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Old 03-12-2016, 08:37 PM   #1
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Question Converting CNG to diesel fuel power?

I see a bunch of buses on Publicsurplus.com in AZ for sale at great prices, but they all have John Deere engines that are setup for CNG. Can a CNG engine be converted to run on diesel with minimal hassle? If so those buses would be a great deal if they are mechanically in good shape overall.
I see all kinds of info on the web about CNG to diesel conversions but didn't see anything about converting an engine that was built for CNG originally to a diesel burner.

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Old 03-12-2016, 09:41 PM   #2
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I'm no expert on the natural gas subject, but I believe they are diesel engines adapted to run on compressed natural gas.
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Old 03-13-2016, 07:24 AM   #3
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The John Deere CNG engine is a purpose built CNG engine.

I am not that familiar with it but would guess that converting it to diesel would cost more than it would cost to repower to something like a Cummins 8.3.

You would also have to remove the CNG tanks and get a diesel tank with all the plumbing it would require.

At the end of the day I think you would be spending a lot more $$$$ to do the conversion than it would have cost to purchase a good diesel powered bus.
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:31 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cowlitzcoach View Post
The John Deere CNG engine is a purpose built CNG engine.

I am not that familiar with it but would guess that converting it to diesel would cost more than it would cost to repower to something like a Cummins 8.3.

You would also have to remove the CNG tanks and get a diesel tank with all the plumbing it would require.

At the end of the day I think you would be spending a lot more $$$$ to do the conversion than it would have cost to purchase a good diesel powered bus.
That's what I was thinking too. Probably why nobody is snatching them up.
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Old 03-13-2016, 12:36 PM   #5
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If CNG stations were more prevalent (like on the Interstates, truck stops, etc), then yeah, they'd be snapped up.
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