LPG Conversions
 

So, from what I've seen you can get these done for about $3000, and there's a $3,000 government grant. So far, a no-brainer. However, I saw an advert the other day which mentioned something about the LPG licence having a year to run. Can anyone explain what this means? Is the system only licended for a certain period (presumably for safety reasons), and if so, what happens after that? An inspection? Overhaul?

Also, are there any restrictions as to which vehicles it can be done on?

Re: LPG Conversions
 

Not yet in Oz so can't answer your question. However, I had my 3.9v8i Disco converted about 5 years ago and have done over 100,000miles on LPG. My old system is fairly basic so expect the new technology to be even better. My tanks came with a 10 year life span - after that, you are suposed to have them checked although nothing forces you to do this. (not sure about car insurance being void, if you don't and they find out). Paul

Re: LPG Conversions
 

Im not too sure about your question but i have hear you loose a lot of boot space when you get this done.

Re: LPG Conversions
 

If you have a 4x4, the tanks go under the vehicle. Reduces ground clearance a little if you go serious off road - not a problem otherwise. For cars, they can locate the tank where the spare wheel sits and either leave the wheel in the boot, or replace it with a can of emergency tyre weld. (will get you home). Or you could take the cheap option of locating the tank in the boot with the loss of space as mentioned above. Paul

Re: LPG Conversions
 

Here's some info which may help.........

LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is an alternative fuel that has been available for some time now. Vehicles can be dedicated LPG fuelled vehicles or dual-fuelled LPG and petrol. If the LPG fuel system is properly installed the use of LPG is safe and it is easy to refuel.

Advantages
It is substantially cheaper than petrol and is normally less than half the price
LPG fitted vehicles emit around 15% less greenhouse gases
It is an indigenous fuel that is less likely to suffer from supply disruptions
Improved resale value
WA State Government will pay $1000 towards the cost for private use vehicles
The Federal Government will pay up to $2000 towards the conversion cost for private use vehicles
The Federal Government will pay up to $1000 towards the cost of a new LPG powered vehicle

Driving on petrol & LPG
If your car is converted to run on LPG, it's important to ensure the petrol fuel system remains in good working condition by driving on petrol at least 50-100km's per week.

Failing to use petrol regularly can result in the engine not starting or running roughly due to fuel system failure.

Keep the petrol tank at least ¼ full with fresh fuel at all times to reduce the risk of damage to the electric fuel pump.


Disadvantages
Additional fuel tank required. This can reduce boot space
Cost of conversion ranges from $2000 to $3000 for the earlier technology known as 2nd generation and up to $5000 for the latest technology known as 4th generation. However the cost can be reduced by up to $3000 from governement subsidies
Increased fuel consumption of up to 30% for 2nd generation and 20% for 4th generation equipment compared with petrol
Some vehicles not suitable for conversion
Not available in some country areas but is generally available on major highways and in major towns.

Convertion Calculator

Estimate you fuel consumption

Re: LPG Conversions
 

From the early 80,s I have converted every car I have had to LPG,never had a problem on both carby and fuel injected models.

The systems never were checked but now the LPG tank is checked every 10 yrs.The tank should comply with all relevant welding codes and they are sub arc welded,so you are safe.

The hot water for the converter is taken from the heater circuit,sometimes the heater will clog up and not work well,regular back flush should take care of that with rust inhibitor etc.

A problem on an old XE fairmont occured once,the system froze up.Having it checked the guy said it needed a new converter as the core was gone.I asked how much and he said $300 (around 87),Iasked a mechanic friend and he said check the radiator cap as it may not be pressurising the system.A new radiator cap solved that problem for around $10.

I had a 2002 V8 Fairlane converted in early June,it has lost more power than I expected but for me that is not a problem,it is for going to work and back.I get around 410-420 klms from a tank (around 66 litres).At present gas is around 45 cents a litre in WA,so say 30 bucks for 400 k's.Gas prices go up in winter when demand goes up in the northern hemisphere,I don't recall seeing it higher than 58 cents a litre.

Hand book says do 100 K's a month on petrol just to keep all seals etc in good condition,I do 50 K's a week on petrol.

In an old EA Fairmont ghia (still have it) I got lazy and did not run it on petrol for 2 yrs,for a month or so it would not go over 80K's an hour until the petrol system came good with a fuel injector cleaner put through it.

The old systems could be changed over at any speed ,just a flick of the switch for a bit extra power for overtaking etc. The new system on the F/lane has to be changed with the engine stopped

It took 6 days for the federal govt to put the rebate into my bank account,you put the forms in at C/link or medicare.That was 2 grand.

The WA state grant is $1000,they said it would be paid into my bank account ,for some reason they sent a cheque to my home address,took 18 days.

The inspection fee was around $44 ,the guy looked at the new tank,traced out the delivery hose from the converter to the injectors,took around 5 mins and that was it,saves me around $30-40 a week.

In a budget a while back they said that they would start and tax LPG,adding a small amount each year until 2011,don't know if they are still going ahead with that.Over 25 years it has gone from around 25 cts a litre to the 45 now,so I'm keeping shtum and hope they have forgotten.

Re: LPG Conversions
 

Hubby has got the Ford Falcon which didn't need a converstion. Seems ok thus far. Far cheaper running on LPG. Half the price of our ford territory.