BioLPG - What cars suit LPG conversions
Discussion
Morning all,
So I like electric cars, but they are a bit meh, and all the electronics scare me a little. Not really sure about a 10+ year old electric car. Jap maybe, but not sure of the rest.
Calor gas have pledged to be fully green by X and I would like to think BioLPG could keep nice way to keep cars on the road, whilst being slightly cleaner. If the gas can come from a biproduct of biodiesel then great.
Just wondering if any particular cars lend to LPG conversions?
From what I have heard, LPG burns hotter, so plugs need changing more regularly, and servicing needs to be on point. I've also heard fords and Hondas don't take well to them for whatever reason, and generally cars before 2008 are best because of injection systems!? Higher octane could suite performance cars well though?
I currently have a 2006 Subaru STI and tempted to do that, but half tempted to get a car sub £6k as a daily it to see how that goes first.
Sure fuelling stations are pretty hard to find now days, but it could be an interesting alternative. Also when I feel a little more confident to drive to Europe, then there are plenty of filling stations there.
I guess main benefits being slight cost reduction and potential future green credentials of LPG.
I think the tricky part, is how do you get just BioLPG for your car!? Would be ace if you could donk a big tank in your back garden, get callor to fill up with just BioLPG and fill up your car from there!?
Dare I ask how much it would cost setting up an LPG fuelling station? I've heard the one down the road makes a bit of money from it, so could be an interesting venture if not too expensive.
Best
T
So I like electric cars, but they are a bit meh, and all the electronics scare me a little. Not really sure about a 10+ year old electric car. Jap maybe, but not sure of the rest.
Calor gas have pledged to be fully green by X and I would like to think BioLPG could keep nice way to keep cars on the road, whilst being slightly cleaner. If the gas can come from a biproduct of biodiesel then great.
Just wondering if any particular cars lend to LPG conversions?
From what I have heard, LPG burns hotter, so plugs need changing more regularly, and servicing needs to be on point. I've also heard fords and Hondas don't take well to them for whatever reason, and generally cars before 2008 are best because of injection systems!? Higher octane could suite performance cars well though?
I currently have a 2006 Subaru STI and tempted to do that, but half tempted to get a car sub £6k as a daily it to see how that goes first.
Sure fuelling stations are pretty hard to find now days, but it could be an interesting alternative. Also when I feel a little more confident to drive to Europe, then there are plenty of filling stations there.
I guess main benefits being slight cost reduction and potential future green credentials of LPG.
I think the tricky part, is how do you get just BioLPG for your car!? Would be ace if you could donk a big tank in your back garden, get callor to fill up with just BioLPG and fill up your car from there!?
Dare I ask how much it would cost setting up an LPG fuelling station? I've heard the one down the road makes a bit of money from it, so could be an interesting venture if not too expensive.
Best
T
No you can't get s tank in your yard and fill the car up from that because normal tank run vapour take off too run to the House for whatever is using it
To fill a tank it need to feel the liquid direct at higher pressure
Also another second issue for the liquid to flow it need a pressure differential or a pump your avarage tank won't have a pump to transfer the liquid
To fill a tank it need to feel the liquid direct at higher pressure
Also another second issue for the liquid to flow it need a pressure differential or a pump your avarage tank won't have a pump to transfer the liquid
Chris32345 said:
No you can't get s tank in your yard and fill the car up from that because normal tank run vapour take off too run to the House for whatever is using it
To fill a tank it need to feel the liquid direct at higher pressure
Also another second issue for the liquid to flow it need a pressure differential or a pump your avarage tank won't have a pump to transfer the liquid
Liquid take of the in bottom of the garden tank works just fine. To fill a tank it need to feel the liquid direct at higher pressure
Also another second issue for the liquid to flow it need a pressure differential or a pump your avarage tank won't have a pump to transfer the liquid
On the 2nd Subaru running LPG, its an 08 Forester 2.5XT, it replaced an 52 plate H6 Outback, we had both cars converted and both run extremely well, the Outback never gave a moments trouble and the XT so far the same.
