Help with LPG install problems

[jackolynn]

I have a great V6 Bongo with a lovely camper conversion, but also I opted for a LPG conversion (Romano multipoint with flashlube). However it has spent most of the time since import running on petrol or back at the garage trying to get the LPG to work properly.

The main ongoing issues are firstly a strong smell of LPG in the cabin, especially when coming to a halt and then accelerating off and secondly when the LPG fuel gauge is low (one green LED) the LPG system alarm comes on (red LED and all 4 green LEDs flashing alternately plus audible alarm) and the system switches to petrol.

The garage has had it a couple of times and latterly for 2 weeks and the LPG failed and the alarm kicked in within 15 miles of leaving the garage on the motorway, but they say it was 100% tested and working fine. The only suggestion is that the LPG ran out, but I would expect the reserve red LED to come on first and then switch back to petrol "invisibly" and silently and that a smell of LPG is normal, which doesn't sound (or smell) right?

Any advice or experiences to help before it goes back one final time before I give up and tell them to take it out?

[mikeWalsall]

I run my V6 Bongo and My Toyota Estima on LPG ..

I have never smelt any LPG fumes at any time inside either vehicles ...

The only trouble I ever had with my Toyota was the first couple of days of initially having the LPG fitted .. as it appeared to be running out of gas within minutes of starting .. the green lights flashing .. then the red light coming on .. and the system automatically switching over to petrol ..

When pushing in the manual switch it reverted back to LPG ... only to then go through the same procedure as above (flashing greens / steady red light) with the symptoms of running out of LPG, then quite quickly going onto petrol ..

I took it back to the autogas fitter, who found that the rod on the float in the LPG tank (which is similar in design to one in a petrol tank) had got distorted when fitting / commissioning the tank ..as the fuel level float also cuts the flow of gas off when re filling the tank, it was also cutting the flow of gas off to the LPG system, so the ECU obviously thought there was no gas, and automaticly switched over to petrol ..

[Simon Jones]

A correctly setup system should switch between gas and petrol with no noticeable difference other than click from the tank solenoid and the sound of the injectors starting up. Also, a correctly installed system should never smell of gas or have any leaks. The 4 LEDs for the gauge are going to be a big hit and miss in terms of giving accurate indication of the amount remaining so it may be worth waiting until it runs out and then filling it right up and see how it goes. I think you need to get to the bottom of the possible leak first as this could potentially be dangerous.

How long have you had it since being converted to LPG? It should go back after 1000 miles to be checked and adjusted - has this been done yet? I think you should take it back to them again and tell them of your concerns. If they are a reputable company they should be able to sort this out for you. Your next option would be to contact UKLPG who are the relevant trade association and seek their advice.

I've recently had a BRC system fitted by Gas Power UK in Exeter and I can't fault it or the quality of their workmanship or service. If you need advice, you could contact their MD Stephen Fricker and he will be able to offer you guidance on what else you can do.

[New Forest Terrier]

Something very wrong here. There should not be a smell of LPG ever. except an occasional whiff when detaching the pump hose from the filler cap. A properly fitted system should switch seamlessly from petrol to LPG and back again if the LPG runs out.

The quality of systems vary, as does the skill of those fitting them. Setting up a LPG system requires a fair bit of skill and on a Bongo some trial and error. Put your location up to see if anybody local to you can advise or recommend a Romano specialist near you who can check the system out. A smell of LPG means a leak of an inflammable gas, potentially very dangerous.

Stripping the system out seems drastic without some further fault finding and a second opinion on the cause of the problems.

[hammy67]

lpg gauges all measure different levels a lots depends on how much the installer bent the float arm when he fitted it , i know when i fitted a lpg kit on a range rover many years ago i bent the arm too much and it used to run out of lpg in the green led but it was too much hassle to correct it , as for the smell of lpg take it some where and get it sorted asap as another post on here says only a whiff on filling .however if the vaporiser is not hot enough and freezes this will stink of lpg and the fumes could find there way into the vehicle , are the hoses to the vaporiser hot have they been plumbed in correctly to the system

[bongodonkey]

Hi Jackolyn,

Please get a second opinion on your LPG!

