Light Duty VEHICLES- what's out there??
The acronym "OEM" is usually used to describe a vehicle component installed "at the factory" when the petrol powered vehicle was manufactured. In the olden times of alternative fuels a few years ago, do-it-yourself-ers came up with a plethora of kits to "convert" an OEM to run on some other fuel. Today, the OEM manufacturers are blurring the line between the two concepts. As manufacturers began sticking toes in the water with limited production alternative fuel vehicles, they generally pulled an OEM petrol powered engine off the assembly line and had a third party contractor put a new "fuel system" (not a "kit") on it. So I guess it is OEM so long as it hasn't been put into service as a petrol burner.
The subject comes up in a few contexts, ie, diesel blends, natural gas and propane fuel systems.
Do-it-yourself work can now get you some pretty hefty prison time as it may constitute tampering with an emission control device. EPA approval is needed for the fuel system based on the vehicle and engine it is on and by model year. Installation is also EPA regulated, so ask your installer if his work is compliant.
The subject comes up in a few contexts, ie, diesel blends, natural gas and propane fuel systems.
Do-it-yourself work can now get you some pretty hefty prison time as it may constitute tampering with an emission control device. EPA approval is needed for the fuel system based on the vehicle and engine it is on and by model year. Installation is also EPA regulated, so ask your installer if his work is compliant.
Meanwhile, it is getting harder to find an EPA approved fuel system that is not included in vehicles now available from almost any dealership today. Behind the scenes, most systems are installed before the vehicle ever drives a mile, and delivered to its first owner ready to go and complete with a warranty that will be honored at the dealership. The "big three" automaker dealerships already offer half ton pick ups with natural gas and some propane systems. Starting in model year 2014, the Ford F-150 will be available with a CNG package from Ford dealers.