Can we convert all our Vehicles to CNG Fuel powered? How to Convert Your Car To CNG Fuel Powered?

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is a green fuel and emits fewer exhaust gases. It is also efficient compared to conventional fuels. CNG cars are becoming popular due to their low running cost. This thread provides you with a detailed guide on how to convert your car to CNG.

How to Convert Your Petrol Car to CNG Fuel?
CNG cars have gained popularity in the world with a significant increase in fuel prices. Several car manufacturers also offer factory-fitted CNG kits with the vehicles. It is not only about cost; CNG is also an environment-friendly fuel as it produces fewer greenhouse gases as compared to conventional fuel. Therefore, CNG cars or converting petrol cars to CNG are the only feasible options.

So what if you already own a car and are looking to switch to CNG fuel? The next big question is, can you convert a petrol car to CNG? The answer is YES, but the petrol to CNG conversion process is a bit complicated. One has to be careful while choosing the aftermarket CNG kit and during the kit's fitment. Let's look at the requirements and the process involved in converting a petrol car to a CNG car.

Pre-Requirements for Installation of CNG Kit
Here are the pre-requirements for the conversion of petrol cars to CNG cars.

Make sure your petrol car is compatible with the CNG kit.

Purchase a genuine CNG kit from an authorised dealer.

Ensure that all the equipment that is installed in your vehicle is brand new.

Hydro test the CNG tank for any leakage before it is fitted inside the car.

Installation of CNG
Once you have sorted the pre-requirements, the next step is to install the CNG kit in your car. It is a complicated process and should be done by a professional. It is not recommended to carry out the installation by yourself; if you do so, do it under an expert’s guidance. Below are the components required to convert a petrol car to a CNG car.

1. Pressure regulator

2. Air/Gas mixer

3. CNG filling valve

4. High-pressure line

5. Valves

6. CNG tank

7. Selector switch (To switch between petrol and CNG)

8. Manometer

9. Heating system

10. Emulator

After installing the components mentioned above, the process of petrol to CNG conversion is complete. But the job is only half done. After the installation, check the fuel lines for any leaks, check if there is any leakage in the pressure regulator, and ensure that all the components are correctly fitted/tightened. Once you complete the inspection, go ahead and start the engine. But remember to start the engine on the petrol mode and then switch to CNG fuel.

CNG in Vehicles
As mentioned earlier, several car manufacturers offer CNG variants of their popular models, and such cars are equipped with factory-fitted CNG kits. The second type of CNG equipment is the aftermarket or retrofitted CNG kits. You can purchase these kits from an authorized dealer. Below are the details of both the CNG kits.

Factory-fitted CNG Kit
It is fitted at the car manufacturer’s factory.

The CNG kit is specifically designed for a particular model and is not compatible with any other vehicle.

These CNG kits are safer than aftermarket ones but are on the expensive side.

The factory-fitted CNG kit does not impact your car's warranty as the car manufacturer provides it.

Aftermarket CNG Fuel Kit
The aftermarket kit is compatible with any car running on petrol.

These are universal kits and can be fitted as per the design of the vehicle.

Aftermarket CNG kits cost less than factory-fitted kits.

Retrofitting a CNG kit can void the warranty of the car.

These kits are less safer than factory-fitted kits.


CNG Aftercare
CNG cars are greener, and the cost of running is low. But you have to maintain the CNG fuel system for the smooth functioning of the vehicle. So here are some tips to keep your CNG car in top-notch condition.

Use the correct grade of engine oil that is compatible with CNG fuel.

Carry out regular engine check up as the engine is prone to wear and tear using CNG fuel.

Do not push/over-rev the engine when running on CNG fuel. It is normal to expect a power reduction.

Usage of AC puts more load on the engine. So, CNG may affect the cooling system.

Check the fuel lines for any leakages at regular intervals.

Ensure all components are functioning correctly.

