lpg on the cards, what jobs to do at the same time?

JD · May 31, 2011

hi folks,

Looking at getting an LPG conversion kit for my GEMS V8, just hoping to get some input on maintenance jobs to do at the same time.

Since I'll be removing the inlet manifold I thought it's probably not a stretch to take the heads off and replace the gaskets so bought a head gasket kit (rockers, inlet, valley seals, heads etc).

On a pretty tight budget atm but what else should I look at getting done at the same time?

Engines done 140k but has been well serviced.

Fur Trapper · May 31, 2011

JD. said:
hi folks,

Looking at getting an LPG conversion kit for my GEMS V8, just hoping to get some input on maintenance jobs to do at the same time.

Since I'll be removing the inlet manifold I thought it's probably not a stretch to take the heads off and replace the gaskets so bought a head gasket kit (rockers, inlet, valley seals, heads etc).

On a pretty tight budget atm but what else should I look at getting done at the same time?

Engines done 140k but has been well serviced.

If it"s not broke! why fix it?

Langers · May 31, 2011

john winsemius said:
If it"s not broke! why fix it?

Agreed.

If it's not showing any signs of HGF, I would leave it be - you could do more harm than good by disturbing it.

Keep the gasket set though, it's sure to come in handy sooner or later

POAH · May 31, 2011

make sure the engine is well cooled and everything in tip top condition.

LPG will cause hotter cylinder temps which can burn valves and cause other problems

JD · May 31, 2011

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

More than happy to leave it alone if it's not recommended to change, just thought since I was gonna be more than halfway there it's not much further to go gettin the heads off.
No HGF signs I can see; coolant level always the same, oil is clean, no white smoke...the top hose pressurises pretty hard, but softens quick enough when engine cools.

Changed the stat and put new coolant in not long ago, coolant get's to 90°C quick enough but doesn't go much over that. Is it worth rigging the Aircon fans to kick in for extra cooling?

vougese39 · Jun 1, 2011

you will proberly find that the cam is fubar when you get the manifold off at the milage it is par for the course!
rigging the air can fans will not help all that much as the ecu wil control them in a overheating issue but again they are not designed to run in that way ensure that the rads are clear of blockages and no coolant leaks

eightinavee · Jun 2, 2011

vougese39 said:
you will proberly find that the cam is fubar when you get the manifold off at the milage it is par for the course!
rigging the air can fans will not help all that much as the ecu wil control them in a overheating issue but again they are not designed to run in that way ensure that the rads are clear of blockages and no coolant leaks

Stuart is spot on here - at 140k the cam and lifters will be shot,and the big ends/mains will be worn out too.Fitting LPG to it will just kill it off if its not set up just so.

JD · Jun 3, 2011

Had a look at the camshaft yesterday, pretty worn as expected but not too bad. I Knew at that mileage and engine rebuild/replacement was gonna be needed at some point, was hopin to get some more mileage out of it yet though as it's been pretty well serviced.

JD · Jun 4, 2011

Thought I'd put a pic of the camshaft up:

vougese39 · Jun 5, 2011

from the staining of the alloy it has had good oil and regular services but it can still have worm bearing and check the cam bearings too they swear well and it is the top of the bearing that wears the most

JD · Jun 6, 2011

Cheers for more input voguese, appreciated pal.
Will look at replacing the cam, bearings and followers when cash allows!

lpg on the cards, what jobs to do at the same time?

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