CNG Caravan

[bergtsam]

I'm considering buying one of those older dedicated CNG Caravan's. Is there anyone out there who could give me their opinion on those vehicles? I'm wondering how well they run and whether I might be better off just spending the money to convert a newer minivan. Any opinions/thoughts on the CNG Dodge Caravans from the mid 90's?

Thanks!
Justin

[cngaz]

Re: CNG Caravan

Get a look at the CNG Cylinders/tanks and see what date they expire.
Expired tanks may be why it is being sold.

[bergtsam]

Re: CNG Caravan

How long do tanks typically last? I have 16 year old tanks in my truck and they seem to be working fine. Do I need to be worried?

[cngaz]

Re: CNG Caravan

How long since you had them inspected?
Usually tanks with covers will not have any damage, exposed tanks and undercarriage tanks subject to road debris might be another thing.
CNG Cylinders are to be inspected by a certified inspecter every 36 months and before any vehicle is put back into service after any accident.
The expiration date is marked on each cylinder from the factory.
If its been inspected, it should have an inspection sticker from the inspector
affixed to the tank.
Any Caravan would probably be old enough to be past the throw away date on the cylinders.

[cngacrossusa]

Re: CNG Caravan

Bergtsam,

Saw a 1994 Dodge Caravan on Craigslist last year in 2007 and guy only had around 30,000 miles on it sold for $2,700 - - - some reason wouldn't pass CA emissions with wrong catalytic converter!! If I had lived closer, I would have bought it. I think that might have been the bargain of a lifetime.

Tanks were initially marked with 15 year expiration dates so 1994 Dodge van original cng tank would be nearing expiration. However, I thought I heard that those dates were extended to 20 years now by tank governing organization??

[cngsteve]

Re: CNG Caravan

I have two Caravans (dedicated CNG), that I have driven to 170K miles each. I've had the transmission rebuilt in one, replaced one fuel injector, and replaced a leaking high pressure regulator in each. Other than that, just typical non-CNG items for that mileage, like brakes, starter, shocks. Do seem to have a front end bushing squeak right now. Really can't complain.

I have seen the NOX emissions creep up over the years, and I think I'm going to fail this time around. I'm hoping that an off-the-car fuel injector cleaning will help, since it's never been done. This car was built without an EGR system. Don't know that NOX is an issue in Utah though.

[qader31]

Re: CNG Caravan

i'm a dodge caravan owner in orange county. CNGSTEVE do you live near fullerton? I use to know a family that had twin boys that owned two CNG caravan we would often meet accidentally meet on the weekends at Bruegges Bagel off Imperial and Kramer. I currently have 149,000 on my silver dodge cng caravan. Would love to buy a cng camry. I'm also excited cause when i bought my cng about 5 years ago they started working the carpool lane off the 91 and they are about to finish the lane. FINALLY. Just recently found this site and looking forward to reading other blogs from follow cng owners.

[cngsteve]

Re: CNG Caravan

That's me qader. The boys are 6 now, and the Caravans are still going strong.

I'll send you a PM, and we'll trade emails.