Things to Check Before CNG Conversion
Here are the points you should consider before deciding to convert your petrol car to a CNG car.

Compatibility: Check whether your car is compatible with the CNG fuel. Generally, older cars are not compatible with CNG kits.

Licencing: If your car is compatible with the CNG fuel system, the next thing you need to do is get approval from the government. You also need to change the fuel type in the Registration Certificate to use the CNG kit in your car. It is a time-consuming process. However, it is much easier to get approval if you fit the CNG kit in a brand new car.

Genuine CNG Kits: Purchase a branded CNG kit from an authorised dealer to ensure that the equipment is genuine. Avoid buying one from a local dealer.

Installation/Maintenance Cost: You will end up investing a significant amount of money if you choose to convert your petrol car to CNG. But the good news is, you can recover the cost in the long run due to the low running cost of the CNG car. However, CNG fuel may adversely affect the engine in the longer run, and the maintenance cost may increase.

Performance: You will experience a drop in power after switching to CNG fuel. Without proper maintenance, the engine life can reduce. So, engines running on CNG require proper maintenance.

Availability: CNG filling stations are not available at every location as petrol/diesel filling stations. You may have to account for this factor when going on a long drive and may need to carry a petrol can as a backup.

Insurance Premium Rate: If you decide to convert your petrol car to CNG fuel, the insurance premium will increase. The insurance premium is calculated based on several factors that also include fuel type. The maintenance cost of a CNG car is high. Hence, the car insurance premium increases. However, it is applicable only for the Comprehensive Car Insurance Plan.

Advantages of Using CNG
Here are the advantages of CNG fuel.

Eco-friendly: CNG is a green fuel as it produces less greenhouse emission gases than its conventional counterparts.

Low-running Cost: The cost of running a CNG car is low because the CNG costs less than petrol and diesel. The CNG fuel also excels when it comes to fuel economy.

Dual Fuel: The most significant advantage of a CNG car is that it can also run on petrol. So, if you cannot find a CNG filling station, you can easily manage my filling petrol.

Disadvantages of Petrol to CNG Conversion
Below are the disadvantages of a CNG car.

Limited Availability: One of the biggest cons of a CNG car is the limited availability of CNG refuelling stations. You can find CNG filling stations at select locations, whereas petrol/diesel refuel stations are located everywhere across the country.

Reduced Space: The CNG tank is usually fitted in the boot of the car. Hence, you have to compromise on the boot space to accommodate the CNG kit. The CNG fuel tank is also bulky, and it increases the kerb weight of your vehicle. The increased weight will impact the overall performance of the car.

Installation Cost: The aftermarket CNG conversion kits price is on the higher side, and hence, the initial investment is high. The factory-fitted CNG cars are also expensive when compared to their conventional counterparts.

Safety: CNG fuel is not as safe as petrol. Being a gaseous fuel, the risk of leakage is high, which may lead to an explosion.

Remember: In order to speed up CNG bussiness in our country, our government has invited private sectors to invest on CNG filling stations.
So let me and you join together to accelerate investment in our nation.

Thanks

 

[PureView zeiss]

Hii lugha ya wachawi ni ngumu Sana wadau kuchangia siku nyingine jitahidi kabla ya ku-paste ongezea Maneno kidogo ya lugha yetu ya kizaramo...

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

Hii lugha ya wachawi ni ngumu Sana wadau kuchangia siku nyingine jitahidi kabla ya ku-paste ongezea Maneno kidogo ya lugha yetu ya kizaramo...

Kiswahili unakijua lakini.

 

[mtanzania1989]

Ni kweli ukiongeza mfumo wa gesi kwenye gari lililobuniwa kwa ajili ya mafuta tu itaathiri ubora wa Engine baada ya miaka michache?

 

[new generation]

Hii lugha ya wachawi ni ngumu Sana wadau kuchangia siku nyingine jitahidi kabla ya ku-paste ongezea Maneno kidogo ya lugha yetu ya kizaramo...

