Comparision between CNG and Diesel option on Gypsy King Carb model I have been asked a few times about the Diesel and CNG options in a gypsy so I am posting my personal experience on the 1.3L carb petrol with CNG and 1.7L diesel DI engine.
Running cost -
CNG – the fuel costs Rs.19 per kg and the economy would be around 14kmpkg with AC running which equates to Rs 1.36 per km
Diesel – the fuel costs Rs. 35 per litre and the economy would be around 15kmpl with AC running which equates to Rs.2.3 per km.
Maintenance-
CNG – You will need to switch over and run the car on petrol everyday for about 15 mins. Even after this I had to get the carb cleaned every alternate month due to CNG residue. It works better in MPFi engines. Apart from this the engine temp may run on the higher side in the summers.
Diesel – I have only run the engine for 3500kms. No problems so far. There were some minor oil leaks which were sorted out. There may be some engine cooling issues in summers. I had this resolved but putting a HUGE fan which sounds like a truck at high speed. In winters I use a smaller one. Still looking for alternative solution. My mechanic maintains it and he is very well versed with this engine
Performance:
CNG- Quite poor on carb engine. If you run an AC as well, you may feel like a snail at times. It works better on MPFi engines with little loss of power.
Diesel – Almost as good as the petrol. Far better than the CNG. You can go for a Toyota engine as well which will be more powerful but will be twice as expensive as the Nissan and the fuel economy will be lower as well. Also, I am not sure if you will be able to retain the 4x4 with a Toyota transplant.
The CNG kit will cost you around 40K from an approved fitter. They will get it endorsed on your RC as well and you will get a one year guarantee. This will be all legit! Also, if you retain the petrol engine then it is easier to get parts/ repair if you are out on a long drive to Leh or some distant place
The Nissal Diesel CD17 engine was for 45K all incl. The old engine will sell for 5K to 8K depending on the condition. Please note that these Diesel engines have run over are lakh kms and would need to be tested before purchase. Also, this CANNOT be endorsed on your RC. You may need to re-register in Haryana or Punjab for the Diesel to be legit. If you get caught and you are a cabbie – say good bye to your vehicle. If it is a private vehicle you may be let off, although in the last few months no has even cared as no one prefers to fit diesel any more since CNG is cheaper. You may not get parts at distant places from NCR region if you break down
Review:
The performance with diesel off road is brilliant and it has turned in to a very reliable and cheap off roader. gypsy is a vehicle you can jump in and drive anywhere and is very uable on a daily basis. The steering is not hard even with 215 radials, the clutch is quite soft, and brake works very well. I have been to 2 OTRs since the fittment and the it does what it was built to do. I have had the sump (chamber) modified in lines with the orignal one on the Gypsy King so now the front differential has enough space to move without hitting anything.
Hope this is helpful.
Last edited by GoSlow : 19th January 2009 at 17:45.
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