L P G car conversations

[Labradorlass]

I have a 3.9 v8 Discovery that is LPG converted. Without question it runs so much sweeter on gas than petrol.

It has 2 x 30 litre tanks under the sills so no loss of boot space. Whilst this does reduce the ground clearence slightly, it does at least stop my other half taking it off-roading at the weekends, which if you'd experienced his driving is definately a bonus!!.

 

[MichaelofKent]

" I can run my 3.9litre V8 Discovery at an equivalent of close to 40 MPG when solo and 36 MPG when towing".

Clive, I can't get anywhere near this in my V8 Discovery. At best I can get about the equivalent of 28-30 mpg solo and towing 1500kg with 7 up I get the equivalent of 18-20 mpg.

 

[cris_408518]

Micheal. What Clive is saying is that with the lower cost of LPG he is running at the equivalent of 40 and 36 MPG.

 

[CliveV]

I never got as good on my old RR either but that was a Carb fed engine.

My V8 has done less than 60,000 miles and is fitted with an all sing all dancing LPG system that alters the timing to suit the fuel and uses "wunder" technology to set the parameters to suit the LPG rather than simply adapting the ignition system to accept LPG.

Do not ask me to explain the techy bits - I am not a techy guy, but I looked into it long and hard and decided that if I was going to do it on such a superb vehicle then I would not spend

 

[CliveV]

Micheal. What Clive is saying is that with the lower cost of LPG he is running at the equivalent of 40 and 36 MPG.

Correct cris

 

[Lutz]

I'm not at all against LPG but I would nevertheless like to repeat the need to check whether the towload limit is in any way affected by the conversion before embarking upon the project. It was a shock for me to learn that the Zafira with the factory-fitted system may only tow 400kg. OK, it has its reason. Because they wanted to keep the existing 7-seat arrangement there was no space inside to fit the gas tank which then had to be underslung with the consequent result that the exhaust system also had to be rerouted. This rerouted exhaust system brings it close to other vehicle components which may not withstand higher temperatures due to the extra engine load caused by towing anything heavier than permitted. This may result in what is euphemistically described as a 'potential thermal event'. Obviously, this is rather an exceptional case and other systems on the market need not be similarly affected but one should nevertheless be wary and ask first.

 

[CliveV]

I am surprised at all the hassle with the car considering a Smart Car conversion offers no such compromise - but then again no towing likely!

As I understand it the Smart car retains its petrol tank as is and the LPG tank takes up the space of the spare wheel.

A space saver wheel can go in the boot apparently as well as the wheels treated with "goo" that self seals the tyres in the event of a puncture.

May be a reason why the spare wheel well cannot be used (Do you have to carry a spare by law in Germany Lutz?) - but certainly when space is at a premium this is one of the most popular configurations in the UK.

 

[Lutz]

No, they thought that people would not be prepared to accept not having a spare wheel. Judging by the replies to another thread in this forum they were right. So, it was a decision either no spare wheel or a lower towload limit and they chose the latter.

 

[Garfield]

Aren't LPG vehicles barred from many road tunnels including the channel tunnel?

 

[CliveV]

Not heard of a road tunnel banning LPG vehicles - but then how could they unless they banned all caravans as well because most of us run around with Butane or Propane canisters.

And whilst the Chunnel (which is not a road but a rail tunnel) does not allow LPG vehicles on its carriages I do understand that this is being looked at.

Am I right I thinking that even diesel/petrol powered motor homes cannot travel in the Chunnel unless they have the Propane and or butane canisters removed?

I am not sure on this but I am pretty certain I read it in a CC Mag article some time ago.

 

[Lutz]

Most underground car parks in Germany do not allow LPG powered vehicles but they do allow CNG ones. It's got something to do with LPG being heavier than air and CNG lighter.

 

[seth1]

hi clive v,ive been reading this thread,and had a bit of input with it.now if i could go back to one of your earlier points if you dont mind.when you use the term dirty for a diesel or black soot up the front of your van,this doesnt mean its dirty,since euro 1 which was roughly 96 ,the exhaust gases have been unmeasureable (re-rpc)were now on euro 4 .either EGR OR SCR euro 5 will be combined,these are so clean theve done away with the nox gases all together.and now on tickover with the correct parameters in the engine ecu they can turn 2 cyliners off.so how can a petrol engine ,be lpg compare with modern day diesel.