How about performance issues? I think CNG alter the performance gasoline engine too.

 

[t blj]

How about performance issues? I think CNG alter the performance gasoline engine too.

To the best of my kbowledge Cng inafanya dry combustion, kwenye mafuta ya kawaida kuna sulphur ambayo hufanya kazi kama kilainishi.
Ukishatumia after market Cng kit installation lazima utapata kesi ya engine.

 

[t blj]

Ni kweli ukiongeza mfumo wa gesi kwenye gari lililobuniwa kwa ajili ya mafuta tu itaathiri ubora wa Engine baada ya miaka michache?

Yah ni kweli wala sio miaka ni muda mfupi sana utapata majibu

 

[new generation]

To the best of my kbowledge Cng inafanya dry combustion, kwenye mafuta ya kawaida kuna sulphur ambayo hufanya kazi kama kilainishi.
Ukishatumia after market Cng kit installation lazima utapata kesi ya engine.

i asked this question purposely.. like you have said, gasoline engines are designed for wet combustion and not dry combustion.. the dry combustion comes along with other side effects ie engine knock, carbon formation, low power output due to insufficient air fuel mixture ratio., ect.. these are few to mention.

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

How about performance issues? I think CNG alter the performance gasoline engine too.

Converting your car to CNG is a cost-beneficial to move. CNG does not hamper the car performance at all. It actually prolongs the life of your car as CNG burns cleaner than other fuels.

Furthermore, CNG has octane rating of 130 while petrol has below that one. Higher octane rating prevent engine knocking.

Also when talking about maintenance, you will incur no huge maintenance costs if you adopt anadequately certified CNG kit. The CNG that you decide to adopt should be approved for safety, quality and durability.

My friend has the Mijo CNG kit and have encountered no performance issues ever.

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

Ni kweli ukiongeza mfumo wa gesi kwenye gari lililobuniwa kwa ajili ya mafuta tu itaathiri ubora wa Engine baada ya miaka michache?

To the best of my kbowledge Cng inafanya dry combustion, kwenye mafuta ya kawaida kuna sulphur ambayo hufanya kazi kama kilainishi.
Ukishatumia after market Cng kit installation lazima utapata kesi ya engine.

Ahsante kwa maelezo mazuri, ila kwenye petrol sulphur huwa inaondolewa kabisa ili isichafue mazingira boss.
Lakini pia kwamba CNG fuel ina reduces engine life au performance hizo mara nyingi ni hadithi za mtaani tu. Lakini in reality, it doesn't. If the vehicle comes with a factory-fitted CNG kit, it does not reduce the engine life or performance. Hivyo Petrol na CNG car have similar engine life and performance.

 

[new generation]

Converting your car to CNG is a cost-beneficial to move. CNG does not hamper the car performance at all. It actually prolongs the life of your car as CNG burns cleaner than other fuels.

Furthermore, CNG has octane rating of 130 while petrol has below that one. Higher octane rating prevent engine knocking.

Also when talking about maintenance, you will incur no huge maintenance costs if you adopt anadequately certified CNG kit. The CNG that you decide to adopt should be approved for safety, quality and durability.

My friend has the Mijo CNG kit and have encountered no performance issues ever.

The way internal combustion engines are designed (especially gasoline engines) their firing order are designed in way to prevent pre-ignition so that to avoid engine knock, so CNG being lighter and inflammable than gasoline, the chances for pre-ignition become more likely than gasoline as due to high temperature inside combustion chamber, CNG may ignite before spark plug fires the CNG-air mixture ratio, hence engine knock..

Issue of carbon formation inside air intake manifold...many cars with port injected fuel designed, fuel enters engine through air intake ports, where fuel injectors inject fuel via air intake ports, this arrangement allows engine to clean all the carbon that are always introduced by PCV (positive crank-case ventilation) system.but with CNG, carbon introduced by PCV cant be cleaned..this is why CNG is not preferred for cars with GDI fuel arrangement. Remember when air intake ports become covered with carbons (which are always oil deposits from PCV system), the engine will starve from air especially during idling, and engine will starts to vibrate at idle speed/low rpm.

