However, in unusual cases as the O2 sensor becomes "poisoned" (primairly with sulphur, cumulative and lots of it "down there") it can become "lazy" and MPG will suffer. A quick check with a scan tool that has graphing ability and a few shots of propane will quickly confirm or eliminate the O2 sensor as a possible suspect.
I am constructing a propane injection system, will this wipe out my O2 sensors???
No, but a leak or backfire can "wipe-out" the Insight.
"Play" with your Insight all you want. Have fun. But IMO propane injection for the Insight is a net energy cost, not savings.
(Do the math from the materials "energy" costs on up)
Losts of stuff on propane enrichment testing of O2 sensors in here (well, I remember _one_comprehensive thread) and on the net.
I'll let _your_ fingers do the "walking".
Read: Search the forum or the Internet
All I am planning on is a very small 14oz container of propane and a push button to give a short 2 or three second, very mild squirt of propane into the intake when I need a short assist without pressing the gas pedal down to get electric assist and ruining the mileage.
__________________
Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
As described above it will only enrich the mixture - not increase power, economy or performance.
And since LNG, LPG, Propane etc has a _lower_ amount of energy per unit of measure... your only burning a different fuel.
Net "savings" will be in the negative catagory given all the parts involved.
Yup, MPG of _gasoline_ may go up with a LOT of tweaking, but energy consumed will increase in units of measure since propane can't "carry" you as far. There ain't no magic involved.
Nope, you are wrong there. Yes it will consume more energy...BUT not as much more as if you have to depress the gas pedal till you are getting 50 mpg in order to engage the electric assist. Yes, the MIMA can also do that , but at a cost of $1000 whereas my mod will cost less than $20.
__________________
Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
Get you old college physics text book out and review your statments above. Yes, such a modification can_shift_ which energy is consumed in moving down the road, but no "savings" will occur.
If you would stop being so cocky and self assured and think about how an Insight works you would see the error in your thinking. When you are in lean burn mode and cruising at 60 mph then hit a slight incline your speed begins to drop and to get it back up you can either drop out of lean burn (now burning more fuel) and maybe you can do it without engaging the electric assist, and maybe you cant. But you will still be out of lean burn. OR if you have MIMA ($1000) you can engage the assist which will help you to stay in lean burn. OR you can press the throttle down until you get electric boost which will drop you below 50 MPG before the electric boost comes on. OR, if you have propane boost ($20) it will work similar to the MIMA electric boost, without having to touch the throttle.
NOW do you understand how it increases the economy???? Without it OR MIMA, you are reduced to dropping down to 50 mpg in order to engage the electric assist.
__________________
Jim Isbell
2000, 5 speed, 250,000 miles
"If you are not living on the edge, well then,
you are just taking up too much space."
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
O2 Sensors??
<shaking head>
