DRX: PROTON ISWARA 4G15P - AN INSTALLER CHOICE
In Malaysia, the NGV industry started on the Proton Iswara (4G15P engine) and remains as the best choice for NGV Installation or Conversion. The Proton Iswara is cheap, reliable and plentiful of spare parts. The conversion process is simple and relatively quick. However so, the conversion process should take around 1 complete day with 1 hands-on installer.
The 4G15P (1,500cc) engine is robust (tough) and durable (tolerant with extreme engine heat), and work well with NGV systems. Its smaller brother is 4G13P or 1,300cc models. Both engines are found in Proton Saga (Magma & Megavalve), Proton Iswara (Saloon & Aeroback), early Proton Wira (Saloon & Aeroback) and Proton Satria (non-GTI). It is a simple carburetor engine, and commonly found it Proton vehicle between 1980 - 1995.
If you are using a Proton Iswara, there is nothing to worry as it is the TOP and BEST vehicle to convert, and run in NGV. The track-record stands at 70% taxicabs in Kuala Lumpur city, and operating beyond 8 years now. It is still the most favourite model among taxi drivers based on both NGV reliability, cost of maintenance and drivability.
In fact, I have been using my 10 Years Proton Iswara Saloon (1,500 AT) over 4 years on NGV driving. By comparison, my usage is 90% NGV for all driving conditions and as little as 10% on petrol. Petrol is used during start-ups (for purpose of cleaning/lubricating intake & exhaust valves) when I keep my car with petrol during night parkings. This also helps to maintain the healthy condition of my carburetor device by lubricating internal rubber seals and gaskets.
A 4G15P Engine By Proton Malaysia (5-Star rating NGV Engine)
Base-Model for Installer Training into NGV Conversion
An Accurate 4G15P Venturi Mixer (Designed by Hijau Casko)
A 'Pig-tail' at 90 Degree Pipe Turns (for Accident Break-Proofing)
A Pig-Tail reduces Vibration, improve Flexible Piping Requirements
DRX: Hijau Implements 'Plug & Play' with Socket Systems
Commonly, the Malaysian NGV installers operate with a quick-fit and 'Plug & PRAY' approach on NGV conversions. In fact, installers use cut, tie and black-tape approach in all conversions. In my opinion, this is highly unethical and unprofessional. It is really an UNCERTIFIED approach. Thus, I have successfully implemented 'Plug & Play' technology into Hijau Standard Installation Procedure (H-SIP) and avoided 'Plug & PRAY'. The implementation of this P&Play is difficult as it brings conversion cost up, where each socket set costs around RM3.00. H-SIP requires 7 socket sets on a Proton Iswara alone. It a price uncompetitive between 'Plug & Play' -long-term Reliable & Durablility and 'Plug & PRAY'.
'Plug & Play' technology is implemented after we have conducted our R&D on NGV system operating in Tropical Climate, like Malaysia and Indonesia. Here is why we decided to adopt this expensive approach:
(a) The manufacturer wiring is thin (14 copper core strains), which becomes high current resistance during 3:00pm on a hot afternoon. Our sample cars provided a 48% current (Amperes) dropped at engine compartment temperature way over 200 Celsius. Our cars lost power mainly to closing of the gas solenoid (an electrovalve) and engine overheating. The radiator remains at 90 Celsius as reported by the Temperature Indicator; and
(b) A Cut, Paste & Black-Tape approach can lead to electrical sparking during an unfortunate auto accident. Socket system prevent sparking as it just discoonnect during a hard crash. NGV Gas will ignite if there is an electrical spark, flame rate well over 500 Celsius. This is why we termed it as 'Plug & PRAY' approach.
I believe that customer pays the best, MUST gets the best. That is best in safety features, reliable to use and easy to maintain as well as low-cost to repair in long term. Those who want cheap are often referred to shop around at other installers, as these customers are too ignorant to know 'people are profiting on their igorance'.
Back in 2007, I once asked why 'Plug & PLAY' is so popular around more installers. I was expecting an answer that it is fast-to-convert and extreme low-cost. Surprisingly, several installer answered to a similar tune, 'Kalau tidak ada masalah, mana ada business repair untuk jadi regular customer' or 'If not auto problems, where will there be NGV repair business as regular customers'. I was completely speechless.
In fact, we just want to meet our regular customers for routine services. These routine services include oil change, tuning and calibration and a chit-chat about NGV. It is a community of NGV Users, where Phillip Ng and I started off NGV Community.com for this reason.
'Plug & Play' - A Simple Rule: Well Designed & Neat
Fuel Selector Switch : Petrol or NGV (Bi-Fuel)
YES! We operate on either Petrol or NGV at one time. Once we have emptied our gas, we can drive back on petrol but it feels 'SINFUL' to use petrol. Mathematically, it is RM0.05 per km (NGV) against a sinful petrol RM0.20 per km. Why pay 70% more money, when NGV is more subsidized than petrol in this manner.
What is my advise on Proton Iswara Owners on NGV conversion?
Just get it done. You will not be alone, as i have converted 4 years back along with 30,000 other Proton Iswara taxicabs in Malaysia. You will NOT be the FIRST and it is not BLEEDING-EDGE technology on 4G15P engines!
Be Safe, Drive Safe
Dr Xander Thong
email: drxander@ngv.com.my
