LPG problems

piperjock · Gate Opener Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Odometer: 23

Hi

I have a Jeep 4.0 with LPG conversion. Unfortunately I dont know much about it other than it was done by arun autogas.

Sometimes when it switches over the engine will almost die and go to very low revs. I get around this by switching back to petrol and straight back to gas. It will then switch fine. However this morning when it switched over it actually stopped the engine and was diffucult to start again. I was only going slow so not a problem but obviously I dont want it to happen again.

Also yesterday I was driving on LPG and pulled away at the lights. There were some thuds coming from the engine and I could feel them through the pedal. The engine totally lost all power and tthe car filled with a burning smell. I switched to petrol and it picked up normally.

I have noticed that on LPG it idles very low and the whole car shudders. Any thoughts on this? Is my LPG system stuffed?

scut44 · Guest

Possibly just needing the Mixture set for the weather.

It will run rather differently from Summer to Winter, and this is kind of nearer Summer than winter this year.

You can need New Spark Plugs quite regularly, depending on how thgings are.
Nice fresh/dry air filter will be required as well.

Maybe best to get a Check done at a Reliable and Trustworthy LPG Installer or place that services LPG vehicles.
If you know nothing about the system dont just go for trial and error.

Where are you, in Scotland?
When was it installed and when was it checked or serviced?

You have a very good place in Fife and someone that knows there stuff in Arbroath and there will be others around the place.

dont know anything about these!
www.arunautogas.co.uk

george

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piperjock · Gate Opener Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Odometer: 23

Hi

Thanks for that.

I am in Windsor, Berkshire.

scut44 · Guest

Forget the Scottish places for a service then. Embarassed

Someone that knows there stuff will be along hopefully.
I just leave getting my set ups done by those that know, and then everything runs dandy.
I just turn up or down the mixture as the Abient air temp requires with the season..

george

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Rossko · Articulating Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Odometer: 757

It probably has a feedback controlled system, which should take care of minor seasonal variation all by itself.

Sounds like it's running rich at idle, perhaps due to vaporiser aging, which may or may not be adjustable away, or you might be in for some new parts. Or a duff sensor maybe.

Advice is good, take it to LPG installer for a tune up / fault find. Probably pay you back in increased MPG.

dogpuf · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 12:30 am Post subject:

I've had a few cars running LPG

Are the problems your encountering when the engine cold. Sometimes especially in winter the engine takes longer to warm up them when the LPG kicks in its not warm enough for the LPG system to work efficiently

It may need a relatively simple recalibration of your LPG settings. After each engine service I always pay my LPG fitter a call and get him to connect his laptop and recalibrate the LPG settings and most reputable fitters wont charge much to do this

If your going to run the car long term you would be wise to build a relationship with a LPG fitter to keep your system running efficiently

Lee

piperjock · Gate Opener Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Odometer: 23

Thanks again for all the replies. I have just had my insurance company tell me that in order to renew my policy I need to be an the LPG register. To get on this I need an LPG safety check so I will be going to an LPG installer anyway and will get them to look at it.

Anyone have any recommendations for the Windsor/Slough area?

Twiss · Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 12:41 pm Post subject:

RE having to switch it to petrol and back, you might want to check that the cut off solenoids are working properly?

If the gas cut off isnt opening properly/fully first time that would cause those symptoms

Rossko · Articulating Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Odometer: 757

smokeyjoe · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 6:44 am Post subject:

I had an old lpg disco a while back.
It wouldnt run on lpg. It tried but it coughed spluttered & died.
I found the fitters details on a sticker & called them up.

He said the biggest problem on old lpg systems was crap in the vapouriser. He told me to take it off, fill it with carb cleaner, leave it to soak for a while then blow it out then repeat untill no more crap came out.

This made an amazing difference. Started & ran ok.
Apparently its because of the heavy oil bits in the lpg clogging the vapouriser & preventing it from doing it's job properly. Same as an old radiator or fuel injector .

It costs almost nothing to try it IF the system has been on there for a few years.

piperjock · Gate Opener Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Odometer: 23

Thanks, I will try that.

I got my certificate but to be honest the garage were a bit clueless and didnt seem to know much about it. They just followed a checklist and went through that then issued my certificate. It even cut off when they switched it over to gas and stalled completely but they just tried it again and it worked.

Is there anything I need to be aware off taking the vapouriser out? Do I just crack a pipe fitting to take the pressure out then remove it and clean it out? What about installation?