2.5T LPG Damage?

[sutherland]

I'm probably not getting off to a good start having bought the rarest XC90 model (2.5T) and one that was unfortunately converted to LPG. I understand from this thread that that should not have been done: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpo...1&postcount=13 and what has happened is probably valve seat recession as described here: http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/VSR.html.

Anyway, the kit was removed by the previous owner and the car runs perfectly...once it's going, but it is just nearly impossible to start when cold. although it starts fine when warm. I was ready to have the cylinder head taken off and refurbished, but my local garage are a bit sceptical that the problem is burnt valves or valve seat wear as they think the car runs too sweetly when warm.

Has anyone any experience of this? I don't want to spend money getting the cylinder head done if it's not the issue, but if it's almost certainly the problem I want to get it done quickly before a valve snaps or something and wrecks the bottom end.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Mike B]

[QUOTE=sutherland;484106]I'm probably not getting off to a good start having bought the rarest XC90 model (2.5T) and one that was unfortunately converted to LPG. I understand from this thread that that should not have been done: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpo...1&postcount=13 and what has happened is probably valve seat recession as described here: http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/VSR.html.



Where in this thread dose it say it should not have been done ?
Or dosent your car run on unleaded ?
Regards
Mike B

[RoyMacDonald]

[QUOTE=Mike B;484497]

Originally Posted by sutherland

I'm probably not getting off to a good start having bought the rarest XC90 model (2.5T) and one that was unfortunately converted to LPG. I understand from this thread that that should not have been done: http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showpo...1&postcount=13 and what has happened is probably valve seat recession as described here: http://www.go-lpg.co.uk/VSR.html.



Where in this thread dose it say it should not have been done ?
Or dosent your car run on unleaded ?
Regards
Mike B

Latest information from Prins NL, our preferred supplier, states that the 20-valve 2500 Turbo (2003 onwards) as used in the XC70, suffers from valve seat recession on LPG. This means unfortunately without expensive cylinder head modifications (hardened valve seats) you will have a very expensive bill looming after conversion. Should you wish me to provide a detailed quotation for the head mods, I will do so, but to give you a rough idea, expect to pay circa £1500.00 + VAT on top of the conversion which would be £1900.00 + VAT

This bit, although I thought Volvo's always had hardened valve seats. Maybe not hard enough?

Roy

[Clan]

[QUOTE=RoyMacDonald;484572]

Originally Posted by Mike B

This bit, although I thought Volvo's always had hardened valve seats. Maybe not hard enough?

Roy

The older volvos were fine ( 200 900 300 ) but not necessarily the alloy engines although they do have hardened seats . Even a batch of volvo's own Bi-fuel S/V40 were recalled for new head because of this problem ...

[RoyMacDonald]

[QUOTE=Clan;484601]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

The older volvos were fine ( 200 900 300 ) but not necessarily the alloy engines although they do have hardened seats . Even a batch of volvo's own Bi-fuel S/V40 were recalled for new head because of this problem ...

Interesting Clan. I have noticed that Volvo seemed to have moved away from LPG to Bioethanol. Wonder if there's a connection between the problems and the interest in bioethanol.

All the best.

Roy

[BenC70ES]

[QUOTE=RoyMacDonald;484604]

Originally Posted by Clan

Interesting Clan. I have noticed that Volvo seemed to have moved away from LPG to Bioethanol. Wonder if there's a connection between the problems and the interest in bioethanol.

All the best.

Roy

The best engines to put on LPG are the 5 cyl. from the 850 and till (including) MY99 X70's, they had the hydraulic valve lifters. After that they have fixed valve lifters with less hard valves. You need flashlube on the 00 + models for sure.

[HunterBruce]

XC90 LPG a) Model b) tank size issue c) Installer d) System

I please wanted to ask you a quick question if you could post / email me thks

a) Model
Which model and Engine type would work best?

b) tank size issue
Apart from using the boot space, what has been the biggest size tank fitted to the spare wheel area?
Can any other smaller top up tanks be used in cavities under there?

c) Installer
Anyone have a recent contact with someone whom specialises in these XC90

d) System
Which new modern systems have been developed that may work the best?


I'll be delighted to hear more info on the subject and 3.2 vs 4.4 litre engines.

[Tony500]

Originally Posted by HunterBruce

XC90 LPG a) Model b) tank size issue c) Installer d) System

I please wanted to ask you a quick question if you could post / email me thks

a) Model
Which model and Engine type would work best?

b) tank size issue
Apart from using the boot space, what has been the biggest size tank fitted to the spare wheel area?
Can any other smaller top up tanks be used in cavities under there?

c) Installer
Anyone have a recent contact with someone whom specialises in these XC90

d) System
Which new modern systems have been developed that may work the best?


I'll be delighted to hear more info on the subject and 3.2 vs 4.4 litre engines.

I've got a XC90 v8 here the now that has been converted and has ran fine the past 100k when it was installed. Not sure who installed it but was located in Surrey at the time of install. Running a stag system with a 40ish litre tank under the car where the spare wheel should be. Last owner claimed it does around 300 miles for just under £40. Starts fine hot or cold..... Unfortunately will be selling it after Christmas though