LPG Problem

Found this info source....good luck

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/forumdisplay.php?s=6668e84ba04dc1c7c7ca607a43a6a7ad&f=183

Thanks I will trawl through the comments, I have looked around at similar sites and applied to join one. My problem seems more petrol than lpg since it appears before the lpg kicks in. I need to know what control the lpg system has over the petrol. Could be simple e.g. a fuse but need some inside info.

As a long time high milage propane burner I have to ask,

Why do you have to start on gas and switch to propane?

I never have and millions of other propane fueled vehicle and machines don't have to either.

Don't know the answer to that other than the system has to reach a certain temp before the gas is switched on. Can't start on lpg with this set up.

In prior work on LPG systems on Material Handling Equipment(MHE). Most use an evaporator to change the liquid to a gas. To compensate for the cooling. The vehicles coolings system is used. If by chance the cooling system freezing point is not maintained below specified temperature then the evaporator can freeze up. Most MHE coolant was to -40ºF. This problem can also happen if the coolant system is low or the thermastat is not maintaining a proper temperature. Vehicle would run for awhile then suit down. The freezing propane would block the evaporator.

Thanks Ozzb I have just been out in it and it stalls just at the point where changeover occurs so I am wondering if the gas solenoid is not working but the petrol cut off is. Temperatures here are a mild 12C at the moment so I wouldn`t think that was an issue. I will give the lpg valve a tap next and check the coil resistance. When it stops raining :)

Immediately after it stalls, get out and look at the evaporator as some call it. Others call it the vaporizer. If it is frozen, there is not enough engine coolant going through it. If it is not frozen, look at the manual shut off on the tank where the line comes out to go to the vaporizer. If it is frozen the safety valve in the tank is having a problem and/or there is too much fuel flowing. That can be because of a problem in the vaporizer. If that is the problem, you can normally smell LPG. Last, loosen the propane line to the vaporizer and energize the fuel lock solenoid, no propane = problem with fuel lock. If propane there, solenoid not being energized. -- JHF

Thanks Circuit Breaker I have solved the problem see above post.

I may seem to be picky, but I feel that you "FOUND" the problem, but I am very unsure as to whether you actually "solved" it for the foreseeable future......

I think you only "solved" it for the moment.

I hope I am wrong, only time and cold weather will tell!!

You didn't actually say which fuel was the problem, but I am pretty sure that the UK has high standards, EU ones at this time, so such happenings should not be a fuel problem....and fine filters for fuels of all types....

Maybe there is a winter LPG (more propane?) and a summer one (more Butane)? Could that even be possible? No idea......just a thought!

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I checked and there is a difference!!!! Look here:-

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquefied_petroleum_gas

Where you can read:-

"In the northern hemisphere winter, the mixes contain more propane, while in summer, they contain more butane......"

You filled up on summer gas!!!! and had a cold day/night!!!

The other way round (winter gas and a warm summer) might have worked better, but given a lower mileage....

Your fix will probably be to use up the gas and fill up where there is more gas sold and its already a winter gas mixture!!

We sometimes see a similar problem here with summer diesel and a cold October/November, or simply cars not being driven enough....

Hi Andy

Only time will tell of course but it has had 3 years to build up if it is just water caught in the system. I am now sure its an lpg problem but one I haven't seen in the last 40,000 miles. Local lpg has never been a problem. My only other issue is when its a bit stuttery changing over at below -2C. This doesn't happen very often here and if I need to I manually switch it when the engine gets warmer maybe an extra mile driving. I also put in 4 pt platinum spark plugs for better ignition. Love lpg half the price and the conversion paid for itself. Cleaner burn too. Without it I would probably not drive a volvo s60 which is a bit of a guzzler on petrol. Now I know what happened I will drain it regularly, simple job. However I would like to see if the lpg tank has a water drain somewhere as it may have built up there too. Any ideas.I don't know if the outlet pipe would be at the top or bottom of the tank. Probably the top. Will leave it for now its under the floor in the boot.

The big problem with LPG, is the one that wrecks engines, especially ones with gas conversions, that is not originally built for gas that is.....

It will be in the small print of your documentation to read and is usually the reason why "problems" are not accepted by either the conversion company, or the parts supplier if different, or the car manufacturer if the guarantee is still active!!

So let us have a small quiz, does anyone here know what that problem (its general!) might be with many LPG cars?

(I will give it a few days for anyone interested to answer, but it should really be the only answer from anyone!!)

Yes its valve wear because lpg lacks lubrication and burns hotter. I have an autolube system fitted too to compensate for this.

ozzb appears to know what he is talking about.

My impression is that you have selected gas for starting in some way, that has to be wrong I feel.

You need to start on petrol, get everything warmed up and then switch to gas.

There may be some confusions brought about by the usage of the name "gas" for both liqiúid petrol and true gas in the USA.........

Maybe you could use different names for each fuel and state categorically what your problem is again?

I am guessing that due to winter approaching, your gas is now too cold for running properly without a good warm up on petrol first.....ice may be forming somewhere.....you need to run on petrol longer is my best guess.....which would imply no problems except the one B.T.S.W.A.T.S!

I hope this helps.....

Thanks everyone for their input. Went out this morning checked the lpg relay OK then the solenoid valve OK too. Disconnected the lpg pipe to the manifold and injectors and its full of condensate. Drained it off and I am now back in business, a bit of white smoke as the water blew through but now clear. Never had this before, probably rubbish fuel I picked up on the A1 near Cambridge. Good learning task.