Fitted Iridium plugs when the conversions were done, plugs neer needed changing on the Outback in the 5 years we kept it, 3 years so far on the Foz and no signs of plug degradation.
Stations convenient for your normal journeys depend very much where you live, if Morrisons stop selling it we're going to have a problem because everywhere else locally has shut down or as the one BP station appears to be doing pricing the fuel so high that no one buys it, i suspect so they have the excuse to remove the facility if they haven't already as the other larger BP station did.
You get a whole £10 discount from the govt for running dual fuel, so VED this year will be bargainous £575
You would think in these days of emissions fears that the govt would encourage the use of such clean fuels, maybe there's another agenda entirely?
If you get any quotes for converting your Subaru, it requires a proper pressurised or electronic flashlube system, suggest walking quickly away from any converter who doesn't want to comply.
And yes, best avoiding direct injection engines for lpg converting, i understand they can be done but the petrol injectors can suffer over time.
Fitted Iridium plugs when the conversions were done, plugs neer needed changing on the Outback in the 5 years we kept it, 3 years so far on the Foz and no signs of plug degradation.
Stations convenient for your normal journeys depend very much where you live, if Morrisons stop selling it we're going to have a problem because everywhere else locally has shut down or as the one BP station appears to be doing pricing the fuel so high that no one buys it, i suspect so they have the excuse to remove the facility if they haven't already as the other larger BP station did.
You get a whole £10 discount from the govt for running dual fuel, so VED this year will be bargainous £575
You would think in these days of emissions fears that the govt would encourage the use of such clean fuels, maybe there's another agenda entirely?
If you get any quotes for converting your Subaru, it requires a proper pressurised or electronic flashlube system, suggest walking quickly away from any converter who doesn't want to comply.
And yes, best avoiding direct injection engines for lpg converting, i understand they can be done but the petrol injectors can suffer over time.
Edited by Smint on Monday 31st May 20:16
Edited by Smint on Monday 31st May 20:18
I ran an XJ6 on LPG for a couple of years pre-Covid.... My experience was that LPG got harder and harder to find. Eventually I was limited to just one LPG seller at a motorway service station as the only one within several miles, meaning a sizeable detour every time I wanted to fill up. Not ideal when range was only 170 miles or so. That eventually killed it for me and that Jag was sold.....
I've had LPG cars since 2008 (but only about 7 cars in total). As already mentioned, you can install an LPG tank on your property and take gas from that, but due to regulations/costs it's probably not worth it.
Your Subaru can be converted (as already mentioned, you will need flashlube and get someone who knows what they are doing to convert it). I would say a professional install should be around £1500 or slightly more (don't go for the cheapest and if it's a lot more expensive, ask why). If you ask on lpg forum uk, you will get all the information you want (Simon from LPGC knows his stuff and I have been to see him to fix a fault on my system).
Regarding suitable engines, as already said normal port injection engines can all be converted but direct injection conversions require kits specifically designed for that manufacturer and engine (I may be wrong, but that's how it was when I looked into it). Again, might be worth asking an LPG installer. Have a look on Drivelpg to find an approved fitter near you (if you let us know where you are, maybe I can recommend someone I've used in the past).
I agree that it has become slightly more difficult to find LPG for sale (Shell recently stopped selling it), but if you download the Filllpg app it shows you the stations and prices. I've rarely struggled to find a place to fill up (except Cornwall) and if you are in Birmingham, it's really cheap.
Any questions, ask away. I really think the UK missed a trick with LPG as a green fuel around the 2000's, instead promoting diesel.
Your Subaru can be converted (as already mentioned, you will need flashlube and get someone who knows what they are doing to convert it). I would say a professional install should be around £1500 or slightly more (don't go for the cheapest and if it's a lot more expensive, ask why). If you ask on lpg forum uk, you will get all the information you want (Simon from LPGC knows his stuff and I have been to see him to fix a fault on my system).