Your original fitter should be registered and have the correct qualifications to fit LPG systems.

Don't know where you are in the UK, please edit your avatar, as there will be someone near you who should put you right. The system is under warranty etc, sounds like the install hasn't been done correctly!

Stick to your guns, you have your consumer rights. More importantly whom ever fitted isn't daft enough to throw business away nor sully their reputation. Be firm and polite.

LPG is the best way to run the V6....... (in my humble opinion)

[haydn callow]

I have the same Romano system (don,t have or want flash lube). 3 years now with no problems.....I would guess the level float in the tank is jamming or something.
The gauges are pretty useless....I know we can go 250 miles on a tank so I just fill up and zero the odometer .....then when we have done 200 miles I start looking for a refill.
Get the smell sorted ASAP .....

[jackolynn]

Thanks for the advice.

The system completely failed this morning, switching off LPG to petrol on a 3/4 tank with the buzzer alarm going and flashing gas LED, and wouldn't switch back until the engine was shut down.

It has already been back to the installer twice - the last time for 2 weeks (they are based near the company that converted in which is 100 miles from home so I can't afford to keep popping it back). They have stated they don't know what is wrong or how to fix it so are removing it and refunding me the money (they do not appear willing to keep trying to fix it, which makes me even more nervous of leaving the system in).

I am based in Oxford so any recommendations on where to go for a better LPG installer and which system to use/avoid.

[weebrian]

My Romano system was fitted on import by Dave Connellan in Worcester and hasn't missed a beat in two years. He's a fully certified LPG installer and can be contacted on 01905 358217.

Haydn's right about the gauges, unless a very expensive one is fitted, the readings should be taken with a big pinch of salt. Like Haydn, I know that mine will go 500km and a bit on a tank and work to that.

[haydn callow]

I am pretty sure that Mint LPG are the uk distributors for Romano....whoever fitted your system was probably supplied by them and should have done their course.....give the m a ring......or as said contact Dave Connellen.....he is a good lad.

[haydn callow]

Google Mint LPG.....it,s all there.
Don,t get it removed.
As a last resort take it to Mint

[Jim the Box]

Never had a smell of LPG inside or outside the cab, only time is we you disconnect after filling.
Check you are registered on the government lpg database, if you are they may be very interested if you have a botched job from an approved installer. This also may give you a bit of leverage with the installers,
if you tell them to expect a visit. Dave Connellan also did my system never missed a beat, although the gauge is not the most accurate, like Haydn said simply allow for 400km or 250miles to a tank and refill.

[Simon Jones]

You can check if your vehicle is on the national register here: http://www.drivelpg.co.uk/. If it is not, then that could open up a whole can of worms with insurance etc. The website also lists approved installers (so you can check out your supplier) & they can also provide details on garages a bit closer to home who could perhaps give you an assessment of the problem.

[apole]

Hi,

Sorry to hear you are having issues.

Firstly how did you pay for the conversion, credit card gives you some good redress should it come to that. As Simon said check it's been registered on the drivelpg site, you should also have changed your V5 and told your insurance.

The LPG association are not much use in these cases as a rule but you can contact them, just don't get your hopes up !!

Good converter in berkshire is BPV in Slough, run by Barry Porter and they have been excellent in fixing things. Also well versed with Bongo's, and they have a scanner that reads the bongo engine and autobox ECU so they can cover all angles. Local Mazda dealer to them is also bongo aware and can provide any parts quickly should they be needed.

PM me if you need their details.

I had grief years back with one conversion, after doing battle with the original converter BPV fixed it all perfectly. They also have loan cars.

Good luck, for what it's worth you do have a good system there, and the bongo does convert well so it's just a matter of setting it up properly and finding any duff components so it should all come good in the end.

[jackolynn]

Thanks again for the advice.

It was installed by an authorised company (one mentioned in these threads actually) and registered on the uklpg website. I have actually spoken to the installer and agreed they will collect from Oxford and take to Mint next week for them to check out. Hopefully it will be the final trip and we can actually use our Bongo in anger!