Why aren't all cars LPG?
Discussion
Liquid Tuna said:
Don't get me wrong, there are definite benefits, I just think it's good to be aware there are downsides too. It simply isn't as convenient as petrol or diesel. I realise a little planning helps to locate where filling stations will be, especially in some areas of the country, but my missus for example, struggles to just about put the right fuel in her car. There's no way she'd f
k about filling a car with LPG.
There's a reason why it never took off and it isn't because it's some great secret to saving money that no one knows about.
Ah yes see what you mean in that respect. My dad is always keen on something that saves money but I would never suggest LPG to him because of the same kind of issues as your wife.k about filling a car with LPG.There's a reason why it never took off and it isn't because it's some great secret to saving money that no one knows about.
One of the main issues I've found is finding someone decent to convert/work on the gas stuff. Another friend of mine had an E46 328 converted but didn't research the fitter and ended up with a right dog of conversion, whereas the other friend mentioned above with the Mazda went to a guy that I had recommended after using him for LPG servicing and had a great experience.
pk500 said:
the gas people who done the vauxhall duel fuel went bust !
They were notoriously shoddy kits too. Apparently for factory kits Toyota were about the best followed by Volvo.Rickyy said:
Don't Vauxhall, or used to, do dualfuel models from the factory? Saw an old chap filling a Mk4 Astra with LPG t'other day and had OEM looking dualfuel badges on it.
ILoveMondeo said:
RobM77 said:
Eurotunnel won't let you on; that's a show stopper for me.
It's understandable really, LPG cars explode every five minutes, my commute to work is littered with the burned out husks of LPG converted cars.C
Hoygo said:
My Merc runs on LPG too from the factory,i've only used it on Petrol only all the time i had it till i filled up with lpg last week,i feel the engine in low revs now it's a bit gutless.
Should dual fuel cars from the factory have the same performance (both on Lpg & Petrol)?
All modern multi point conversions should be effectively the same on LPG as petrol.Should dual fuel cars from the factory have the same performance (both on Lpg & Petrol)?
I've had loads from 6ltr V8s to 1.8 turbos - I couldn't tell what fuel they were on.
If I did the miles to make fitting worthwhile I would, it definitely hasn't had its day, many HGVs are running on it now.
I think what works against it is having that large amount of cash to do a proper conversion and then having to hang onto the car for so long to get your money back.
I think what works against it is having that large amount of cash to do a proper conversion and then having to hang onto the car for so long to get your money back.
ILoveMondeo said:
CraigyMc said:
Don't they vent boiloff gas? Separate problem from the exploding issue when inside such an enclosed space.
C
Dunno, I can't see why they would need to vent anything other than exhaust gas out of the back of the car! C
If one was faulty (or if the pressure in a tank was higher than safe), it would flood the train compartment with the gas.
Basically by permitting this we'd be putting everyone's (in that compartment's) lives at the mercy of a single valve, from an unknown source, built down to a cost.
C
Vauxhall and Volvo certainly used to offer it as an option.
If you google about the Ch Tunnel it seems to be:
LPG is denser than air and if it leaked is a problem to extract as well as an explosion risk.
LPG is allowed in caravans (which seems a bit silly)
Apparently LPG car tanks do vent gas but ONLY to prevent the tank blowing up in exceptional circumstances (like the car being on fire)
The tunnel was only licensed to carry petrol / diesel vehicles so agreement and risk assessment would have to be carried out for LPG which as there are so few - they haven't bothered
If you google about the Ch Tunnel it seems to be:
LPG is denser than air and if it leaked is a problem to extract as well as an explosion risk.
LPG is allowed in caravans (which seems a bit silly)
Apparently LPG car tanks do vent gas but ONLY to prevent the tank blowing up in exceptional circumstances (like the car being on fire)
The tunnel was only licensed to carry petrol / diesel vehicles so agreement and risk assessment would have to be carried out for LPG which as there are so few - they haven't bothered
As it happens I looked at it in the past few days so I could run something a bit more fun (and petrol powered) than the new barge over the estimated 15000 miles pa that I'm now doing without bankrupting myself with fuel costs only to find that not all engines are ripe for conversion (apparently).
Some engines valve seals (amongst other bits 'n bobs) apparently don't play too well with LPG.
Some engines valve seals (amongst other bits 'n bobs) apparently don't play too well with LPG.
alpha channel said:
As it happens I looked at it in the past few days so I could run something a bit more fun (and petrol powered) than the new barge over the estimated 15000 miles pa that I'm now doing without bankrupting myself with fuel costs only to find that not all engines are ripe for conversion (apparently).
Some engines valve seals (amongst other bits 'n bobs) apparently don't play too well with LPG.
The flashlube kits are supposed to negate that problem.Some engines valve seals (amongst other bits 'n bobs) apparently don't play too well with LPG.
AFAIK the only cars that can't be converted are the ones with direct injection as there is nowhere suitable to mount the LPG injectors.
Some have mentioned that Scoobies run hot and as LPG runs hotter it isn't advisable - I suspect that if you want to do a rally stage flick it onto petrol but LPG would be fine 99% of the time.
A few RX8's are on LPG
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