What are the reasons for insufficient power in gas-powered vehicles?
2 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for insufficient power in gas-powered vehicles: 1. Fuel properties: Gasoline is a liquid fuel, while natural gas is a gaseous fuel. When using gasoline, the volume of liquid gasoline is almost negligible compared to the intake volume. However, when using natural gas as fuel, the volume of the fuel itself occupies a significant proportion of the total intake, resulting in a reduction of air entering the cylinders and a decrease in the volumetric efficiency, which leads to a drop in engine power. 2. Engine design: The anti-knock properties of gasoline limit the compression ratio of gasoline engines, whereas natural gas has excellent anti-knock properties and can be used in engines with higher compression ratios, thereby increasing power. Most natural gas vehicles currently in operation are dual-fuel vehicles, capable of running on both natural gas and gasoline. To accommodate the use of gasoline, the compression ratio of these dual-fuel vehicles is either slightly increased or not increased at all. As a result, the high anti-knock properties of natural gas are not fully utilized, leading to a decrease in engine power.
I've been driving a natural gas vehicle for about seven or eight years, and the recent lack of power has been really annoying. Usually, it's a problem with the gas supply system; clogged injectors or gas leaks are quite common, leading to insufficient gas supply and a weak engine. Also, the aging pressure reducer can cause unstable gas pressure, making acceleration feel sluggish. Spark plugs have a shorter lifespan compared to gasoline cars, and poor ignition can slow things down. If the air filter gets clogged with dust, reduced air intake also affects combustion efficiency. The ECU settings need regular tuning, especially for modified vehicles. Carbon buildup in the intake or combustion chamber can lower the compression ratio. Every time I take it to the shop for a thorough cleaning, including the filter and injectors, the problem is solved. Regular maintenance is key to preventing small issues from becoming big ones. Also, in cold weather, gas evaporates more slowly, which can reduce power. I suggest owners not overlook routine checks.
