hunting truck questions

[Stewart G Griffin]

The more i think about it, the more i think the easiest/cheapest way to get good MPG out of these trucks is to find a 6.2 diesel truck.   For instance, there is a nice 83 3/4 ton with a new 6.5 going for $1500 near me in craigslist.

[Irish_Alley]

the 6.5 came out in 92 i think, but anyway it could be swapped. lets say hes getting 10 mpgs now. a 20 gal tank will give him 200 miles, now gas around here is 3.49 that would equals $0.34 per mile. now the 6.2 might get 20 mpgs, and a 20 gal tank will get you 400 miles at $3.85/gal. that comes out to $0.19 per mile. then thats a difference of $0.15 and it would take only 10,000 miles to make up the cost of the $1,500 truck. not to mention the power behind it, i love the smell of diesel fuel

[jarhead76]

i would love to swap out far a diesel, but with all the money I am putting in to this truck as is and its hunting season. i think she would shoot me.  the worst part would be it would be with a gun i got her. lol  I'm currently looking for a new carb. i should be able to make that work just fine.  Anything major will have to wait till i get a few electrical issues out of the way. just got to rip the dash out to trace out the wires and all will be well.

thanks for all the advice its now time to start putting some of it to work.  as soon as i get a free weekend to do it.

[Jason S]

I'll just throw this in for good measure... 

You can swap on a LPG (propane) system and save on fuel and maintenance from long-term storage.

Additionally, since it is a hunting truck; you can shut off the propane and months later when you go to start it up again, the fuel will still be stable.  No issues with bad gas or weak fuel pump, gummed up carburetor or sticky accelerator pump, etc.

LPG at 12 mpg and $1.75/gallon (local price) = $0.14853 per gallon versus the diesel route of $0.19/gallon (as posted above). LPG is an easy swap, it will run upside down and  you don't have to find a new engine.   

[jarhead76]

that is a no on the propane.  I'm a smoker and i really don't feel like getting blown up by a gas leak.

[Irish_Alley]

yolo

[werewolfx13]

Propane is less combustible than Gasoline vapor, both comparing liquid propane as well as vapor. Its also heavier than air, so a leak would sink, whereas gasoline vapor will rise into the passenger cabin. The biggest risk with LPG is a massive liquid leak, IE tank damage in a severe crash...liquid propane expands VERY fast as it vaporizes and can fill a low area with vaporized fuel in seconds, also the escaping liquid is VERY cold, and can cause instant frostbite..Conversely, gasoline vapor can be ignited by a stray spark in the vicinity of the tank. I would MUCH rather throw sparks near a propane tank than a tank half full of gasoline.

IMO, Propane is a safer fuel than gasoline *on vehicles parked outside*...and both are safer than CNG, if only because CNG (compressed natural gas) is a vapor in the tank and is stored in excess of 3000 PSI, compared to LPG at 100-250 PSI depending on tank temperature. CNG is lighter than air, and a leak dissipates harmlessly into the air unless the leak occurs near a high source of ignition, then you might wind up with a flash fire ending with a pressurized jet of flame.

Just something to think about.

[Irish_Alley]

my brother worked for a gas company. they did all the gas lines/repairs for most citys in del. most time he would be smoking right in the same hole he was repairing a leaking pipe.