LPG converter

[vrlpg]

Hi guys,

Im after information about working on LPG converters. Mine has a leak and sadly i cannot afford the $700 (is that right??) i was quoted to get it replaced.

Im sure all it needs is a new gasket, can they be replaced or do i 100% need a new one installed?

i am fully aware that technically its considered illegal to work on your own LPG system so please spare any comment about illegalities.

Right now im only after information, im not going to run to my car with tool box in hand after reading any comments i get

Additionally, if anyone does know of any good LPG repair shops in south-west Sydney please tell me,

all the places in my area i try to inquire about getting work done by them look at me as if ive just spat on their new-born child, 'cos im not a "taxi driver" nor drive a late model ford falcon with LPG

Cheers!

[yoshi87]

shop around dude, it needs to be looked at by someone who knows gas tanks

[tezza]

I get my LPG system, service at The Gas Man, Seven Hills. Maybe give them a call or go around and see them.

[vrlpg]

I get my LPG system, service at The Gas Man, Seven Hills. Maybe give them a call or go around and see them.

Thanks, i'll be sure to look them up. shouldn't be hard to find in the phone book. cheers!

[padrickz88]

1st thing to do is turn off the tank in the boot, start it and run it on gas until it stalls, try to start it again until it wont..

Then disconnect the gas lines and coolant lines and take it into a gas place and say you want a gasket kit for it, If they cant get it then go somewhere else

Get the gasket kit and open up your converter on your bench and go crazy , I had to do mine and people were saying I couldnt get the gasket kit for it and tried to sell me there converters, But it is easily done and they are just looking for a sale.

If i remember right in the kit was 1 or 2 gaskets, 2-4 o-rings and 2 new fittings for the coolant line, thats it and shouldnt cost more then 50-60

[Cheap6]

The detail of what's involved depends on what system you have. There's no real magic though.

If you follow padrickz88 advice about shutting off the tank, then emptying the LPG in the line and converter out through running the engine you should be pretty safe to that point.

You should also leak check the fittings and converter using soapy water (kid's soap bubble blowing detergent is perfect), system pressurised (tank valve open) after everything is back together again. You could check with compressed air with the thing off the car but that's probably too much effort.

You are not meant to be able to purchase LPG parts without a licence but there may be ways around that.

The flared fittings on the line may not like being undone and retightened; the Copper in the flare can work harden and split.

The parts can be cleaned up in hot soapy water and some carb. cleaner.

There may be provision for adjustment in the converter (depends on type) with lever heights etc. Manuals for the more common types of converter are usually available as pdf downloads online. Those will also give you the parts breakdown.

You will need to bleed the cooling system and the way some gas conversions are done that may be made more difficult eg. converter mounted higher than the engine, air traps in high spots etc.

$700 sounds very high, even with labour. Maybe they just didn't want the job. The strong Aust. dollar should mean parts are as cheap as they ever get (most are imported). I think that I paid $100 something for an overhaul kit for my Impco 'L' with a less favourable exchange rate than current. Even new should be only a few hundred $.