LPG Service

Me again, sorry to keep posting new threads, but it's easier than searching (since I am sh!te at that particular task).

I have an LPG system fitted (can't recall make, but will check later) and it is in dire need of a service.

I can only imagine the filter(s) are like the rock in a fish tank with sucking beasties growing inside

The hose from the filler neck to the tank looks bloody awful and I plan to measure it and get a replacement (now is it me or do they look like hydraulic hoses????).

My problem is the fill only seems to hold 12 litres (approx 9 quid) or thereabout, then the Autogas pump shuts down,

I imagine there will be a pressure valve that tells the pump to shut down as the tanks are full, so I likely need a new one or it needs adjusted.

I am perfectly capable of doing the service myself as I used to do caravans back in the early 90's so it holds no fear for me and I am pretty anal about safety (I operate boom/scissor lifts and H&S is my middle name).

I realise the pressures and dangers involved,and will be extremely careful with all the PPE and fire extinguishers to hand...I live over the back of the biggest hospital in the Highlands, so am close enough if there is an emergency

But seriously, does anyone have a heads up or experienced my particular problem of lack of filling?

Bare in mind she has a donut tank in the boot and a pair of "bombs" under the car, so to my mind should hold well over 100 litres all told.

I am guessing either the valve is faulty & thinks there is more pressure in the tanks than there actually is or my knackered filling hose is causing an obstruction....

hi there if i was you i would take the car to be tested on the laptop for diagnostics set ECU . you can change all the pipes your self and just about everything on them. your problem could just be the solenoid and filter but it needs setting up on a laptop. so you need to find a place up near you. i have a good place for that near me in yorkshire but dont know of any more up your way sorry.picture below of the solenoid its on the left with a black pipe on it. but get it all checked over any way.

philip pickard said:

hi there if i was you i would take the car to be tested on the laptop for diagnostics set ECU . you can change all the pipes your self and just about everything on them. your problem could just be the solenoid and filter but it needs setting up on a laptop. so you need to find a place up near you. i have a good place for that near me in yorkshire but dont know of any more up your way sorry.

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Hi Phillip, thanks for that.

I knew there would be a computer involved, but if I can at least change the poor condition stuff I can see it will keep the costs down.

Trouble is finding someone near me...

If I remember correctly and will check when I get a mo.Pipe to tank from filler should be copper and there are no solanoids in the line.
Fill volume is determined by the pumping in station and they do vary, try a different pump.
Service is usually about cleaning and filters unless something broke.

Check emissions for accurate set up.

pete1987RRC said:

If I remember correctly and will check when I get a mo.Pipe to tank from filler should be copper and there are no solanoids in the line.
Fill volume is determined by the pumping in station and they do vary, try a different pump.
Service is usually about cleaning and filters unless something broke.

Check emissions for accurate set up.

Click to expand...

The station has a brand new pump, but I have seen the previous read out and they were up to 30 pounds and more. I tried pressing the green button again, but nothing so I assumed it was all done on pressure. I had a van a few years back (when it was 36p per litre for LPG) and it would keep going until it was full, usually anything up to 50 litres.

I imagine my filters are in desperate need of changing, but the hose is in such poor condition it is a must. I'm going out shortly (waiting for wife to come back from shopping...) to check what system is fitted & I will report back

Inside the tank is a float valve and this is what shuts the fill valve when approx 85% full.

My tordial tank in the boot holds 90litres of which a fill from empty os 72-74 litres.

Pipes from tank outlet solenoid to vapouriser should be in copper or similar then the rest in lpg/cng hose.

I have a copy of the Code of Practise 11 which details how LPG should be installed in a vehicle.....I may be able to scan and pdf it for you......saves you the £30 odd to buy from the LPGA.

There should be two filters...a high pressure before the vap and a low pressure before the injectors.

There is a multi valve in the tank which should be replaced every 10 years and the tank should be pressure tested as well the multivalve is also the fill limiter and the pressure release valve and a cut off valve if ever the lines should be damaged and a massive leak is detected, also there should be a cut off valve in the line and its usually incorperated in the filter housing, and aalso there should be a switch that detects when the engine is turning over at more than 60 rpm and will open the valve it can either be electrical or vacume operated.

Often if the tank has moved or has gone off level then the float valve will think it is full too early or the fuel gauge in the car is faulty.
Are you sure that the tank is actually empty when you fill it?

oakey said:

Often if the tank has moved or has gone off level then the float valve will think it is full too early or the fuel gauge in the car is faulty.
Are you sure that the tank is actually empty when you fill it?

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If the tank in your car moves at all then the installation is crap

Yes they have floats in the tank but I am quite sur that this does not shut off fill due to the variety of fil levels I get ie

Asda give me 3 lights
She'll always give me 4 lights

So if it's a Mecanical tank shut off why should this vary?

As earlier it's down to pressure.

The tanks can twist in their mounts and this will throw the fill level but not the ammount the fill up.

Often with twin tanks there are non return valves in the line so one could be sticking also on some old tanks there were thumb screws as shut off so that could be an issue if they screwed themselves shut.

It's not a legal requirement for a tank to be checked or be less than any specific age but a recommendation by a voluntary organisation called the lpga.
Most insurance companies don't recognise them and there is no requirement under mot other than sturdy attachment.

Interesting question is how old can a calor propane cylinder be?

Lots of interesting propositions there.

First off, I can categorically state the donut tank is super secure, but the "bombs" underneath have most definitely moved as the rear prop rubs on them when on full lock at (only) driving height.

Another reason I want them off....

The hoses at the filler point are a pair. Filler, "T" piece then twin hoses, one short to the donut and long to the "bombs" underneath.

Interestingly, there is a lone pipe under the bonnet which has previously been disconnected and abandoned for some reason but I can't see where it previously lead to!

I would be happy to replace any components that should be, well, replaced.

I agree about the filler valves sticking and that is what I plan to chase as soon as I get a minute. Work, gets in the way or what?

Thank you all so much for your valuable input, I shall keep you appraised of my findings

The prop rubs........

See why they are bombs.

Get them off before the bang.

pete1987RRC said:

The prop rubs........

See why they are bombs.

Get them off before the bang.

Click to expand...

I noticed it when she was riding high (after replacing all airbags) and turning left. However, it only does it now and again so I tend to set her on "motorway" for most of my driving.

I have run her dry of LPG, or at least as dry as I can get and plan to pop into the nearest LPG place which as it happens is quite near my work on a different road.