Does converting from gasoline to natural gas affect the engine?
3 Answers
Converting from gasoline to natural gas does affect the engine, and the impacts are: 1. It may burn the engine valve working surface and the valve itself, causing excessively small valve clearance and affecting engine performance; 2. Spark plugs are prone to breakdown; 3. It may lead to the destruction or blockage of the catalytic converter; 4. The engine warning light may illuminate. Methods for engine maintenance include: 1. Using qualified engine oil; 2. Using qualified coolant; 3. Regularly cleaning the radiator scale; 4. Regularly removing carbon deposits from the engine; 5. Timely replacement of the vehicle's air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter; 6. Checking if the spark plugs are damaged.
I think converting a car from gasoline to natural gas does have potential impacts on the engine, especially in the long term. Since the combustion temperature of natural gas is slightly higher than gasoline, it may accelerate wear on engine components such as valves and piston rings. Additionally, gasoline contains lubricating components that help form an oil film to protect metal parts, whereas natural gas is drier and lacks this lubrication, which can lead to poorer oil circulation or increased carbon buildup risks. During the conversion, it's essential to ensure system and engine compatibility, such as properly adjusting the compression ratio; otherwise, issues like incomplete combustion or reduced power may occur. Personally, I recommend using specialized engine oil and performing regular maintenance checks to mitigate these negative effects. At the same time, the quality of the conversion is crucial—professional installation can prevent many problems. Never cut corners by choosing unqualified shops just to save a little money, as that carries even greater risks.
I drove a gasoline-to-natural gas converted car for several years. At first, it felt great as fuel costs were cut by more than half, making it especially cost-effective for long-distance trips. However, after two or three years, the engine started producing slight knocking sounds. After inspection, it was found that the valve wear had accelerated, possibly due to the more intense combustion of natural gas. Replacing the parts cost some money, and although adding lubricating additives later improved the situation somewhat, the overall driving experience was not as smooth as that of a pure gasoline car. This taught me a lesson: conversions should be done by experienced shops with high-quality systems installed, and it's essential to insist on annual comprehensive maintenance, including spark plug and fuel system cleaning. Otherwise, minor issues can accumulate into major problems. From this perspective, there is an impact, but with proper management, the benefits can be balanced.
