What are the differences in maintenance cycle and cost between gas engines and fuel engines?

With the promotion of environmental protection policies and the transformation of energy structure, gas engines have gradually emerged in commercial vehicles, power generation and other fields due to their clean and efficient characteristics. However, the special nature of its maintenance cycle and cost has also become a focus of user attention. This article combines technical characteristics and practical cases to analyze the core differences in maintenance between gas engines and fuel engines.

Maintenance cycle: higher frequency of specialized maintenance

Gas engines require targeted maintenance due to differences in fuel characteristics and combustion methods. Taking spark plugs as an example, fuel vehicles usually replace them every 30000 kilometers, while gas vehicles have high combustion temperatures and calorific values, which accelerate the wear and tear of spark plugs. It is recommended to replace them every 20000 to 30000 kilometers. At the same time, the gas system needs to be cleaned more frequently: the air filter needs to be blown every 1-2 weeks and replaced every 20000 kilometers; The gas filter needs to be replaced every 10000 to 15000 kilometers to avoid impurities affecting gas supply stability.

In contrast, the regular maintenance cycle of fuel engines is relatively fixed: the oil is replaced every 5000 kilometers, the air filter is replaced every 10000 kilometers, and the spark plug is replaced every 30000 kilometers. However, the maintenance of gas engines focuses more on the safety and sealing of the fuel system, such as checking the cylinder supports, pressure reducing valves, and pipeline connections during each maintenance to ensure no leakage risks.

Maintenance cost: polarization between original design and modified cars

The maintenance cost of gas engines varies depending on the vehicle model. Taking the original dual fuel vehicle model (such as the Elysee CNG) as an example, its design has optimized the compatibility between gas and fuel, resulting in more complete combustion and reduced carbon deposition. The oil change cycle can be extended to 15000 kilometers, and the average maintenance cost is only 334 yuan/10000 kilometers, saving 82% compared to similar fuel vehicles. In addition, natural gas combustion does not dilute lubricating oil, extending engine life and reducing the probability of major repairs.

However, the maintenance cost of retrofitting gas vehicles has significantly increased. The modification has increased the complexity of the fuel system, and components such as rubber seals and pressure reducing valves are prone to aging due to high temperature and pressure, requiring regular replacement. Some vulnerable parts are even replaced based on time (such as every two years) rather than mileage. At the same time, uneven modification processes may lead to a decrease in power and an increase in carbon deposits, further pushing up maintenance costs.

Long term economy: Balancing fuel savings and maintenance costs

Although the initial maintenance cost of gas engines may be higher than that of fuel vehicles, their fuel economy advantages are significant. Taking natural gas heavy-duty trucks as an example, the fuel cost per kilometer is only 0.3 yuan, and there is no need to add urea. When the annual mileage exceeds 100000 kilometers, fuel savings can cover the purchase premium. In addition, gas engines have clean emissions that comply with strict environmental standards, reducing the risk of fines due to excessive emissions.

However, it should be noted that the energy conversion efficiency of gas engines is slightly lower than that of diesel engines, and their power performance is slightly inferior in heavy-duty or high-speed scenarios. Users need to balance performance and cost based on usage scenarios.

Expert advice: Standardized maintenance and original factory selection

Industry insiders point out that the maintenance of gas engines should follow the "three specialized principles": specialized engine oil (high temperature and anti-oxidation resistance), professional technicians (familiar with the gas system), and special inspections (regular leak detection). For modifying vehicles, it is recommended to choose a qualified modification factory and regularly upgrade the system. When parked for a long time, the fuel system should be emptied to avoid residual gas corroding components.

conclusion

Although the maintenance of gas engines has higher requirements, their full lifecycle costs are still competitive through standardized maintenance and original factory technology optimization. With technological iteration, future gas engines are expected to achieve greater breakthroughs in reliability and economy, providing better solutions for low-carbon travel.