3126 CAT power

[Keith Moffett]

Gerald and to all who might be intrested;
Could you please evaluate for me from your experience, the pros' and cons of propane injection?  And then take a look at this web site and tell me your opinion?

http://www.autobarn.net/edcatrvtumof.html
These two items were suggested to me for better economy and performance by a mechanic who might be in hot water if I mention him by title.
The claim is that these would increase my HP from 330 to up to 370 and add perhaps 1 MPG (perhaps a bit more with the propane).
I am concerned about the increased wear on the CAT and effect on the Allison.
Do you have an opinion?

Thanks much
Keith Moffett

[Tom and Pam Brown]

Keith,

Caterpillar built and builds both CNG and LNG engines.  While they are great for what they are built for, I am not sure it is as simple to convert.  I would be concerned mostly about lubrication of the fuel system and in particular the injectors themselves.  I think I would go direct to Cat and find out their thoughts.  It may improve 1 mpg, but does that take into consideration the amount of gas used as well.

Good Luck

[Gerald Farris]

Keith.
The only way that a propane injection unit is going to increase your fuel mileage, is by using propane as a fuel to supplement the diesel that you are burning. When you add the cost of the propane to your fuel bill, you will not be saving any money. You may actually even end up with a higher fuel bill since propane usually cost more per BTU than diesel.  Propane injection is only used normally as a supplement when under heavy load, and has no effect under normal driving conditions.
So is the occasional use, that you may get from the system, worth the cost.  And safety concerns that arise from adding pressurized propane gas to your engine bay. There's also the concern of injecting propane into the intake of an engine that has a preheat system, like the 3126 cat.
Propane injection systems have been around for years, and they never gained much support, because of the cost as compared to the limited use and benefits. There is no way that I would add one to my coach.

Gerald

[Keith Moffett]

Thanks everyone.  
My thoughts exactly, but this guy should know more than I do, so I put it out there for you all.
Has anyone used that "Edge" product in the above link?
Keith

[Joel Ashley]

Even if the Edge device gained you the minimum mileage claimed, by my calculations it may take you well over 20 tanks of fuel to pay for itself.  And we both know you never get the minimum claimed, if any.

-Joel

[Karl Welhart]

I have been using the Edge device for many years and is GREAT....  Much better throttle response, better mid-range power and under normal conditions, about a 1.5-2.0 mpg improvement.  However, I have experienced some increase in temps during long mountain hill pulls.  The Edge device has 4 power settings 10, 20, 30  and 40 hp.  I have only used the 20 hp setting.

Karl