Finding a mechanic for a propane bus

[oliviahr16]

Help finding a mechanic for a propane bus

Hi everyone,

I bought a 2012 Chevy 4500 Collins 5 window school bus last year that was factory converted to run on propane by a company called CleanFuelsUSA. My bus is having an issue where it seemingly runs out of fuel at half a tank, so I’m looking for a mechanic who could work on a propane system and potentially install a new fuel gauge. Unfortunately CleanFuelsUSA went out of business soon after making my bus so I can’t go to them for maintenance on the system. Every place I have called so far has given me a different reason why they’re unable to work on my bus: they don’t work on Collins, they can’t find the parts, the don’t work on Chevys, they need special facilities to work on propane, etc. I found a mechanic that is able to supply the parts I need, but I’m unable to do the mechanical work myself. Does anybody know of mechanics in the Southern California area who are capable of working on Chevy Collins propane short busses? I could drive further to Northern California, Nevada, or Arizona too if you have any suggestions. Any and all leads are appreciated, I’m at a bit of a standstill with my conversion until I can get this issue figured out!

I’m also interested in converting the vehicle back to gasoline for ease of refueling and maintenance. Does anybody know of someone who converts propane vehicles to run on gasoline or dual fuels?

 

[PorchDog]

Places that work on Forklifts will have people who are very familiar with Propane fuel systems. They would be capable of doing the work-- if you can beg/bribe them to do it.

 

[Carrier6]

As said above any forklift repair can do it. Also try the rental yards. Most of their fuel type scissor lifts and boom lifts are propane.

 

[shorthair-SKO]

Check with Got Fuel they offer a dual fuel kit and might be able to help.

 

[sportyrick]

There is a fuel "heater" that makes sure the liquid propane is boiled to a vapor and regulates the pressure, I would look there first. On water cooled engines the antifreeze is the heat source so follow the gas line to find your heater which will have antifreeze lines also. It's aluminum and I suspect it has corrosion in it and is restricting the gas flow. You can disconnect your gas line that goes to the carburator and activate your solenoid to check flow, it should be a lot, it's a large line compared to gasoline. The solenoid could be a restriction also. NO SPARKS Study the system, it's pretty simple. Fuel tank, solenoid, heater/regulator, carburator, water for heat.