TacticalSR5
New member
Is a 3rd gen able to be modified for a CNG conversion?
Has anyone done this before?
Has anyone done this before?
Does it blend? T4R and CNG?
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johnny c
New member
CNG is compressed natural gas, yes it is cheaper. However, you need to install tanks on your vehicle. You need to install the components on the vehicle so it runs on both gas and cng.You also need to have a "compressor" at home to fill your tanks overnight. CNG usually does not provide as much power, and it also is a "dry" fuel usually causing valve issues later on. The home compressor sometimes called a Fuel Maker has to be rebuilt every so many hours and usually is expensive. In a small vehicle such as a 4runner I seriously wouldnt recommend! The tanks are usually hard to find, and......depending on when they were made they have to be removed and retested which is expensive and hard to find someone that will do it. More hassle than its worth for the average driver
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Singtoe
New member
If there are cng stations in your area, you don't need a compressor at home. If the tanks weren't so expensive ($1500 -$2500) because they must be DOT compliant. They have a life span so buying used ($500+) would only be good for a couple of years or so.
Some one could find me a tank cheap and I would use CNG in my 4runner for sure.
Some one could find me a tank cheap and I would use CNG in my 4runner for sure.
johnny c
New member
I build Zambonis that run on gas, lpg, and cng. The mileage out of the cng would take a long time to recoup the costs of install, retests, tanks, repairs, etc. I would guess a lack of hp wouldnt be welcome either. I know we had problems with worn valves because of cng in certain engines and wouldnt want to take the chance on the runners. Our gas is $1.38 here a litre, and I woudnt even think of converting. And I can get everything for minimum costs and are able to install and retest. Where would you put the tanks? Remove the spare and put it where? And hauling around the extra weight of the tanks? Just not worth it IMHO!
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Singtoe
New member
You are right about recouping the cost. The injection system is $700, the tank itself is about $2000. That why i said i would do it it some one could locate a tank cheap for me. There would be a lack of horsepower but still more powerful then a 4 cylinder 4runner.
There are many thousands of toyotas running on CNG overseas and the engines hold up very well to CNG - Need to use colder spark plugs. The engines actually last longer because the oil doesn't get contaminated with carbon.
As for the tank, i would mount it in the hatch area. Like carrying another person.
I am thinking about using LPG in my 4runner as the Tanks for that is only a couple hundred dollars. The problem is as crude goes up, so does lpg. CNG is not tied with crude.
johnny c
New member
You have to be sure the valves are adequate to handle a "dry" fuel. The Ford engines didnt hold up as well as the 3.0l chev we are using now. Im just saying its not impossible, and yes if done correct does work well. From my experience and for the average car owner I dont think you would see a very significant savings to make it worth it. I dont know about where you are from, but here, there are no cng refuelling stations anywhere. The tanks would be fairly small and the chances here of refuelling anywhere else but home is impossible. Here it was all the rage for a while, then people realized that it wasnt cost effective anymore and was inconvenient to refuel. I suggest if anyone is considering cng to thoroughly investigate all costs to convert, maintain, test, and to refuel the vehicle before deciding to go cng! It is a clean burning fuel and emissions are very good, and it is cheap to buy natural gas, but here its not convenient or cost effective. Just curious, how many litres are the tanks?
johnny c
New member
Wow! we use mainly 60 litre tanks, and on occasion 70's. Thats heavy. We have a Fuel Maker brand CNG compressor and it takes approx. 6-8 hours to fill to 2500lbs. Most arenas that use CNG have the same and they just keep plugging them in when not in use. CNG is a great gas replacement especially when it comes to ice resurfacers because they are very clean. We find that if the machines are abused and not maintained regularly that they develop lots of small leaks in the lines and components, not only dangerous but a waste of fuel.
Singtoe
New member
When i was at the CNG station with my buddy (60 liter tank in a honda civc) it like 6 minutes to fill the tank up. I seem to remember that they are filling a 4,000 psi. It was last year and can't remember the details, I ask him the next time i talk to him.
TacticalSR5
New member
This forum is beyond all others, way better that that of the domestic truck scene... Yet furthermore, I must put this CNG on hold until I have a 4runner. And then I will contact some fellas at Chesepeak and Devon to see if they could service my rig up and still get me the wonderful tax breaks Oklahoma has to offer: if yes on tax breaks, there's a good chance I'll bite, if not, no way. Simple as that. In this state I know that vehicles above 06 get about 3k in price breaks. Not sure if they will give them for something older.. Withought those it's just not worth it for me. Thanks for bringing in all of those valid pros and cons, it brought some real issues to the table I never would have thought of and most of all that it's possible and has been done.
