The installation of gas equipment on GAZelles is a common practice, which many owners of these cars have resorted to over the past ten to fifteen years. And more recently - in 2012 - the GAZ Group launched the serial production of special gas engines and gas engine GAZelles, which will be discussed in this article.
History of Gazelles with HBO
GAZelles with LPG equipment are a common sight on domestic roads, but until recently these were cars on which LPG equipment was installed in parallel with the regular gasoline fuel system by third-party companies. And only in the last year, GAZelles began to appear with standard HBO installed at the manufacturing plant.
Why was GAZ in no hurry with the mass production of NGVs? The thing is that to switch to gas, it is necessary not only to install LPG equipment, but also to have an engine designed specifically to run on natural gas or a propane-butane mixture. So for the production of gas-powered trucks, it was necessary to develop new units, components and spare parts for the GAZelle, which were not yet available.
For the first time, this issue was resolved in 2011, when on the basis of the famous Ulyanovsk motor UMZ-4216, engineers of the GAZ Group and the Inzh-KA Research and Production Enterprise created the UMZ-421647 bi-fuel gas-petrol engine. The new motor was shown in 2012, and from the same time the production of machines equipped with this power plant began. It was this engine that became the basis for the new generation of gas GAZelles, which are now becoming more widespread.
Benefits of gas engines
We have already talked about the advantages of gas-powered vehicles (“Gas-powered KAMAZ: an obvious benefit of innovation”), so here we will only briefly talk about the advantages of GAZelles with the UMZ-421647 gasoline engine.
Economic benefit.Gas is two to three times cheaper than gasoline, which, even with a slightly higher consumption (gas is consumed, on average, 1.1-1.5 times more gasoline) translates into noticeable cost savings. The savings are especially noticeable with an annual mileage of more than 30 thousand km, and with a mileage of 500 thousand km, the saved money will be enough to buy a new car.
Increased engine resource.When gas burns, less harmful compounds and solid particles are formed, and therefore carbon deposits do not form on engine parts, which generally extends the service life of the power plant. Accordingly, this also reduces the cost of oil changes, repairs and other maintenance work on the engine.
Environmental Safety.Few people really care about this factor, but gas engines have less negative impact on the environment. In particular, the UMZ-421647 engine meets Euro-4 environmental standards.
So gas engines run better and last longer, save money, and are less damaging to the environment. And, coupled with high technical characteristics, they seriously compete with conventional gasoline and diesel engines of large and small trucks.
Gas-gasoline engine UMZ-421647
UMZ-421647 - four-cylinder bi-fuel (gas-petrol) injection engine, develops a power of 100 hp and a torque of 220.5 Nm. Complies with environmental standards Euro-4. The engine was developed on the basis of the UMZ-4216 engine; during the modernization, the valve timing was changed, new components were installed, and the valve mechanism assemblies were also redesigned. Due to these changes, not all spare parts for GAZelle with gasoline engines are suitable for new gas engine vehicles.
A total of three engine modifications are available: one without a compressor and two with compressors SD5 and SD7. All motors are equipped with a V-ribbed drive and Delphi components (injectors and "electronic gas pedal"), and also have a bracket for power steering.
The engines are designed to run on natural gas (methane) and gasoline.
Lineup of GAZelles with LPG
The first GAZelles with gas-petrol engines (GAZelle CNG) were manufactured in late 2012 - early 2013, but this was a pre-production batch of ten vehicles for testing. In spring 2013, the serial production of GAZelle Business gas-powered vehicles began, and today the following vehicles are equipped with UMZ-421647 engines:
Onboard GAZ-3302;
- Trucks with a two-row cab GAZ-33023 "Farmer";
- All-metal vans GAZ-2795;
- Minibuses GAZ-3221.
All cars differ little in characteristics from their gasoline counterparts, however, a number of design changes have been made to the gas engine GAZelles to install a new engine and LPG components. Therefore, many spare parts for GAZelle with gas and gasoline engines are identical, which makes it easier to repair cars, although sometimes you have to look for original parts only for trucks with LPG.
