Lpgc wrote:I've fixed a few factory fitted Transit LPG systems since the last time I visited this forum.
What you're up against is the majority of Autogas pros claiming to understand (so able to diagnose/fix) these systems when actually most of them don't understand them and are unlikely to be able to fix them. Visit one of those blokes and it's unlikely they'll admit to not knowing how to fix them, instead you'll usually get charged for a service (filters change) even though the bloke probably knows changing filters won't improve matters at all, and maybe get charged for a diagnostic on top (which since the bloke doesn't understand the system equates to his best guess at what's wrong). Such bloke might tell you the problem seems due to a certain faulty part, and you take that on board because the bloke claims to be a knowledgeable specialist, so you might go on to spend money on replacing the part only to find that didn't fix the problem... The bloke then says 'Looks like another part must be broken too', so you go on to change another part... Replace enough bits and the system will be fixed because you've more or less fitted a new LPG system - but the fix would have cost you a lot more than it should have.
Common scenario: Phone rings, I answer it, customer asks 'Do you do LPG servicing'? I say 'Yes, does it run properly on LPG or is there a problem?'. If they say 'No problem I just thought it time the filters got changed and LPG system serviced' I'll say 'Yes thats a good idea' and we'll arrange a date/time for the service. If the customer tells me there's a problem, I tell them it's unlikely that a filter change/service would fix the problem and that they'd be better off coming for a diagnostic. When you come for a diagnostic I immediately set about finding the cause of the fault and looking into the best way of repairing it rather than going through the motions of changing filters which I know won't repair it.
About 5 times out of 10 when I fix an aftermarket LPG system and about 8 times out of 10 when I fix a factory fitted LPG system the vehicle owner has already visited at least one other (sometimes more than 3 other) LPG system specialists and already had filters changed, maybe also some LPG parts changed, and so far that hasn't fixed the problem. They have usually spent much more at the other places than I would have charged in the first place and I would have fixed it straight away, often without needing to charge for any parts at all.
Problems with LPG systems must be one of only a few types of vehicle problem where the owner often thinks a service will stand a chance of fixing it... You wouldn't be very impressed with a garage if you took your vehicle in with most other types of issues and the garage said ' Well before we start looking for what's wrong we should first change the air filter, oil and oil filter because we expect doing that will probably cure it'. Servicing is preventative maintenance, it prevents bits wearing out, it doesn't miraculously cure bits that have worn out.
I'm LPGC on Lpgforum too.
Simon
Hi Simon,
I've done searches on many forums and yet to find anyone with any knowledge on these LPG systems.
I have a 03 mk6 lpg/petrol and was running fine on both, then slowly started playing up on the LPG side, would run OK when cold then once warmed up would shut off amd stall.
Now it won't even run at all when it switches over to LPG I just get the old kangaroo drive till I switch back to petrol.
Based on that, what would suggest I start looking at? RpM filter seems to be a no go cos I can't find anyone who has one or where to locate one.
Any help would be amazing.
Stuart
