Removing an LPG installation

[riczito]

Hi all, this is my first post. I have just bought a beautiful 121 Amazon in the Netherlands, which I am currently importing to my home in Normandy, France.

I am looking into registration and MOT etc (classic cars still need an MOT once every 5 years in France), and I now realise I may have a big problem : the Dutch LPG installation isn't homologated in France apparently. It's a system with the tank in the boot, and a dash-mounted switch to flip from petrol to LPG and back.

It looks like I will need to get it removed, or do it myself. I've never done anything like that before, and I am wondering how complicated is it? I believe the tank is pretty empty, but it may not be completely so. Is this kind of job doable? What is involved? Thanks!

[Ron Kwas]

Ric;

Welcome to this forum!

Of course it's doable...it was installed wasn't it...and we went to the moon didn't we...!...but you need to give level of competency and mechanical hands-on experience, before asking a question like that! I would not recommend removal of the gas conversion as a first time project for an inexperienced mechanic! We certainly don't wish to hear about you the news, and it sounds like you would prefer enjoying the car instead of removing yourself from the gene-pool...!

If you are not confident you can remove the equipment without attempting to put yourself into orbit, have it done, or at least made safe for you to complete, by a gas-qualified party. Then, you need to find out what mods were done on the original carb(s) and if the gas port can be sealed and returned to original, or if carb needs replacement...some research on your part is definitely in order...!

Please let us know how you make out (and don't forget, the conversion equipment, if removed carefully, is still sellable in Holland!).

Good Hunting from Connecticut!

[classicswede]

You should be able to just remove the tank to get it through the CT. Most tanks automatically seal but older tanks use manual thumb screws. You can crack open the union and some gas will come out from the pipe. If the flow does not stop you can just close it off again. Good idea to wear PVC gloves if its in a tricky spot.

If you want to continue to benefit from running on LPG you can change the filler from the dutch bayonet to the italian claw that that is used in France

[Nullifie]

Removing a LPG installation isn't complicated, but only disconnect anything off the tank or rubber filling hose while being in open air and far away from anything that could set LPG coming out from tank (shouldn't be so) or hose (will be so) on fire. Disconnecting anything from the rubber filling hose a small amount of LPG from inside the hose will get out, but will stop automatically for the tank has safety devices in it (even opening something on top of the tank won't result in a big LPG blow out or so, but of course some evaporated LPG will get out then). If removing everything of the LPG installation around the engine you will have to fit some new hoses, and depending on how they connected the cooling water hoses (more then one way possible) you will have to close the tube in the small cap on the front right side of the engine. Some pictures of the LPG installation would make it posible to identify how they fitted it and what has to be done removing it.

[Steve 940]

I’m also very interested in this topic since buying a project 1970 145 just a couple of months ago, that needs to have the obsolete non functioning LPG system removed.

Tank is in the near side spare wheel well, but unknown if it contains any gas. Previous owner had the car for 5 years and had never used LPG so the whole system is an unknown.

Nearest auto LPG according to Google is 80 miles or so away, so some pointers would be most appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

[Nullifie]

Done this a few times and it's not a big issue but be aware that LPG burns easily. Removing the tank is the most easy part for its is easy to reach: put the car in open air etc. (see what I wrote before) and first disconnect the rubber filler hose from the brass filler piece in teh body: a small amount of LPG will come out of the hose. After this the brass filler piece can be removed from the body and the filler hose can be disconnected from the tank. Then disconnect the metal tube from the tank that goes to the engine bay, a very little amount of LPG could come out. That was all the LPG you will see if you won't open the tank itself (that also wouldn't be a problem, I even did see specialist open a filled tank to swap parts). Remove the electric, venting tube and mounting straps / retaining bolts from the tank and you can lift the tank out of the car. To empty the tank you could pour it out by removing the brass piece that's mounted with four screws to get a pouring opening, but that isn't good for the environment for all the LPG would evaporate in the air, be aware that evaporating LPG will get deep freezing cold. After this the car could be put in a garage for the LPG is out of it. Removing the metal tube from the tank to the engine bay will be done easier if the car is lifted. The work to be done in the engine bay / removing all the LPG-system related parts and electric is depending on how they connected everything (pictures would show that), but mainly is removing the LPG-system related parts and fitting some new cooling water hoses and a new fuel hose (have been cut for fitting LPG-system parts). All not difficult but you should know or see how all was originaly connected and not all is easily accessible (you will know what I mean working at the cooling water hoses connections at the back of the engine).
Of course: if you don't feel comfortable doing such things, don't do it.
p.s.: English is a foreign language to me, so I hope you will understand what I wrote.

[Steve 940]

Hi Nullifie,

Many thanks for that guide, most helpful, thank you.

Cheers
Steve

[classicswede]

Originally Posted by Steve 940

I’m also very interested in this topic since buying a project 1970 145 just a couple of months ago, that needs to have the obsolete non functioning LPG system removed.

Tank is in the near side spare wheel well, but unknown if it contains any gas. Previous owner had the car for 5 years and had never used LPG so the whole system is an unknown.

Nearest auto LPG according to Google is 80 miles or so away, so some pointers would be most appreciated.

Cheers
Steve

If that is a white estate its a conversion I did 10+ years ago. It also had the 7th seats added and then later removed.

[Derek UK]

Ipswich has LPG so about 13 miles away from Stowmarket.
Morrisons Boss Hall Road. IP1 5BN

https://www.mylpg.eu/stations/united-kingdom/#stations

[Steve 940]

Originally Posted by Derek UK

Ipswich has LPG so about 13 miles away from Stowmarket.
Morrisons Boss Hall Road. IP1 5BN

https://www.mylpg.eu/stations/united-kingdom/#stations

Hi Derek,

Many thanks, just shows not to Google everything, although thinking back I must apologise, as I believe I may have Googled for LPG installers as I was thinking of decommissioning it at the time.

Cheers
Steve