Gas engine GAZelles have great prospects in our country, they have already aroused interest from carriers and other companies using small trucks in their work. The interest is due to the fact that the new cars promise significant savings while maintaining the volume and rate of transportation of goods and people. Therefore, we can expect both an expansion of the model range of GAZelles with HBO, and an increase in their sales.
Our company carries out the selection and installation of gas equipment for all types of both domestic and foreign cars. In principle, everything is limited only by the design features of this or that model, however, our masters do everything competently and accurately. The emphasis is on safety, which is why we use only certified and tested equipment.
Tell me, if I want to install a gas system on a car in your organization, do I need to buy the necessary equipment myself?
At AvtoGaz, all work is carried out on a turnkey basis, and therefore the customer does not need to buy anything - all equipment is purchased by our specialists centrally, from trusted suppliers. Moreover, we not only install the equipment, but also carry out its customization, so the car owner receives a completely finished and complete car. We also give a long-term quality guarantee for all work performed, and therefore there is no doubt about the safety and durability of the equipment.
I have a small car, I want to switch to gas, but there is very little space in the trunk. If I install HBO, then nothing will fit in my car. Is there a way to solve this problem?
We have come across such situations more than once and can assure that we will definitely find a way out. Here we are mainly talking about the location of the balloon, which is quite voluminous. However, for such cases, we offer a special toroidal tank that can be installed in the spare wheel well. There are absolutely no difficulties here, since such a cylinder does not use the space of the cabin and trunk, it is completely invisible to the eyes, so feel free to come to us, and we will install the LPG system accurately and quickly.
How much does the design of the car change when installing LPG? Is there any damage to the engine?
Starting with the 2nd generation LPG, the structural changes that are made to the car are minimal, while the safety of the car remains very high. Here, an electromagnetic valve is installed in the rupture of the fuel line, which turns off the gasoline supply. All equipment that we install is optional, and therefore at any time can be removed and reinstalled on another car. As for the effect on the internal combustion engine, nothing bad is observed here, since modern LPG systems have a sparing effect on the engine.
Why should I put gas on?
Reduced fuel costs
Primarily to reduce fuel costs. With the available price per liter of gasoline (30 rubles-35 rubles), gas equipment pays off in the shortest possible time, and the more “voracious” the car, the higher the payback rate. The calculation of the LPG payback specifically for your car can be found in the table below, or calculated on our calculator.
Reliability on the road
The gas system is a back-up fuel system, which makes the vehicle more reliable. If one of the fuel systems fails, you can always use the working one and get to the place of repair. It is also useful that on two tanks the range is increased without refueling.
Sustainability
Save nature. Gas fuel is much more environmentally friendly than gasoline. The exhaust gas toxicity is reduced in the following order:
- carbon monoxide (CO) - 2-3 times;
- nitric oxide - 1.2 times;
- hydrocarbon (CH) - 1.3-1.9 times.
After installing HBO, can I switch and go on gasoline?
Yes, we are installing a special device that allows us to shut off the gas supply at any time and, if necessary, switch to work from gasoline. Thus, the customer receives unique advantages, which lie in the possibility of using both petrol and gas.
I heard that after installing LPG on some cars valves can burn out? Is it true or not?
If the gas-air mixture continues to burn at the moment of opening the exhaust-type valves, the valve very often overheats, which leads to its premature wear. To prevent this from happening, it is important to timely adjust the valves and correctly regulate the gas supply (system setting). Gas as a fuel has nothing to do with this process, since the valves burn out even if the car is running on gasoline. Is there a fundamental difference between methane and propane? What is the best ride?
The difference between the two gases should be noted right away: methane is natural gas, but which is compressed in a car to a level of 200-220 atmospheres, and propane is a liquefied gas that is transported under a pressure of 10-15 atmospheres. Due to such a strong difference in pressure, different cylinders are required here, however, for safety, it is best to install LPG with propane operation. Such cylinders have a smaller wall thickness, and therefore are lighter in weight. It should also be noted that methane is measured in cubic meters and propane is measured in liters.
