2000 Ford Contour CNG car

[Louball]

I have a question about an alternative fuel car. I bought my mom a 2000 Ford Contour with 33,000 miles on it, the car was a State of Arizona fleet car. This thing can run on gasoline or natural gas. Does anyone know much about these cars? it runs great on regular 87 octane gas but a guy told me today that these cars do not do well in the midwest while running on compressed gas because of the cold weather this time of year. I find that a little hard to believe since I see the local Schwan's man driving his CNG powered truck all year long. and thoughts?

[fmartin_gila]

I don't know about the CNG vehicles, but as I remember growing up in North and South Dakota, We had our Dual Fueled (Gasoline & LPG) vehicles. We had to start them on gas, and switch over to LPG after warming up some cause they wouldn't vaporize the fuel till that part of the system had some warm water circulating. I worked for Arizona Public Service Company, an Electric Utility, from 1971 thru 1990, and we did some experimenting with CNG Vehicles in the Metro Phoenix Area some years ago. I don't think they run them anymore, not sure. Don't really know why they stopped. Seems as if I remember something about extremely high pressures in the system but not sure. Actually, after rereading this, I am not much help but would encourage you to do some searching for more information.

Fred

[Johnny Canuck]

Ford made all sorts of dual -fueled cars in the late 90's so this could be a factory setup. The gas company here drives CNG vehicles all year, and I don't think they are dual-fueled. That means they somehow start them on CNG, but it is at higher pressure than LPG so maybe that is no problem

http://www.atcogas.com/About_NG/NGV/NG_Vehicles.asp

[65 66 Ford]

The problem with CNG vehicles is finding a fueling station nearby. Check your local laws you may be able to install a fueling station in your garage. Also some states give tax credits for CNG vehicles.