Buying a used car with after market LPG

[Matt UK]

I'm confident enough buying used cars, but what about one with lpg fitted?

Not sure even know if I know how to tell if it's working or not

I'm interested though, so any help appreciated.

Thanks

Edited by Matt UK on Saturday 7th March 14:17

[Paradaxos]

See if you can top it up on a test drive maybe?

[confused_buyer]

If it is working you will be able to see from the switch indicator and you can normally hear a noise from the LPG injectors under the bonnet if you listen carefully enough.

[ARH]

Check it has the installation certificates, you won't be able to insure it without them.

[paintman]

Not true. Got it on mine. Some insurers insist on a certificate from an LPGA member, some want the vehicle to be inspected by a garage they designate(SAGA wanted that) and some couldn't care less as long as you tell them.
I would however advise getting it inspected by a competent LPG specialist - or at least someone familiar with LPG - as the kits are on open sale & anyone can buy & fit so there are will be some dodgy/dangerous ones around.
Also now checked as part of the MoT.
You also won't be able to use the Channel Tunnel regardless of who has fitted it.

Edited by paintman on Saturday 7th March 14:11

[eltax91]

Depends on the value of car you are buying, but if at the higher end, spend on getting an inspection.

As suggested, any have a go hero can buy and fit one and the quality of fit, even from pukka registered installers varies massively.

The fast fit 'lpg in a day' type places cut corners to get the job done as cheaply as possible.

Other than topping it up on the test drive, the only things to check for are:-

It cuts over to lpg when the car has warned up, on mine you can hear the valve open in the tank with audible click and the guage for the gas then lights up

You can manually switch it back to petrol

It doesn't cut back to petrol when you open the throttle wide and/ or Rev it hard (unless it's out of gas of course!)

The injectors are as close to the inlet manifold as possible.

The tank is secure

It has some form of flashlube fitted (not needed for all cars so research this for chosen model)

It has a certificate. You can check this online.

Like I said. Quality varied hugely when I was looking. Injectors tie-wrapped to plastic engine covers rather than secured properly. Filter left hanging on its pipes. I even saw the ecu dangling in a wheel arch on one! I also saw one home brew setup with a 'temporary' gas bottle as a tank....

[Matt UK]

Thanks guys, particularly eltax91, very useful.

Called my insurance company and it seems LPG cars have to be on a register - checked the one I've seen and it's not on there.

Could be more hassle than it's worth... we'll see.

[eltax91]

Matt UK said:

Thanks guys, particularly eltax91, very useful.

Called my insurance company and it seems LPG cars have to be on a register - checked the one I've seen and it's not on there.

Could be more hassle than it's worth... we'll see.

If the install quality is good, use it as a negotiating point. Then find and installer and pay them for a check, service and register.

My fitter is an engineer working in his spare time and a local registered company does checks/ Certs for him for £50