gas conversion vx 2002 acclaim wagon 3.8l

[paul777]

Hi

Can anyone tell me please if my VX series 2 3.8l engine (I think it comes with cast iron heads??) can run on a LPG system (vapour type) without having valve seat recession problems down the track?

Thanks
Paul

[Blown V6 Hatch]

There is a very good chance you will end up with valve seat recession at some stage. Holden V6's don't like gas....Ironically, i've just finished replacing an engine in a VY due to valve seat recession.

[paul777]

Thanks BV6H,

could you tell me how many km has the engine done?

cheers

[paul777]

why does Valve seat recession happen when you run gas on the engine?

cheers
paul

[Blown V6 Hatch]

bit over 200,000 k's. While that's not low K's, it's far from high K's on a Holden V6. I've seen Ecotecs go well over 300,000 k's on petrol. This car actually had a "valve seat saver" kit installed, so don't fall for that one either.

Valve seat recession happens because gas runs so hot and dry. Valve seats require lubrication, which comes from the petrol, when on gas however, there is no lubrication. End result is, the valves don't seat anymore.

[strgas]

Valve seat recession happens because gas runs so hot and dry. Valve seats require lubrication, which comes from the petrol, when on gas however, there is no lubrication. End result is, the valves don't seat anymore.[/QUOTE]

Where does the lube come from when running on unleaded petrol ???

[levymetal]

the petrol provides a cooling effect on the valves when injected, but on gas the valves end up overheating and as said don't seat any more.

having said that, when you're saving $2000 a year you're still better off with gas even if the engine doesn't last as long. by the time you need a new engine you'll have saved $20,000. don't think engines cost that much . anyway just look at taxis - 1 million kms on gas and the engines still run