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Converting my LT to run on LPG

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volition82 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote volition82 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 16:01
Yeah the £86 is for someone to check it over.  They drive the vehicle to a place in cardiff and they do it.  As AndyT mentioned it's normally £150 but profess have worked out a deal with them because they do so many.  I was unsure about doing it and when I set off to have the system fitted I wasn't going too but changed my mind while I was there.  I'm glad I did in the end.
 
For future reference what do they/you change the timing too?
1989 LT35 - 2.4 Lpg/Petrol - Converted To Camper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mat_the_cat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 15:33
Originally posted by AndyT AndyT wrote:

Don't know why it cost £86 to get the vehicle registered on the database, costs me £15 with Autogas. Either way it needs to be done, because you are legally required to inform DVLA and your insurance of the conversion. Even if your insurance don't need the cert DVLA will.
If you convert the vehicle yourself expect to pay £150ish for the cert.

Profess aren't UKLPG registered therefore I assume they need to get their work inspected before it can be added to the database, hence the charge.
Going from the Directgov site it doesn't mention anything about a certificate - simply written evidence from the garage which installed it.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/ChangesToYourRegistrationCertificate/DG_4022054

Therefore to satisfy the legal requirements, going on the register isn't required (paper certificates are no longer issued - see http://www.drivelpg.co.uk/index.php). But as already mentioned, probably advisable as UKLPG continually lobby insurance companies to only insure vehicles that are on their register.

Sorry to sound pedantic, but a lot of what I do at work involves interpreting standards so viewing everything in black and white becomes second nature!
Mid engined, 6 cylinder, turbocharged 2 seater - it can only be a VW LT!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 14:58
Ok a few posts here so will try to answer the issues raised in one post.

Only worked on one vehicle converted by Proffgas and it wasn't running very happy, but the installation was neat enough. Problem was simple though, timing was set on the wrong side of TDC.

Generally speaking lpg systems on LT's are simple and reliable but I would never collect a vehicle at the end of the working day, wait until the morning and collect it cold and if there are problems you've got a whole day to get it sorted. Particularly important if you are not local.

Don't know why it cost £86 to get the vehicle registered on the database, costs me £15 with Autogas. Either way it needs to be done, because you are legally required to inform DVLA and your insurance of the conversion. Even if your insurance don't need the cert DVLA will.
If you convert the vehicle yourself expect to pay £150ish for the cert.

Inside the vapouriser is a rubber diaphram and after a few miles it stretches and needs adjustment. There are usually 2 screws that adjust the mixture, 1 on the vapouriser and 1 in the pipe (power valve) which feeds the gas to the carb.
Try the power valve first by screwing it in until the engine note changes, then back off half a turn at a time.

If that doesn't work make very small changes to the vapouriser and repeat.
Shouldn't take long to do and worth repeating whenever the engine cover is off.

I always take the vehicle for a spin (up and down hills) with the engine cover off and adjust as necessary, tweaking the timing at the same time. Its noisy as hell but I've never had anyone come back with a problem.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mat_the_cat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 10:52
That's the sort of thing I've heard as well - I'm a member of an LPG forum and the consensus seems to be that Profess can be good value if it all works well first time, but difficult to resolve if problems occur. Kind of understandable, as rectification eats into their (small) profit margins!

The other thing that would worry me is the time pressure to get it all done in a day. Even with a number of people working on it the implication is that the job may be rushed. And once they've taken the system out on the road and set it up, how do they then check the changeover to gas with a cooler engine?

The first vehicle I converted did need a formal checkover for the insurance - the one we have now (converted it last Feb) the insurance company didn't ask for anything. But it will limit your choice if not registered with UKLPG.





Edited by mat_the_cat - 15 Mar 12 at 10:54
Mid engined, 6 cylinder, turbocharged 2 seater - it can only be a VW LT!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jodielee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 10:49
Great info, thanks guys!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote volition82 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 10:39

Mat_the_cat posted while I was typing so I should point out that the phone calls while I was there were about systems not running right.

1989 LT35 - 2.4 Lpg/Petrol - Converted To Camper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote volition82 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 10:27
I've just had mine done (2.4 petrol) in south wales.  I'm guessing it's the same place http://www.professautogas.co.uk/ .  My system cost was £750 including vat but a quick look at their site suggests their prices have gone up a little bit, mine was done in january with a discount apparently. 
 
A couple of things to bare in mind, the major thing is they are not registered with the LPG trade body.  A lot of companies won't insure you unless this is done and I think it also stops you registering it on-line.   The good news is that they will register it for you but it involves them having it for an extra half a day (most systems are fitted in a day 8am-6-8pm) and at the time cost me an extra £86.  I had this done and personally i'd recommend doing it otherwise it could make insurance etc very difficult.
 
I had a 78 litre tank (spare wheel type) fitted underneath on the passenger side in the middle (just before where the exhaust points out of the body).  That gives me 62 usable litres (you can only 80% fill them).  I've only just started using my van so my mpg figures are a bit vague but before on petrol with a couple of tank checks I was getting around 14/15 mpg local short distance driving.  I've done one mileage check so far on lpg which was 13.42 mpg, so not bad.
 
