main benefits are its relatively low cost, simplicity of design and adaptability to all vehicle types.

The main drawbacks of this system are its susceptibility to backfires if not properly maintained and its lack of horsepower (about a 10% drop).

The sequential propane injected system is a major leap forward in technology. As the name implies, it uses electronic fuel injection to delivery the fuel to the engine. The main benefits of utilizing a far more advanced injection system are: the elimination of all backfires, an increase in fuel economy and engine performance equal to gasoline. The computer-controlled system closely monitors your vehicles sensors to optimize power, fuel economy and emissions. The drawbacks of this system are increased cost and greater installation time.

Q. How long does a conversion take?

A. Anywhere from one to five days, again, depending on the type of vehicle and propane system being installed.

Q. Do I need to service the vehicle differently?

A. The spark plugs should be replaced every 50,000 kms instead of every 100,000 kms recommended by the manufacturer because propane runs hotter than gas. There are separate fuel filters for the propane system that need to be replaced as well. All other service intervals are the same as gasoline.

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