LPG cold weather acceleration problems

[heavylevy]

Hi guys and girls
I have just had acceleration problems with my v6 now that the weather has turned colder.
It really judders and has real power problems.
However once it gets to 70mph plus it goes like a dream,and will stay there all day.
any ideas.I am thinking it may a blocked filter or something.
thanks in advance
regards
adrian
ps It works fine on petrol.

[mikeWalsall]

Compared to my Toyota Estima .. the Bongo is a real pig for the first half an hour or so in this cold weather ... even when the temperature gauge reads 'normal' and warm air as started to come from the heater, it still takes ages to change over to LPG ..

Then in the first half hour or so, even when warm and running on LPG the engine will occasionally cut out while navigating speed bumps, or waiting in traffic ..

I don't have so much trouble when ..really .. warmed up .... although, even with the air conditioning on, the engine seems to tick over a bit slow and seems lumpy ...

But like yours .. I have no problems while running at 'normal' speeds ...

With mine, rather than being a mechanical issue.. eg:- I don't think it's the LPG filter ... but maybe it needs tweaking up on the Lap top to get the parameters set up 100% right ..

[BongoBonkers]

Despite being fitted by a complete tw*t, our system doesn't seem as bad as yours. It's similar, hesitating when cold with poor idling but this only lasts 5 miles or so. There's a definite issue with the LPG not working properly before the engine's up to temperature and you'll never get rid of that, but from the sound of your issues, perhaps your ignition system maybe less than 100%...? This would explain why it works better on petrol.

By the way, if you fit new HT leads, some people reckon you must only fit Mazda leads which are very expensive. We fitted some cheap blue ones off ebay about 18 months ago and they've never missed a beat.....perhaps we got lucky?

Good luck

[mikeWalsall]

I've had my Toyota for over seven years .. she has stood out side in the worst of weathers and has been very reliable when running on gas .. maybe the only issue is she switches over to gas a bit to soon ... on really icy morning I have to manually turn her over to petrol to get onto the main road 'up the hill' and into the fast moving traffic flow ..

One of the problems of using a converter some miles away ... or in my case one who takes yer monies then shuts up shop ..!!

If I had my Bongo fitted by the local guy who did my Toyota, I would have taken it back, and I feel he would have sorted out any issues right away ..

[New Forest Terrier]

Mine seems fine in cold weather, although cold down South means something different to cold up North. The only problem I have had is stalling if sitting in a traffic light queue at the point where it changes to LPG. This only happens on cold nights and the solution is just keep the revs up as the LPG light comes on and all is fine.

There is no difference in power and the Bongo runs perfectly on LPG whatever the temperature. It seems slightly quieter on LPG although it has never been a noisy engine on petrol. I have a Prinz system which has a good network of agents locally and I am really glad I paid the extra for it.

[Simon Jones]

Just had mine converted at the weekend and so far it's running brilliantly. Switches over to gas seamlessly when the coolant gets to 45 degrees. Even when starting from cold it switches over in a matter of minutes. Not noticed any drop in performance when on gas. Went for a BRC system fitted by Gas Power UK in Exeter. Not a cheap conversion by any means, but it shows in the quality of the workmanship and their approach to customer service.

[helen&tony]

Hi
Sounds very nice, Simon...I just love the thought of a V6...get it converted by a UK specialist...but the one drawback here is getting someone to service the gas installation properly....Eastern European gas installations are as crude as they come...they work, BUT there's no consideration for the valves or anything, and whilst the mechanics are capable, when comparing to the UK, I reckon they lack finesse!
Cheers
Helen

[mikeonb4c]

Hi
Sounds very nice, Simon...I just love the thought of a V6...get it converted by a UK specialist...but the one drawback here is getting someone to service the gas installation properly....Eastern European gas installations are as crude as they come...they work, BUT there's no consideration for the valves or anything, and whilst the mechanics are capable, when comparing to the UK, I reckon they lack finesse!
Cheers
Helen

No you don't (want a v6). You're a repressed dieselhead just like so many of us ha ha

[mikeWalsall]

I love LPG ... my Toyota as more than paid it's way ... and she as always been ultra reliable ..

I think now my advise for some one looking for a conversion is to use a 'reputable' company as close to you as possible .. and be sure he enters it on the LPG register before parting with your cash ..

I looked on forums .. eBay .. the internet: and was tempted by the prices of 'glossy' Webb sites of companies all over the UK ..

I could have had my Bongo done by the Walsall Autogas guy who did my Toyota (who is still in business !!) but I went with a 'Bongo specialist' about 30 miles away instead ..who also had a nice 'glossy' (but less than truth full Webb) site .. a nice guy .. but ....!!

My point being .. for guarantee work .. tuning / tweaking out small problems .. servicing .. a 60 mile round trip or more on maybe a working day for you, is not always viable ...

[New Forest Terrier]

Good advice Mike. I used a local company with a good reputation who do Budget Bongos conversions. They also specialise in servicing and restoration of classic cars so are likely to stay in business if tax changes stop the flow of new LPG conversions.

I got an expensive lesson in this with a Range Rover I had converted with obscure Italian kit. The converting company soon went out of business and as for servicing and spares forget it. I did get four years use and a lot of miles out of it, but by then the LPG kit was a write off. Converted with better kit I would probably had another four years out of it.

[Ian65]

Just had mine converted at the weekend and so far it's running brilliantly. Switches over to gas seamlessly when the coolant gets to 45 degrees. Even when starting from cold it switches over in a matter of minutes. Not noticed any drop in performance when on gas. Went for a BRC system fitted by Gas Power UK in Exeter. Not a cheap conversion by any means, but it shows in the quality of the workmanship and their approach to customer service.

Glad to hear good reports on their system and workmanship, as I'm looking at getting a system from them in the spring...... Thanks and keep us updated if any problems .