The system was an AC Stag 300 ISA.  The AC Stag systems are made in Poland and the owner of the company is also polish which is why he can do them cheaper than other companies.  He goes over to Poland and buys them direct from the factory.  I can't seem to find an english manual for the system so if anybody can point me in the right direction i'd be greatful because they have filters which need replacing every 10,000 miles and i'd rather do that myself if I can.
 
The system was fitted well but mine wasn't running quite right when I picked it up.  It was holding it's revs slightly when de-accelerating.  I was disappointed in how they delt with this to be honest, the owner wasn't there at the time just an older welsh guy who kept on trying to blame it on a sticky throttle.  The carbs new, i've never had the slightest problem with a sticky throttle before, when I switch it over to petrol it runs fine so it's not that it's the mixture on the new systemAngry  When the owner came in he got it running a lot better eventually inbetween constant phone calls, all very hurried.  From my limited understanding lpg sytems do need to bed in which takes around a 1000 miles, with older non ecu vehicales and single point systems this takes a little bit more tinkering.  I don't know if AndyT agrees with that, he knows a lot more than I do?  The owner showed me how to adjust the system which I have since done and it is now running fine, no difference between that and petrol, other than the smell which I quite like!
 
Overall would I have another system fitted there yes I would because the cheapest local quote was £1200 but it is more costly than you first think.  The sytem cost was £750, plus the £86 for the registration, hire car fuel (which I didn't budget for as I thought it would be a day but car was free and lpg) and going over the bridge twice.  All in with fuel both ways (I live 80 miles away) it cost £950, give or take.  G vwlt31 with the distance you live i'd say your probably better off getting it done somewhere nearer to home to be honest.  Oh, and one last thing they take a £100 non-refundable booking deposit, unless you cancel within a good time period.


Edited by volition82 - 15 Mar 12 at 10:48
1989 LT35 - 2.4 Lpg/Petrol - Converted To Camper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mat_the_cat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 09:55
Is it Profess by any chance? If so I've not heard great things about them IF there should be a problem with the install.

Edited by mat_the_cat - 15 Mar 12 at 09:55
Mid engined, 6 cylinder, turbocharged 2 seater - it can only be a VW LT!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jodielee Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Mar 12 at 08:50
can you post the details of the place in wales please mate?
1996 Preg LT35 Diesel PAS LWB Luton :-)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote G vwlt31 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 12 at 22:45

had a quote from an lpg fittment garage in edinburgh,oooft, ffs,looked at a place in south wales reckon ile head down there,even with the cost of edinburgh to wales will still save money and some,just a case of persuading the other half to holiday in wales LOL only been on the site couple of weeks and had great help in getting parts and info thanks all for your knowledge and input.g

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dreamcatcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 20:47
Hi  Graeme
As andy says the gas defuser is fitted in the intake to the carb.
You can only fit the direct injection systems to vehicles that have an ECU to control the fuel injection.
I paid £800 for the system.


Edited by Dreamcatcher - 07 Mar 12 at 20:49
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote G vwlt31 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 20:36

How did it cost for fittment?is it direct injection or linked to the carb many thanks graeme.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dreamcatcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 20:15
Hi
I am running an AC Stag set up on my LT31, they have been manufacturing for a long time.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote G vwlt31 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 19:58
Thank for the info much appreciated.g
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 19:51
All LT's need is a device fitted into the air intake which then feeds into the carb, sort of looks like the top of a gas hob.
My tank is 120L and holds 93L of lpg. Cost varies but around 72p/L is probably average, fuel saving currently is about 40% as you get around 10% less mpg on gas. I get around 250 miles before I need to look for a top up.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote G vwlt31 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 19:26
Thanks for the info andy,is the romano system fitted to the carb or is it an injector type system,what size is your tank n how much is it too fill regards graeme  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 19:17
I don't think the hardware matters too much, just check ebay etc for spare part availabilty.

What I'd be looking into is how long the company has been around, and how near they are to you incase there are problems. It's a pretty basic system on an LT and relatively little to go wrong.

My Romano system has been problem free for years, and I've worked on other systems without major problems but not running correctly.
The main problem seems to be ignition timing, modern vehicles with electronic ignition can compensate for this but you don't have that on an LT.

Recommend you change the coil, plugs and leads and maybe consider a electronic points upgrade for future reliability. Cost is insignificant compared to the £1k for the conversion.
Wherever you choose, collect the vehicle early in the day and go for a drive so that there is time for any problems to be fixed.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote G vwlt31 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 12 at 18:54
hi
   i want an lpg fitted to my lt31 2.4 petrol ive looked online there seems to be a lot of diffrent 
   systems anybody out there with a 2.4 vwlt point me in the right direction on best system to go
   for.thaks
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jam-Man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 11 at 21:58
Ouch! I can squeeze 18-20 out of the LT. Just...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndyT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Oct 11 at 15:24
You want to try my Range Rover, got problems with the fuel pressure regulator and nobody makes it anymore.
Reckon it does 7mpg on petrol!!, fortunately doesn't take long to warm up and switch to gas when I get the equivalent of 29mpg.
LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

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