opinion LPG conversion of 3.2 xc90

[andymuggwump]

Did a trawl but couldn't find any info. Does anybody know if an LPG conversion of the 3.2 XC90 would be a good idea?

[Ron_XC90]

THere aren't many 3.2's around so not sure if anyone will respond.

[Philthy]

I thought the Volvo head was wrecked by using LPG conversions? Don't believe all the LPG installers are saying when they tell you it's perfectly safe, they are trying to sell a product.

[John_C]

Well there are plenty of people on here using LPG with zero issues, but suitability depends on the engine and it must be set up properly.

There are plenty of scare stories doing the rounds but they tend to be based on ancient history or examples of cheap, badly set up installs where the owner runs the car ignoring the engine management warning light being constantly on, for example.

Which "Volvo head" have you heard is ruined, what engine?

Cheers,
John

[Ron_XC90]

Most cars converted to LPG here are T6's, don't think I've seen a 3.2 yet.

Some engines are not suitable for conversion, maybe see if you can get more info on a Dutch site, as lpg is far more used in NL.
I have had many LPG cars in the past (also before fuel injection) and never really any problems that were related to LPG, other than maintenance. I did go through a few head gaskets, but that was after the cars had done >150k mls

[stonehenge]

A 3.2 must be fairly new. You would invalidate any Volvo warranty or goodwill if you have such major work done to your car. On a newer car you would probably harm its secondhand value. With older cars you would increase its value with LPG, but people want to see originality on newer cars.

If it was me, I would save my money and put that towards fuel costs. I know that it would be thirsty, but you also have a beautifully smooth engine that is nicer to drive than an oil burner.

[400-ascona]

Originally Posted by stonehenge

If it was me, I would save my money and put that towards fuel costs. I know that it would be thirsty, but you also have a beautifully smooth engine that is nicer to drive than an oil burner.

You will find engines run smoother on LPG than petrol. I would only convert once its out of warranty.

[Jim314]

Originally Posted by andymuggwump

Did a trawl but couldn't find any info. Does anybody know if an LPG conversion of the 3.2 XC90 would be a good idea?

My wife's 2007 XC90 has the Volvo petrol 3.2L 'short inline-six' or 'si6' and it is very smooth and not too bad on fuel. I think trying to convert a petrol si6 to LPG could ruin a very good engine. Before I would do something like that I'd have to know for certain that it is being done by others and isn't harming the engine.

The Volvo 3.2L has 'port' fuel injection; the injectors are in the head and not in the exhaust manifold. You might want to inquire whether this would be more or less suitable for retrofitting LPG than the older systems where the injectors were in the exhaust manifold.

This (http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=69446)thread discusses valve seat recession in some petrol engines converted to LPG.

[Jim314]

Looks like there are special add-on valve lubrication systems designed to prevent wear to valves following conversion from petrol to LPG. See http://www.v-lube.de/en/.

I wonder why LPG fuel causes more valve wear?

Addn in editing:

Some discussion here: http://www.vanmeenen.com/LPG-autogas.../flashlube.htm

[Oilydad]

I think the 'Golden Questions' I'd be running through my head are these.

How long will it be before the government latch onto the fact that they can make a lot more money out of LPG? They will!!

Just like they have done with diesel (remember when that was much cheaper)... Moneygrabbers!!

And then...how long will it take to get your conversion costs back.

And finally will it wreck any warranty that you may have with Volvo?

And I agree. LPG conversion companies will tell you anything. They are selling a product, as others have rightly identified. There's no such thing as a free lunch (unless you're a fat chef)!