960 LPG conversion
 

Can anyone please give me any feedback on any problems or indeed good experience they have had of converting their 960. I have a 3.0 with 72k miles in very good condition and well looked after that is due to be converted to LPG next week. Before I take the plunge though I would be very grateful of any experience you guys have on here.

It's a gas!
 

Had my V70 LPG'd over 100,000 miles ago and have been very pleased with it ever since. Although the car and system might not be the same, the general principles will be the same.

I'd suggest fitting all new plugs (go for single-electrode Bosch) and be prepared to reduce the gap a bit - mine certainly runs better that way. LPG doesn't like the mutli-electrode type plugs. I use Bosch super plus and change them every 10k miles. £1.50 each from the local factors.

Also fit new rotor arm and distributor cap and new leads. LPG is not very tolerant of any deterioration in the electrics, and you'll get misfires and poor running if there are any weaknesses.

Do all of this before the conversion is done, that way when the techie sets it up on gas you'll know everything is right.

After the conversion be prepared to go back to the fitter once or twice for tweaks and checks - you can expect performance to be pretty close to petrol, so don't settle for less!

Once you're on gas, get the filter changed regularly - every 10k or so. LPG is of variable quality and can be full of c*@p, and get the pressure regulator set at the same time. It only takes 10 minutes, and should cost less than £15.

Once evrything is settled in, you should not really notice much difference between LPG and petrol - except at the pumps, where your bill will be less than half that of everyone elses!

Good luck with the conversion - I'm sure it will work out fine!

Cheers

Jack

960
 

Hi Jack thanks a lot for the reply. Your experience is very comforting. I will do as you suggest and make sure everything is A1 before the conversion.

Simon

V90 on LPG
 

Hi Simon,

Capt Jack has it right. Everything that you can do to make sure that it's running as well as it can before you give it to the gas man to mess about with. (and they will!) Including a new thermostate for ease of switch over as soon as up to temperature.
My '97 V90 runs really, really well on gas with seamless switch over. The only way I know it's on gas is by the light on the switch!
The only bits about the plumbing that I don't like are:
The gas warmer thingy is placed over the battery which will make replacing difficult.
The gas distributor pipes that go to each intake are secured to the coil/plug cover which again makes access a little difficult.

Having said all of that 53p a litre makes up for it big time!

Allen

Hi Capt,

Ok, I take it that the filter and pressure regulator are part of the gas plumbing and something that they, the gas men, will sort?

Yes, I really am that dumb!

Allen

Hi!

Who manufactured the system have you fitted?

Thanks Geoff

Yep, The regulator and filter are part of the gas kit, and should really only be touched by the LPG fitters.

The regulator will need to be trimmed for pressure from time to time,and the filter needs to be changed. It makes sense to get both jobs done at the same time.

The kit fitted to my car is the Tartarini sequential system, fitted by Autogas 2000, Thirsk. I've done well over 100K on gas now, and it's been a great success.

Sure all the gas kit takes up a bit of space under the bonnet, but as has been said at 53p a litre - that's like getting around 60mpg - it's worth it!


One thought. Get the biggest gas tank you can reasonably fit or your fill-ups will be more frequent. Remember that a nominal 60 litre tank will only actually take 50 litres - you have to leave room for the gas to expand!

Cheers

Jack

Mine is a Longas Astral system fiited by a place in Rochdale. It's only been running for a couple of months so I can't give the same long term endorsement as Capt Jack but so far, touch wood, it's fantastic.

Allen

I also was running my 960 1995 3.0 Auto on LPG until the older single point fuel injection system blew the engine up.

Lesson learn't buy the best multipoint fuel injection system with seperate / standalone ECU and fuel management system. Do not cut corners, as this experience shows......

MDE... what do you mean by 'blew the engine up'..??