Does converting a car to run on natural gas harm the engine?
3 Answers
Converting a car to run on natural gas can harm the engine. The potential damages to the engine from such a conversion are as follows: Burning out the engine: It can burn out the valve working surfaces and valves of the engine, leading to excessively small valve clearances, which affects the engine's performance. Spark plugs are prone to being pierced: Due to the higher combustion temperature of natural gas, spark plugs are particularly susceptible to being pierced. If slight misfiring occurs when using natural gas, it usually indicates that the spark plug has been pierced. Generally, spark plugs should be replaced after 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers of use. Catalytic converter burning out or breaking and clogging: The catalytic converter material in many gasoline-to-natural gas converted vehicles may disappear without any apparent reason. This happens because the engine might experience backfiring during operation, which can easily crack the catalytic converter, causing it to be expelled out of the vehicle through the exhaust pipe.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I believe that converting a car to run on natural gas can indeed be harmful to the engine, depending on how the conversion is done and how it's used. While natural gas saves money, its different properties can cause increased wear on engine components like valves and pistons because it's drier and doesn't lubricate internal parts as gasoline does. Over time, fuel lines may clog, leading to slower acceleration and reduced power. Additionally, if the conversion system isn't compatible—such as poorly adjusted sensors—engine overheating warnings become common. I recommend using original factory parts for the conversion, regularly checking the oil and spark plugs, and not cutting corners to save money, as repairs can end up costing more. Overall, while this modification can save on fuel costs, the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits, especially for older cars, which carry higher risks when converted.
Saving money is my top priority, so I've also converted my car to run on natural gas. Before discussing the hazards, let's weigh the pros and cons. Natural gas burns much cheaper than gasoline, but there are risks to the engine, such as increased valve erosion and accelerated piston ring wear because gas isn't as lubricating as gasoline, causing engine oil to degrade faster. Over time, this leads to constant unusual noises. Maintenance is also more troublesome—you need to find specialized shops that understand gas conversions, and parts replacement can cost twice as much. Safety-wise, it's acceptable as long as the gas tank and valves are properly installed, but leaks are dangerous, potentially causing engine overheating or even explosions. However, if you mainly drive at low speeds in the city, the risks are lower, and the fuel savings on long trips after conversion are fantastic. In short, hazards exist, but they can be mitigated if you don't cut corners too much.
