Welcome to the new LPG section!

[Skiallday]

I am on my third V70, all of which I have had converted to use LPG, and in my view this is best car to convert as 2.4 engine runs perfectly on gas if set up correctly. Also by utilizing the spare wheel recess there is no loss of boot space and V70 remains one of the most practical (and indeed comfortable) cars on the road in terms of load space.

My two previous V70’s both achieved high mileage, (over 250,000 miles) and were still going well when I sold them.

My current V70, which is for sale at £9995 on the CarandClassic site, as I am changing job, is a top the range 2005 2.4 SE(170bhp) Auto with full leather (black) interior with only 70k on the clock. In my view this is the only model to go for as 140 bhp engine is under powered. All my cars have been converted by a specialist Autogas registered mechanic and I have installed the best equipment available (not cheap).

The set up with the ECU is important as it ensures trouble free motoring - with a 70 litre high –grade steel tank and Multi-point Sequential system with auto switch-over from petrol to gas once engine has reached pre-set parameters. This gives 300 -340 mile range on long runs returning about 44 mpg equivalent. With careful driving you can achieve 50 mpge – meaning that this is one of the most economical big cars on the road and it is much better for the environment than similar diesel car.
As the vehicle has been converted by an approved specialist, it is now registered with the DVLA as an “Alternative Fuel Vehicle” and qualifies for a reduced rate of VED.

More and more drivers are realizing the benefits of using LPG particularly as there are increasing problems with modern diesel engines: eg turbo failure, dual-mass flywheel failure and particulate filter problems, all of which are very costly to correct – even “Honest John” in The Daily Telegraph motoring section is advising motorists to be wary of diesels. My only diesel car (a Mondeo 2.0 Tdci) incurred all these problems over 3 years of ownership and the engine lost compression at only 190,000 miles – could only sell it for scrap. I will never again buy a diesel car.

LPG gives longer engine life, reduced emissions, lower annual road tax, reduces your fuel bill by about 40% and yet you keep all the advantages of a smooth, powerful, low maintenance petrol engine with 18k service intervals. It is the only alternative, low taxed fuel, that is available nationwide and throughout Europe and will be for many years to come.

Some people don’t realise how widely available LPG is, as at some petrol stations it is not clearly advertised even though it is sold there. I live on the Herts/Essex border and within a short distance I can refuel at BP, Shell, Tesco and an independent' though the cheapest place is at Sainsbury’s Becton, near City Airport, where it is often 5p/l cheaper than others. In total there are over 1400 LPG places in UK and the number is increasing monthly.

I hope this is of help to anyone considering converting a V70 to LPG. I am happy to answer any questions and I am in regular contact with the installer if you have technical questions regarding the LPG system.

Regards, Rich

[Pud]

Hello. Just joined today and thought I would add my contribution. S60 Factory Bi-fuel. 105k miles and still driving like a 20k miles example.
Have suffered back handbrake problem and currently looking for a rear suspension/hub assembly.
My first Volvo and I am in love with it. 250 miles on £25 worth of gas takes some beating for me.
Anyone know how big the LPG tank is on this car? Seems to get about 58litres in it when empty, but othertimes its starts blowing back and making groaning noises after 45litres.

[kneeknack]

Hello everyone.

I've got an S60 Bi-Fuel as well. 03 plate. Bought last June with 110k on the clock, now got 145k on it. It's cost me 14.65 pence per mile.

The tech specs on this page say it has a 50 ltr gas tank and a 30 ltr petrol tank. But I've never got more than 45 ltrs of gas in mine, even when filling from empty.

I do well to get more than 22 mpg at the moment. I have a heavy right foot, but I don't get any better economy even if I keep it below 3k revs.

It's due a service though. Below 2k revs it's very rough. I suspect a fuel supply problem cos it runs fine on petrol.

[Jimmy B]

You have to limit the fill up with LPG to around 80% of tank capacity due to the expansion of gas when the weather is hot. This not only is recommended in cars but is the same in domestic tanks.

[Jimmy B]

You have to limit the fill up with LPG to around 80% of tank capacity due to the expansion of gas when the weather is hot. This not only is recommended in cars but is the same in domestic tanks. I am not sure what the end result would be if you overfill the tank but I am sure someone from a company that fits the systems could tell you.

[propane pete]

Originally Posted by Jimmy B

You have to limit the fill up with LPG to around 80% of tank capacity due to the expansion of gas when the weather is hot. This not only is recommended in cars but is the same in domestic tanks. I am not sure what the end result would be if you overfill the tank but I am sure someone from a company that fits the systems could tell you.

Most new tanks are fitted with an 85%shut off fill valve so you just fill tank till it stops.

[jaz8893]

As a new 1st time Volvo owner in my 3rd week of ownership i can say overall that so far I am very inmpressed with the car and the LPg system fitted to it. It already had the LPG fitted when I bought it, and it being 13 yrs old with only 76000 miles on it it runs like a dream, and I also noticed that the LPG sytem has the Flash Lube valve saver kit fitted to it, something I have never seen before, as in the past I had an old P38 range rover 4.6 on LPG but just a single point injection system on it, and not a patch on the system fitted to the Volvo. So all in all very happy so far.

[tomasPedro]

I had a 1998 V70 T5 automatic 5Cyl LPG conversion until 2016 290,000 miles 18 yeras had to sell after moving to Austria due to registration issues and steering position now on the left and TUF, Very good car. I have now 2015 T5 not the same. T

[crispy duck]

Been off the forum for a while but as the owner of a CNG bifuel S60 would like to know if you can include this variant as well? After all, the parts seem to be identical after the regulator.

Am I the only one with one of these?

[classicswede]

No reason why you cant ask questions about the CNG version. I know of one localy but with no CNG supply in the area the owner has not been able use it.

I don't think and of the parts are the same as the LPG version but distributor set up is very similar