Liquefied Petroleum Gas Bus

[notevennoonyet]

Hello,

First time posting so please forgive me if I am in the wrong forum. However, I wanted to see what peoples' thoughts are on propane powered buses.

I recently came across a 2010 BlueBird and it seems to check most of the boxes of what I think I am looking for. And the price is very reasonable for a 2010.

I guess my main concern is if the up keep and cost much different than a gas engine. Also, it seems temperature might play a roll in performance, so I was hoping for some first hand experience. I am happy to listen to anything else you think I should consider.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Danjo-SKO]

Well, one plus is that in CA it’s a clean air vehicle so you won’t have to jump through the hoops of the diesel owners. I can’t speak to efficiency or longevity. You also need to research the LPG cylinders. Pressurized gas tanks have finite useful lives.

 

[Simplicity-SKO]

No direct answers, but some thoughts.

I know if you search on generators, those fueled with gas vs. propane have a higher btu rating. So, I would suspect it would be similar in other engines.

Conventional gasoline has an energy content of 116,090 Btus per gallon
Propane has an energy content of 84,250 Btus per gallon
Diesel has an energy content of 128,000 Btus per gallon

There's TONs of information about propane vs other fuels. I'd suggest starting there, as personally, I don't see many people using propane for bus engines here. You'll probably find some forums that address Propane usage that would provide you with great advice.

Yet, when it comes to the actual conversion, skoolie.net baby!

 

[Danjo-SKO]

One thing I’ve noticed, at least if I remember correctly, is that the propane buses were at auction sooner. Newer, with fewer miles.

I had supposed previously on this forum that an engine that runs propane doesn’t last as long, but someone immediately rejected that assumption. Maybe it’s the tank age?

Also, as Simplicity pointed out, propane has less energy. I don’t know how that works out for cost per mile, but over the life of the vehicle does it equate in savings?

 

[peteg59]

Propane burns cleaner than gasoline so, in theory, the engine should last longer and be cleaner internally than a gasoline powered engine with the equivalent amount of miles.
Propane powered engines don't have the same horsepower rating that a similar sized gasoline engine has, relative to BTU's as detailed above.

Propane is available at many stations, but fewer than gasoline, across the country.
You might want to research the availability of propane filling stations in your area.

Tractor Supply stores sell it, and there seem to be plenty of them around my area.

 

[kcblkeeley]

I have had 2 commercial vehicles that were powered by LP and this is what I learned:
1) very few people know how to (engine) work on them. I had to use generator mechanics mostly since they have become prevalent now in medium size generators.
1) repairs aint cheap.

 

[kcblkeeley]

Tank expiration is correct. Once expired, they cannot be recertified for school busses.