B11-Sunday News, Iuly 13, 1980 7 o experi ments with gas power B.C. Hydro is embarking on a pilot project to convert 50 of its 3,800 fleet vehicles to run on compressed natural gas. Conversion will start as soon as the necessary equipment is available and is expected to be completed by the spring of 1981. Estimated cost of the project: is $200,000, which includes the installation of dual fuel equipment on the vehicles and refuelling facilities. Conversion will be done by Hydro’s Gas Operations and Vehicle Service per- sonnel. The 50. vehicles operate on either com- pressed natural gas or gasoline. Previous programs in this field indicate that this method of operation can achieve at least a 75 per cent replacement of gasoline. Advantages of such a conversion include: e Natural gas offers cost savings over gasoline. ® Clean-burning natural gas reduces engine and oil fouling and thus engine wear. e Natural gas reduces pollution because em- missions can be significantly reduced. e The gasoline system can be left intact to be used for extended driving when needed. ; Disadvantages are a more limited range (about 100 miles) for natural gas alone because the tanks contain less fuel, and some loss of power — between 10 and 20 per cent. $3,400 fon includes replacing plugs. points, condensor, set dwell & timing. AR products will B.C. Hydro is embarking on the program because; it can reduce vehicle operating costs, provide Hydro and other fleet operators with valuable data on fleet operation programs using natural gas fuelling and it can replace oil, which is in line with provincial energy policy. The conversion involves the instaliaton of com- pressed natural gas cylin- ders, pressure reducing regulators, and = air/gas mixing device attached to the existing gasoline car- buretor and controls to switch from one fuel to the other. No changes are required in the existing ignition, cooling or Ilubrication systems, although engines may require retuning for dual fuel operation. A typical compressed natural gas cylinder will contain the equivalent of 10.9 litres of gasoline (2.4 imperial gallons) and weighs approximately 125 Ibs. each. Because of their size and weight, it is unlikely that more than two cylinders can be installed in most of the vehicles being considered in the conversion program. The average consumption of gasoline in B.C. Hydro vehicles being considered for conversion is 18.2 litres (4 gallons) for each vehicle daily. Therefore, it is an- Keep Canada Beautiful Tune-up most Cars ignition components replaced with Wynns also includes checking * distributor * betta * exhaust system * shocks * steering mechanisms * tyes ® high tension leads * cooling system ® fluid levels ® front suspension assembly ® all signal lights Facilities to work on any kind of car Peter Brand Motors 1519 Clyde Ave. West Vancouver 922-3231 We like to keep a good thing going' We are Open Mon.-Fn & 5pm ticipated that two cylinders would meet normal daily fuel requirements. .. While it may be ad- vantageous for fleet operations, conversion is not yet considered feasible for privately-owned vehicles because of expense and present lack of refuelling facilites. WITH STELLAR SAVINGS! Sa A A GALAXY OF : for most 95 +16. a do-it-yourself special oe 160 MARINE DRIVE NORTH VANCOUVER B. C THIS ALL-ELECTRIC Honda ‘Civic was designed by Dr. Wallace Moore of Long Beach, California. The wagon is powered by solar discs on the roof and gets am extra boost from being plaugged in for eight hours each night. The patented car cost less than $10,000 and can go 80 miles between charges. But you won't get anywhere very fast in it — it only goes 28 miles per hour. CAR WARS CONTINUES. BLAST OFF pi A enel \ SUPER DATSUN SPECIALS. Summer Datsun Safety Clinic includes check on steering, suspension, engine & transmission, electrical cooling, brakes. ALL. DATSUNS ONLY $9 90 | for fitter ‘