In our country, motorists are not at all happy. And the owners of commercial vehicles would be at a loss at all if they refueled the GAZelles with gasoline. But today gas can be used as fuel. This will significantly save the budget and reduce the costs of the enterprise. The installation of gas equipment at GAZelle is very profitable today, because their daily mileage can reach more than 500 km.
Is it profitable?
But it is necessary to install HBO after thinking everything over carefully. GAZelle is a commercial vehicle, which means you need to know exactly when your investment will pay off. There are special calculators for counting. But you can do everything manually.
So, installed on "GAZelle" manufactured by Digitronic, for example, is intended for methane.
Installation work on the injection engine will cost 50,000 rubles. The car mileage per day is at least 400 km. The fuel consumption is 18 liters of fuel. The cost of 1 liter of gasoline in our country is about 35 rubles. 1 m 3 of methane costs only 9 rubles. So, if the car runs on gasoline, then the cost of fuel alone will amount to 2160 rubles per day. And the cost of refueling with gas will come out in ridiculous 648 rubles. You can save about 1,500 rubles a day. Thus, the gas equipment installed at GAZelle will pay off a little more than in a month or 13,000 km. Further, the savings will go to the budget.
Equipment for propane
Methane is beneficial. Propane too, but there are some nuances here. This installation is much cheaper than methane, but the gas itself costs about 15 rubles. Its consumption is more than liquid fuel by about 10%. The price for this gas equipment "GAZelle" is lower, which means that it will pay off much faster. However, if the acquisition is made for the long term, then methane is much more profitable.
Methane or propane
Many motorists often do not know what to choose before converting their car.
Both the first and second options have advantages and disadvantages. For commercial vehicles, this point should be considered more closely.
If the car is regularly used for long distances, and there are no gas filling stations on the route, then methane is not the case. The equipment installed on "GAZelle" for methane has one feature - this fuel does not fit into the cylinder. For example, a 60 liter bottle can only hold 15 cubic meters. m of gas under pressure.
Small mileage from one gas station, as well as the low prevalence of such CNG stations makes it not the best option for small commercial vehicles for long-distance transportation. It is better in this case to purchase a propane system. Gas stations are more common and fuel can be found even in small towns.
Myths about HBO
Not many people install gas equipment on GAZelle. Why? Out of fear. There are certain myths about this fuel. We will destroy these myths with the example of propane, but for methane, everything is the same.
Gas can explode
This is the most widespread myth and it urgently needs to be refuted. Without going into details, gasoline vapors in a car's tank should explode even faster than gas in a cylinder. The cylinder is designed and manufactured for pressures of 16 atm. Its metal thickness is much greater than the walls of a gas tank, and the metal is much stronger. In an accident, the risk of cylinder rupture is extremely small.
A special safety valve is installed on it against leaks, which will block the unauthorized gas outlet. If there is a fire or the cylinder just overheats, then it has a valve to relieve excess pressure. He will prevent the explosion.
Even if there is a small leak, it takes a long time for an explosive mixture to form.
HBO allows you to cut costs in half
This could be true if the petrol system allowed overflows. In any other case, there will be no such savings. The price of propane is two times cheaper than gasoline, but its consumption is higher. The level depends on the type of equipment and its settings.
Adjustment is a complex and slow process. Therefore, in order for the installed gas equipment at the GAZelle to be profitable, you should immediately find a quality service. It will be much easier here for those who already have a car from the factory with LPG. A good option is to install and configure equipment in dealerships. There it will be performed by specialists.
Gas for the poor
In fact, it is not the poor who drive the gas, but those people who feel sorry for paying extra money. The larger the car and the higher its consumption, the more it is justified. Modern equipment can operate not only on GAZelles, but also on large and serious engines of expensive cars.