Note: the above issues are commonly associated with aftermarket CNG kits installation

But for cars that come with OEM installed kits (built-in CNG system) those cars run perfect fine. This because ECU/ECM take control of everything to make sure the car engine is always at perfect condition to use CNG or Gasoline, so the computer will always alter the way how engine should behave when using CNG and when using normal Gasoline for optimal engine operations.

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

The way internal combustion engines are designed (especially gasoline engines) its firing order is designed in way to prevent pre-ignition so that to avoid engine knock, so CNG being lighter and inflammable than gasoline, the chances for pre-ignition become more likely than gasoline as due to high temperature inside combustion chamber, CNG may ignite before spark plug fires the CNG-air mixture ratio, hence engine knock..

Issue of carbon formation inside air intake manifold...many cars with port injected fuel designed, fuel enters engine through air intake ports, where fuel injectors inject fuel via air intake ports, this arrangement allows engine to clean all the carbon that are always introduced by PCV (positive crank-case ventilation) system.but with CNG, carbon introduced by PCV cant be cleaned..this is why CNG is not preferred for cars with GDI fuel arrangement. Remember when air intake ports become covered with carbons (which are always oil deposits from PCV system), the engine will starve from air especially during idling, and engine will starts to vibrate at idle speed/low rpm.

Note: the above issues are commonly associated with aftermarket CNG kits installation

But for cars that come with OEM installed kits (built-in CNG system) those cars run perfect fine. This because ECU/ECM take control of everything to make sure the car engine is always at perfect condition to use CNG or Gasoline, so the computer will always alter the way how engine should behave when using CNG and when using normal Gasoline for optimal engine operations.

Mkuu kama haya maelezo ni wewe umeyaeleza, ningekupa oppointment tupate kuonana. Hongera sana kwa maelezo mazuri.

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

The way internal combustion engines are designed (especially gasoline engines) their firing order are designed in way to prevent pre-ignition so that to avoid engine knock, so CNG being lighter and inflammable than gasoline, the chances for pre-ignition become more likely than gasoline as due to high temperature inside combustion chamber, CNG may ignite before spark plug fires the CNG-air mixture ratio, hence engine knock..

Issue of carbon formation inside air intake manifold...many cars with port injected fuel designed, fuel enters engine through air intake ports, where fuel injectors inject fuel via air intake ports, this arrangement allows engine to clean all the carbon that are always introduced by PCV (positive crank-case ventilation) system.but with CNG, carbon introduced by PCV cant be cleaned..this is why CNG is not preferred for cars with GDI fuel arrangement. Remember when air intake ports become covered with carbons (which are always oil deposits from PCV system), the engine will starve from air especially during idling, and engine will starts to vibrate at idle speed/low rpm.

Note: the above issues are commonly associated with aftermarket CNG kits installation

But for cars that come with OEM installed kits (built-in CNG system) those cars run perfect fine. This because ECU/ECM take control of everything to make sure the car engine is always at perfect condition to use CNG or Gasoline, so the computer will always alter the way how engine should behave when using CNG and when using normal Gasoline for optimal engine operations.

But CNG has higher ignition temperature of 640-670°C than petroli. Petrol has an ignition temperature of 220°C. So, inorder for CNG to pre-ignite the engine must have the temperature of 640-670°C.
For this reason the gasoline-air mixture may pre-ignite easily than CNG-air mixture.

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

I can be reached through 0763503046

You are welcome boss

 

[new generation]

But CNG has higher ignition temperature of 640-670°C than petroli. Petrol has an ignition temperature of 220°C. So, inorder for CNG to pre-ignite the engine must have the temperature of 640-670°C.
For this reason the gasoline-air mixture may pre-ignite easily than CNG-air mixture.

