LPG conversion b@ggered the gearbox!!!!

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flatstone

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Hello

I had my 2002 4.4 converted to LPG this weekend by Leeds LPG. The next day the engine warning light came on. They have said that it is switching over early and therefore has thrown an error due to the fuel. I now manually switch it over once warm and will get it adjusted in the first service.

However thing have got worst on the drive back tonight. The gearbox is freaking out. It doesn't change over until it hits 3500 rpm and sits at 30 in second gear at 2500 rpm. When I go over to manual I can't seem to get it into 4th at 70. Finally the change down is jerky.

I'll call them to about this but I want to be armed with some knowledge.

Oh and when I hit 70 there is a vibration (or some sort of noise) in the engine bay.

I have to admit, I'm not to impressed so far!!
 
don't assume that the LPG conversion has anything to do with the gearbox issue: no obvious reason why. coincidence or cause? On the switch-over issue - obvious thing: they did do a multi-point conversion using Prins kit?
 
I am thinking that perhaps there could be an issue with the inlet manifold, air leaks or MAP pipe/ sensor left off or disconnected perhaps ? A well setup gas system should run sweetly without upsetting the MIL light almost strIght from cold. I would be straight back there. Also the general feeling is, the BMW engines should have a good quality Prins or Brc system.
 
Sounds like your transmission ECU has selected 'cooling strategy' mode where it has sensed the fluid temperature is too high so it holds the gears longer to keep the pump speed high. This is often accompanied by the 'TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT' message on the dash. It's usually caused by the bottom of the radiator becoming blocked, preventing coolant getting to the transmission oil cooler.

Does the problem only occur when the transmission is warm?
 
i know this is a bit obvious but have you tried running just on petrol? see if it still happens?

i have no idea why the fuel should upset the gearbox other than wiring!

only other way to tell is to take out the fuse(s)for the gas system. this will however gut power to the gas system so if its not a system that calibrates itself then be careful.

the vibrating, could this have been present before and your just more aware now
 
been there done that and one of the many reasons i wouldnt touch lpg with a barge pole unless it was an install done by Blaze Gas in Wiltshire - he is the best.

There are that many cowboys fitting lpg and frankly to release a vehicle which isnt running right takes the ****ing **** when you have shelled out hard earned dosh.

Shame on Leeds LPG.

Hope you get it sorted mate
 
I've just taken it out for an hour and couldn't get it to do it again. Very odd.

Thanks for your replies, I'll keep you posted if it happens again.
 
OK, the gearbox is still playing up. If we ignore the LPG conversion for now, what could be causing the box not to change up until 3,500 to 4,000 rpm.

for example, at 70 on the motorway it stills at 3,000 rpm in fourth. If I go into manual and change it to 5th it ignores it and keeps it in 4th. At 30 it does the same, 3000 rpm in 2nd.

If I stop and start the car it does start to work again properly but only for a short time.

It can run for an hour without any issues, but it seems to start once it gets a bit stressed, e.g. in a long q up a hill, or going up a twisty steep hill. I drive alot between Sheffield and Manchester over the snake and it seems to start playing up either side of teh peak district.

It doesn't overheat, or bring any other messages on the display.

Any ideas?
 
Hi Flatstone,

I might be able to point you in the right direction here as I've doing lpg conversions for over 12 years. First things first , do you have the same problems when the car is running on petrol? If you do then chances are the problem is not related to the lpg conversion. But, the usual cause of the symptoms you describe is because the car is not getting enough fuel when under load. This is symptomatic of an lpg system that either hasn't been tuned up properly or is not physically capable of delivering the required amount of fuel. I have heard of gearboxes failing when driven with this kind of fault so be careful.
We are based in Hull and can check it out for you free of charge if you want to drop by.

HTH

Blair Connell
01482 807506
 
:d
autogas 1 said:
hi flatstone,

i might be able to point you in the right direction here as i've doing lpg conversions for over 12 years. First things first , do you have the same problems when the car is running on petrol? If you do then chances are the problem is not related to the lpg conversion. But, the usual cause of the symptoms you describe is because the car is not getting enough fuel when under load. This is symptomatic of an lpg system that either hasn't been tuned up properly or is not physically capable of delivering the required amount of fuel. I have heard of gearboxes failing when driven with this kind of fault so be careful.
We are based in hull and can check it out for you free of charge if you want to drop by.

Hth

nice thought,but about a year behind the times:rolleyes::d:d

blair connell
01482 807506
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