Propane Injection - Gas for Diesels

At the heart of the ATS system... 

   

  read full caption

At the heart of the ATS system is the Torque Pro 2000. It controls the flow of propane and feeds it to the manifold.

"Propane is the fuel of the gods," according to Hank Hill from the television show King of the Hill. Well, we would have to agree with Hank's enthusiasm for the wonder-gas, especially when it comes to diesels, as propane provides major benefits when mixed with diesel fuel. Most diesel engines fail to provide complete combustion of the fuel they're fed. Propane acts as a catalyst and raises the burn rate of diesel fuel to almost 100 percent. Of course with the engine now burning almost 100 percent of its fuel, there is a dramatic increase in horsepower and torque. Fuel economy also improves, as the engine is now using its fuel more efficiently. Propane also burns cool and clean, making for a cooler-running and cleaner, longer-lasting engine.

With the benefits of propane being clear, it is no wonder adding propane to a diesel engine is popular. Some folks piece together their own kits, but Advanced Turbo Systems (ATS) makes one that caught our eye. The ATS kit features the Torque Pro 2000 manifold, a variety of tank options, and everything you need to plumb the propane system into your rig. It is available for all popular diesel-powered vehicles.

We were eager to feel the benefits of propane, so once we got our hands on the ATS kit, we headed to Tarango's Diesel Repair in Santa Paula, California with our '99 Dodge with the 24-valve Cummins engine. Tarango's works only on diesels, so installing the ATS kit for them was fairly easy and they had us cooking with gas in about half a day. Follow along as we show you how easy it is to upgrade to propane power.

Our first step was to replace...        read full caption Our first step was to replace the diaphragm spring inside of the Torque Pro 2000. With an aftermarket air intake there is not as much vacuum as in a stock system, so a lighter spring is necessary to ensure that the diaphragm moves properly.	Next, the folks at Tarango's...        read full caption Next, the folks at Tarango's drilled out the propane orifice from 3/16 to 1/4 inch. This is an optional step that allows for more propane to flow--and more propane means more performance. While performance does increase, the downside is that the propane is used more quickly.	After test-fitting the manifold...        read full caption After test-fitting the manifold into place, all of the fittings were attached to it. One is for the pressure switch, while the others are for propane in/out and coolant in/out.
The next step was to mount...        read full caption The next step was to mount the Torque Pro 2000. Tarango's attached it to the inner fenderwell of our '99 Dodge.	Coolant must be supplied to...        read full caption Coolant must be supplied to the Torque Pro 2000 to keep the diaphragm from freezing and to convert the propane from a liquid into a gas. The ATS system accomplishes this by tapping into both heater lines with these fittings.	The new lines supplying the...        read full caption The new lines supplying the coolant from the heater hoses are then routed and attached to the Torque Pro 2000.
With the coolant lines in...        read full caption With the coolant lines in place, it is time to remove the top intake housing off of the engine and drill and tap it to allow the pressure switch to be fitted.	Once it is drilled and tapped,...        read full caption Once it is drilled and tapped, the housing can go back with the pressure switch in place. The pressure switch senses turbo boost and is adjustable from 3 to 8 psi. This allows the user to decide whether to have propane flowing most of the time or only when the truck is being used hard. A switch is also put on the dash of the vehicle to turn the whole system on or off.	A venturi is then fitted into...        read full caption A venturi is then fitted into the air-cleaner assembly. It provides the vacuum to open the diaphragm in the Torque Pro 2000 and start the flow of propane.
The next step was to install...        read full caption The next step was to install the tank into the bed of our truck. ATS has different tank options, and we chose this low-profile 38-gallon tank because it will allow us to mount a toolbox over it. It was mounted securely but also so that it could be taken out easily in case the whole bed is needed.	A quick-connect fitting was...        read full caption A quick-connect fitting was also installed to a bulkhead in the bed to make removal of the tank and its line a bit easier.	The final step is to carefully...        read full caption The final step is to carefully route the propane lines from the tank to the Torque Plus 2000. Make sure that they are away from heat sources and do not rub anywhere. Once that is accomplished the tank can be filled and you can enjoy propane power.