Regarding suitable engines, as already said normal port injection engines can all be converted but direct injection conversions require kits specifically designed for that manufacturer and engine (I may be wrong, but that's how it was when I looked into it). Again, might be worth asking an LPG installer. Have a look on Drivelpg to find an approved fitter near you (if you let us know where you are, maybe I can recommend someone I've used in the past).
I agree that it has become slightly more difficult to find LPG for sale (Shell recently stopped selling it), but if you download the Filllpg app it shows you the stations and prices. I've rarely struggled to find a place to fill up (except Cornwall) and if you are in Birmingham, it's really cheap.
Any questions, ask away. I really think the UK missed a trick with LPG as a green fuel around the 2000's, instead promoting diesel.
Car_driver said:
I've had LPG cars since 2008 (but only about 7 cars in total). As already mentioned, you can install an LPG tank on your property and take gas from that, but due to regulations/costs it's probably not worth it.
Your Subaru can be converted (as already mentioned, you will need flashlube and get someone who knows what they are doing to convert it). I would say a professional install should be around £1500 or slightly more (don't go for the cheapest and if it's a lot more expensive, ask why). If you ask on lpg forum uk, you will get all the information you want (Simon from LPGC knows his stuff and I have been to see him to fix a fault on my system).
Regarding suitable engines, as already said normal port injection engines can all be converted but direct injection conversions require kits specifically designed for that manufacturer and engine (I may be wrong, but that's how it was when I looked into it). Again, might be worth asking an LPG installer. Have a look on Drivelpg to find an approved fitter near you (if you let us know where you are, maybe I can recommend someone I've used in the past).
I agree that it has become slightly more difficult to find LPG for sale (Shell recently stopped selling it), but if you download the Filllpg app it shows you the stations and prices. I've rarely struggled to find a place to fill up (except Cornwall) and if you are in Birmingham, it's really cheap.
Any questions, ask away. I really think the UK missed a trick with LPG as a green fuel around the 2000's, instead promoting diesel.
How much does the tank / regs etc cost per year if you dont mind me asking?Your Subaru can be converted (as already mentioned, you will need flashlube and get someone who knows what they are doing to convert it). I would say a professional install should be around £1500 or slightly more (don't go for the cheapest and if it's a lot more expensive, ask why). If you ask on lpg forum uk, you will get all the information you want (Simon from LPGC knows his stuff and I have been to see him to fix a fault on my system).
Regarding suitable engines, as already said normal port injection engines can all be converted but direct injection conversions require kits specifically designed for that manufacturer and engine (I may be wrong, but that's how it was when I looked into it). Again, might be worth asking an LPG installer. Have a look on Drivelpg to find an approved fitter near you (if you let us know where you are, maybe I can recommend someone I've used in the past).
I agree that it has become slightly more difficult to find LPG for sale (Shell recently stopped selling it), but if you download the Filllpg app it shows you the stations and prices. I've rarely struggled to find a place to fill up (except Cornwall) and if you are in Birmingham, it's really cheap.
Any questions, ask away. I really think the UK missed a trick with LPG as a green fuel around the 2000's, instead promoting diesel.
Do you have to jump through lots of hoops for it to be working for a car?
NugentS said:
How does the tax work on that. I am assuming that the tank also supplies the house with heating etc.
Exactly what I'm thinking. And regulation of the gear to connect to your car etc.Not heard of many tanks going back in the back garden, which could be a good thing, or could be interesting to say the least.
Calor charge I think £0.45 per litre for tank top up. That includes delivery. So could be rather interesting.
theog87 said:
How much does the tank / regs etc cost per year if you dont mind me asking?
Do you have to jump through lots of hoops for it to be working for a car?
Sorry if my post came across like I know more than I do. Unfortunately, I don't know the answers. I never had a tank fitted where I live, as the property was unsuitable (calor site shows the necessary distances from walls, boundaries etc). Do you have to jump through lots of hoops for it to be working for a car?