Service is expensive
Don't be afraid. If the installation of gas equipment on the GAZelle was carried out by professionals, then the system will not require serious repairs for many years. As for maintenance, service is not needed more often than for standard fuel assemblies.
Reduced engine power
It really is. Gas and gasoline have different characteristics. But according to measurements at the stands, this difference is small - only 8-15%. In practice, the commercial truck driver will not notice this. The setting influences power and torque.
With a strong desire, professionals will be able to make the derating almost invisible.
Gas damages the engine
For some motors, this is true. Since the burning time of the gas is longer, the exhaust valves are subjected to higher loads. To prevent them from burning, you should control the gaps. Another small nuance is non-cooling valves.
For this, the equipment includes a system for supplying lubricant to the manifold. Although for "GAZelle" it is irrelevant.
Despite all the nuances, there are more advantages. Gas does not wash off the oil, higher, there are no impurities in it that can reduce the resource of engine units.
Iron
Among the most common models today, the fourth and second generation of LPG systems are distinguished. The third generation is a transitional model and is rarely used. The second generation has a simple device.
Gas equipment of the fourth generation of the GAZelle car is of high quality and efficient. All functionality and work is electronically controlled. Here, the operation of the distributed injection system is completely repeated.
The gas is in the bottle. In liquid form, it enters the reducer-evaporator through a special line.
The element heats up, vaporizes the gas and maintains its pressure under all operating modes.
The evaporated fuel flows onto the fine filter. Then it goes through the line to the injectors, which will open on a signal from the ECU. Further, the fuel is supplied to the sprayers.
Repair of gas equipment (for GAZelle 3302), maintenance
Timely service will ensure maximum reliability and durability. With proper maintenance, the repair of gas equipment (including the GAZelle Business) may never be necessary. The main problem that leads to breakdowns is the very low quality of fuel.
If the system is still out of order, you should not repair it yourself - it is better to trust the professionals.
The service includes diagnostics of the control unit, replacement of filters, check of valves, purging of lines, as well as a check of the system for leaks. HBO for GAZelle is a profitable solution that allows a business to earn money. With high mileage, this is the right decision.
We make diagnostics, adjustment and repair of bi-fuel Gazelles with factory HBO OMVL.
We offer MAC sensors 5wk96841 for factory HBO Gazelle from 1500 to 4000 rubles with a guarantee from 1 to 12 months.
Factory HBO differs from the usual one in that the petrol and gas injectors are controlled by one MIKAS 12 control unit.
To work with the factory Gazelle HBO, a special diagnostic program is required. Not everyone has such a program. Not only from gas diagnosticians, but also from official GAZ dealers.
Many owners of Gazelles with factory HBO are faced with a diagnostic problem. Often the only way out of the situation was to replace the factory HBO with a conventional one.
Now in the city of Kazan, these problems have been resolved.
We have at our disposal the Autoas-scan program with a module for diagnosing Gazelle with a Mikas 12 bi-fuel control unit.
Some prices for Mikas 12 bi-fuel in Kazan:
- Connecting diagnostics. Reading and resetting errors for petrol and gas - 500 rubles.
- Identifying the cause of a malfunction if it appears after resetting errors - from 1000 rubles.
- Setting the coefficients of gas injectors - 1000 rubles.
- Reducer pressure setting - 500 rubles.
Before changing the factory HBO to a regular one - contact us. We may be able to repair your car.
If the repair is impossible or impractical, we will replace the factory HBO with the usual one on favorable terms for you, taking into account the work carried out earlier on the diagnosis of the factory HBO.
The cost of replacing the factory HBO with an ordinary HBO of the 4th generation Digitronic (Stag-300) will be 9,000 rubles.
The cost of work includes an under-hood set of LPG, except for the reducer and injectors, installation and connection of the Stag gas block, system setup and a 6-month warranty for the supplied components (gas ECU, MAC sensor, gas switch button, reducer temperature sensor, gas block wiring).
