NEWS photo Ellsworth Dickson DISPLAYING ONE of the propane conversions in his fleet is Richard Hughes of Sunshine Cabs. Sunshine and North Shore Taxi have both converted because of the significant saving in operating costs. THE QUIET REVOLUTION Stories and Photos by ELLSWORTH DICKSON Of all the alternate fuels to gasoline, propane ts perhaps the most practical. Propane, as a cCarburetted fuel, ts undergoing aie quiet, yet revolutionary growth cycle. Just two years ago, there were only 2,000 propane powered cars in Canada Today there are 30,000 Many people are afraid of propane and consider it dangerous but it is only a Speedy Auto Parts 1461 Barrow St., North Vancouver lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown that con- tributes to this attitude. In fact, propane has been rated by the Liberty Mutual In- surance Company as being 54 per cent safer than gasoline. This is because the propane tank is far more substantial than a gasoline tank and 1s located in a safer part of the car What is propane? Propane is a member of the hydrocarbon family of fuels that mncludes ethane. methane, and butane. All were formed by the gradual decay of organic materials under pressure. Propane can exist as a gas or a liquid by appropriate’ changes in temperature or pressure. As a liquid, one gallon of propane equals 270 gallons of vapour. Obviously, its heat energy is highly con centrated There is an abundance of propane in Canada. We use only 5O per cent of what we produce. The rest 18 ¢x- WHOLESALE PUBLIC 1 Case of GULF OIL (24 cans 1 L. ea.) alternators brake parts starters tires ignition spark plugs wipers belts tte rod ends anti freeze — 985-8395 ported to the U.S. and Japan. What is so great about propane? Besides its unlimited availability, it is cheap. Significant operating cost savings per mule are acmeved through cheaper fuel cost; up to 50 per cent less than gasoline. Propane has 10 per cent better combushon properties than gasoline and as a gas, i is more evenly distmbuted into all cylinders. As a result, it CONTINUED ON PAGE B8 reg. 48° batteries oll filters water pumps atr filters shocks U joints thermostats hoses voltage reg % additives B7 - Wednesday, March 2, 1983 - North Shore News Oil restorers The used oil treatment plant of Mohawk Lubricants in North Vancouver is now in full production taking used lubricating oi and restoring it to its original high quality. The plant, employing over 35 people is using a process that meets the high environmental Ada set by the com- pany and the municipality. “Mohawk is the | first company in North America to commercially convert Manager of Mohawk Lubricants. “The company which has a B.C.-wide network for the collection of used ot! can process 1.7 million gallons in our current Phase I.” Street continued. “Phase II, which is scheduled to be operational by 1984) will mcrease production capacity to 7.5 million gallons an- nually.” Mohawk Lubricants operates modern custom oul used oil by a process of blending and packaging distillation and hydro- equipment at the North treatment to provide high Mancouver plant for quality base oils.” com- Mohawk brands as well as mented Roy Street, Vice- custom packaging for other President and General _ CONTINUED ON PAGE B8____ INCOME TAX RETURNS commencing March 7 ¢Specializing in returns for Commission Will prepare in the home for home bound and senior citizens Complete Confidentiality and Reasonable Rates 20 years experience with Income Tax Department TAMARA BOECKLE Phone 926-0579 * PRE-SPRING SPECIAL Change oil, fitter, lube, check cooling system & an- tifreeze, check battery, Starting & charging system. 5165 (parts included, oil up to 45) *TUNE-UP SPECIAL replace points. condensor, : plugs, 7 check 986-5375 TAK SAWADA HONDA SPECIALIST fuel filters. ignition. belts. hoses, scope & adjust carb . timing etc (parts included, 6 cycle rotary extra) THIS OFFER ALSO APPUES TO S49% fuel sys. DATSUN, TOYOTA, MAZDA AND SUBARU 1.B. AUTO - Japanese Auto Specialists 1189 W. 16th St., N. Van. 2 wheels, disc of drum, most cars. snow t SPECIAL Passenger oars only ~~ = inctudes pads or shoes and labour, plus tax. RESERVICE an COnditoneds & hgit frocks ented 2 parts cxtea ct rerepeame act North Van Autobrake | 1175 W. 15th St., North Van 985-8705 '