Reports of possible valve sticking on vehicles using liquid propane gas (LPG) have come to the notice of the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority.
The Authority warns that if such vehicles are not run for more than two weeks, valves can seize in the head. If this happens the valve train, pistons and possibly the head can be damaged.
In a situation where the engine has been left for an extended period without running then it should be turned over by hand to make sure everything works before the engine is started.
Alternatively, run the engine for a few minutes at least once a fortnight.
LPG -Friend or Foe?
Liquefied petroleum gas is considered by some motorists to be a dangerous Fuel.
But LPG-fuelled vehicles in NSW are subject to extensive fuel system safety checks at each registration renewal, says the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority. In some countries vehicle insurance rates are lower on LPG-fuelled vehicles than on petrol-fuelled ones.
In NSW, installation, repair or service of LPG systems can only be carried out by motor mechanics who have completed a two-week full-time course and who hold an LPG mechanic certificate issued by the Authority.
Vehicle owners are not permitted to touch their LPG system and face severe penalties if they attempt to do so.
There are not nearly as many accidents with LPG cars as there are with petrol-powered vehicles.
LPG and the Travelling Salesman
There are many misconceptions surrounding the installation, use and effects of LPG, the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority says.
A travelling salesman wrote to the Authority saying he had fitted LPG to his car because of the distance he travelled in his job. It had proved very economical. But now he needed to replace his car and all the suitable replacements had fuel injection instead of a carburettor, like his old vehicle.
"Many people do not realise that LPG can be fitted to a vehicle with fuel injection very successfully," says Authority spokesperson Colin Brown. "There are two types of normal fuel in use, diesel and petrol. All diesel engines are fuel injected and they use a system of LPG fuel enrichment, whereby both the diesel fuel and LPG are used together to provide power and economy.
"In a petrol engine you use one fuel at a time, either LPG or petrol, not both. "There is a difference in the ignition settings and with the older cars, it required a modification to the distributor resulting in a compromise between the best setting for each fuel.
"In terms of electronic ignition and fuel injection, it is easier to get maximum performance from either fuel because the electronics can be modified to get maximum power from either fuel."
Mr Brown advises motorists to make sure a licensed LPG mechanic fits and maintains the equipment to ensure long life and maximum performance. read more . . .