I was reading up on it out of curiosity (I think on the lpg forum or maybe even the volvo forum). I was thinking about buying a tank off ebay/gumtree/etc (with the lpg takeoff already fitted at the bottom, for automotive use), fitting it in the garden and then getting calor, flogas to fill it...however they would not fill a tank that was not theirs. Anyway, that doesn't really help you or answer your questions.
I think the best way is to call up an lpg provider (or visit them in person), tell them what you want to do and see what they say in terms of cost/feasibility. When calling flogas (to find out whether the local depot had lpg, I got through to a call centre, which I doubt would help you, but talking to the lads at the depot would probably answer all your questions. I don't know your location, but in Manchester Embassy Gas are very friendly and would happily talk to you. Birmingham Autogas appear to run quite a large operation yet whenever I popped in they were always happy to talk.
Sorry about the long rant.
Car_driver said:
Sorry if my post came across like I know more than I do. Unfortunately, I don't know the answers. I never had a tank fitted where I live, as the property was unsuitable (calor site shows the necessary distances from walls, boundaries etc).
I was reading up on it out of curiosity (I think on the lpg forum or maybe even the volvo forum). I was thinking about buying a tank off ebay/gumtree/etc (with the lpg takeoff already fitted at the bottom, for automotive use), fitting it in the garden and then getting calor, flogas to fill it...however they would not fill a tank that was not theirs. Anyway, that doesn't really help you or answer your questions.
I think the best way is to call up an lpg provider (or visit them in person), tell them what you want to do and see what they say in terms of cost/feasibility. When calling flogas (to find out whether the local depot had lpg, I got through to a call centre, which I doubt would help you, but talking to the lads at the depot would probably answer all your questions. I don't know your location, but in Manchester Embassy Gas are very friendly and would happily talk to you. Birmingham Autogas appear to run quite a large operation yet whenever I popped in they were always happy to talk.
Sorry about the long rant.
Very informative, cheers for the advice! Will keep postedI was reading up on it out of curiosity (I think on the lpg forum or maybe even the volvo forum). I was thinking about buying a tank off ebay/gumtree/etc (with the lpg takeoff already fitted at the bottom, for automotive use), fitting it in the garden and then getting calor, flogas to fill it...however they would not fill a tank that was not theirs. Anyway, that doesn't really help you or answer your questions.
I think the best way is to call up an lpg provider (or visit them in person), tell them what you want to do and see what they say in terms of cost/feasibility. When calling flogas (to find out whether the local depot had lpg, I got through to a call centre, which I doubt would help you, but talking to the lads at the depot would probably answer all your questions. I don't know your location, but in Manchester Embassy Gas are very friendly and would happily talk to you. Birmingham Autogas appear to run quite a large operation yet whenever I popped in they were always happy to talk.
Sorry about the long rant.
Converting a car to LPG can be risky - the higher combustion temperature can erode valve seats. It can take 25,000 - 30.000 miles for that to become noticeable - misfiring. I'm talking from experience. Replacing the seats with Stellite ones (I think that is what it was) solved the problem - but at the same time wiped out most of the financial gain in switching to LPG. Don't believe the LPG installers when they say it's safe in your car, that they have checked it. I believed them, and they were wrong. Do your own research.
That sounds like a main major fuel company site at that price, priced i would suggest so they don't sell any so they have due reason to have the pumps taken out.
I'm currently paying 57.9, ok 58 ppl, at the local Morrisons, cheapest i've found within the last year or so was at an indy site at Walsall circa 45 or 47p if i recall, West Mids is quite cheap as is Leicester centre, filllpg is the site you want for finding fuel and prices.
I'm currently paying 57.9, ok 58 ppl, at the local Morrisons, cheapest i've found within the last year or so was at an indy site at Walsall circa 45 or 47p if i recall, West Mids is quite cheap as is Leicester centre, filllpg is the site you want for finding fuel and prices.
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