Hi all, new to this forum.

Found this forum by googling for info about the ST170, i'am currently interested in buying one but before i do i want to make sure the engine can be converted to run on natural gas.

The ST170 engine is apparently based on the 2.0 zetec engine from the regular Ford Focus.

From my understanding the standard 2.0 zetec can't deal with natural gas because the valves will burn out. I've read about some workarounds for this issue by building in some sort of oiling system called fashlube and some others i believe. If at all possible i'd like to avoid such a workaround.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me the engine from the ST170 can run on natural gas without the oiling system workaround? If not could the engine parts that fail due to natural gas be replaced by stronger parts?
Does the ST170 engine have hardened valve seats?

Are there some strong argument why the ST170 should not be converted for natural gas?