Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ann Ticopa on September 14, 2010 at 4:45pm

Did T. Boone mention it would cost approx. $10,000 extra for the CNG car (Honda Civic) and the home refueling apparatus? It's an enticing idea, but imo the gas would be better used for building heating, power plants, fleets, and manufacturing.

Permalink Reply by James L. Mitchell on September 15, 2010 at 5:11am

I am ready for a natural gas auto.I own my own gas well in my back acres.

Permalink Reply by Ann Ticopa on September 15, 2010 at 5:59am

Here you go!

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/first-drives/2008-...

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/news/2006/the-pros...

Permalink Reply by James L. Mitchell on September 15, 2010 at 12:08pm

Thanks, for the info.I will buy a golf cart until they get refuel stations. Tank for propane gas is suitable for natural gas and would need some carbuerator changes.

Permalink Reply by Ann Ticopa on September 15, 2010 at 6:29am

Yes, I do think truck fleets like that are a practical use. For sure there is a lot of shale gas, but not an unlimited amount.

Permalink Reply by William Ladd on September 15, 2010 at 7:48am

The fuel used in these vehicles would have to be compressed for sure. With such high pressure in their fuel lines I would think there would or could be a serious leak develop on the road. And supposed an accident took place? A huge fire bomb would be created unless some kind of shut of valve was installed that would instantly cut the gas supply from the high pressure fuel tank.

Comments anyone?

Bill L.
aka Bummy

Permalink Reply by Brian Day on September 15, 2010 at 2:02pm

Check out a company called New Gas and the automobile filling device that they have developed. Google the name or try http;//www.newgasbiz/401.html.

Permalink Reply by Ann Ticopa on September 15, 2010 at 8:31am

If you mean passenger vehicles, nothing new in the pipeline that I'm aware of.

Permalink Reply by William Ladd on September 15, 2010 at 12:32pm

I'm talking about any vehicle fueled by compressed gas operating on any road. Vibration can and does take place on these vehicles. A tiny crack can open up and allow the compressed gas to escape to collect near a hot area by the engine. A tiny spark could cause a huge "KABOOM" as Billy May might say it.


That man, Billy May, irked me something terrible whenever he came on TV to advertise some washing product.

Bill L.
aka Bummy

Permalink Reply by Ann Ticopa on September 15, 2010 at 1:24pm

Bill, my reply was to Josie's comment. Personally, I have a healthy respect for propane/natural gas. Years ago, someone my family knew was killed by a natural gas explosion.

Permalink Reply by craig on September 15, 2010 at 2:46pm

We had a Motor home in the late '70s that we converted for dual fuels, gasoline and propane/natural gas. Holley made the carb kit and still makes them for ford f150/250 trucks i believe. It worked like a wonder and the engine(460 ford) picked up at least 30% more horsepower when running on natural gas, hence we always saved the natural gas for the mountains on the way home. Some engines reportedly run better than others on natural gas, with no or little modifications. We never had any leaks, and the tank is all but indestructible. I was told that if the tank got ruptured in a collision, the wreck would be so bad that it would be the least of our concerns. We had no issues whatsoever with the setup. Also a side benefit is that the engine running on natural gas all the time would need oil changes much less frequently, like 30,000 miles since it burns so clean. Over the road trucking is the best use for natural gas. Most all truckstops on the interstates already have natural gas and they only need to fuel up maybe 6 times coast to coast. There is a company in Texas that for the past few years has been converting diesels to natural gas with lots of success. The federal gov't currently gives i believe $17,000 towards the conversion. The big issue with consumers using natural gas is the road tax situation. Until the gov'ts start charging road tax by mileage driven instead of volume of gas used we won't see it for cars. Then you can put a compressor in your garage and refuel your own car. Just my 2 cents.