Sorry, what is the ratio of CNG-air mixture ratio is required for engine to generate the same power as air fuel mixture ratio? (Context: Considering it is an after market kit installed where engine ECM probably has no control over its operations also probably there's no synchronization between air mass flow sensor and CNG volume adjustment inside combustion chamber)

Also respond on the following. When car uses gasoline, engine ecm controls duration at which fuel injectors stay open to pour more fuel during high power demand, or when engine power band change from low to higher power band, with aftermarket CNG kits how this can be achieved to allow engine to be able to operate at various power bands?

 

[Meneja Wa Makampuni]

Sorry, what is the ratio of CNG-air mixture ratio is required for engine to generate the same power as air fuel mixture ratio? (Context: Considering it is an after market kit installed where engine ECM probably has no control over its operations also probably there's no synchronization between air mass flow sensor and CNG volume adjustment inside combustion chamber)

Thanks for good explanation boss.

 

[new generation]

Thanks for good explanation boss.

Karibu, yet sina uhakika kama ukisha fit CNG kits alafu gari ikawa na comprehensive insurance, sina uhakika kama insurer anaweza akilipa claim in case gari ikipata majanga kutoka na modifications hii probably anaweza treat hii kitu kama adverse effect.

 

[t blj]

The way internal combustion engines are designed (especially gasoline engines) their firing order are designed in way to prevent pre-ignition so that to avoid engine knock, so CNG being lighter and inflammable than gasoline, the chances for pre-ignition become more likely than gasoline as due to high temperature inside combustion chamber, CNG may ignite before spark plug fires the CNG-air mixture ratio, hence engine knock..

Issue of carbon formation inside air intake manifold...many cars with port injected fuel designed, fuel enters engine through air intake ports, where fuel injectors inject fuel via air intake ports, this arrangement allows engine to clean all the carbon that are always introduced by PCV (positive crank-case ventilation) system.but with CNG, carbon introduced by PCV cant be cleaned..this is why CNG is not preferred for cars with GDI fuel arrangement. Remember when air intake ports become covered with carbons (which are always oil deposits from PCV system), the engine will starve from air especially during idling, and engine will starts to vibrate at idle speed/low rpm.

Note: the above issues are commonly associated with aftermarket CNG kits installation

But for cars that come with OEM installed kits (built-in CNG system) those cars run perfect fine. This because ECU/ECM take control of everything to make sure the car engine is always at perfect condition to use CNG or Gasoline, so the computer will always alter the way how engine should behave when using CNG and when using normal Gasoline for optimal engine operations.

Asante kwa maelezo mazuri mkuu, sina shida na factory fitted Cng system , nina shida na aftermarket kits .
Nia ushahido kabisa dangite karibh gari zote alizofunga Cng kafungua engine .
Halafu kwenye disel engine Cng sio standallone system , cng inafanya kazi in tandem with diesel.

 

[shalet]

Karibu, yet sina uhakika kama ukisha fit CNG kits alafu gari ikawa na comprehensive insurance, sina uhakika kama insurer anaweza akilipa claim in case gari ikipata majanga kutoka na modifications hii probably anaweza treat hii kitu kama adverse effect.

proffeshen tako ni ipi mkuu , umebobea, mimi nishaweka cng kwa gari yangu kwa hzii gaharama za maisha unaona madhara ya cng ni ya kufikirika zaidi kuliko madhara ya kiuchumi tunayo experience.

 

[new generation]

proffeshen tako ni ipi mkuu , umebobea, mimi nishaweka cng kwa gari yangu kwa hzii gaharama za maisha unaona madhara ya cng ni ya kufikirika zaidi kuliko madhara ya kiuchumi tunayo experience.

Ukiwa hutaki hizi shida nunua gari hybrid rafiki...mie nipo na hybrid inanipa 25+km/l