Lpg Conversion

[ManicMark]

Been on the net this morning and found an LPG conversion specialist. LPG North West at Preston. Says he can fit a single point kit with 70lt tank for £900 all in. The filler goes in the NS rear bumper. About 3" x 3" and sticks out about 5mm.

The only extra cost will be £35 to have the filler point sprayed to match the car (its black when fitted).

He gives a 2 years guarantee and says that it will be a OMVL reducer and all the other bits are common to all the kits.

He also gives a certificate for the insurance. He is LPG affiliated or something.

This sounds really cheap to me. At that rate i will be even within 9 months and saving money by the next MOT.

Does it sound about right to you ? Is it too cheap ? Is the OMVL kit the correct for my model, a 93 MKll ?

ON a single point an omvl reducer/vapouriser is the one to have, See if he can fit a small filler behind the petrol flap & screw on an addaptor. they are readerly available & less hastle all round than on the bumper ( not legal anyway unless its secured to the bodywork), Also make sure he fits an in line blow back valve as close to the inlet as possable & fit a secondry one in the airbox. £900 is a fair price for a reasonable single point closed loop kit. You would normally pay up to £1200 for it depending on how much they are chargeing labour. I think this guy in preston also fits multi point kits for £1300 & advertised on eBay a few months back

[Mybikesacx500]

Been on the net this morning and found an LPG conversion specialist. LPG North West at Preston. Says he can fit a single point kit with 70lt tank for £900 all in. The filler goes in the NS rear bumper. About 3" x 3" and sticks out about 5mm.

The only extra cost will be £35 to have the filler point sprayed to match the car (its black when fitted).

He gives a 2 years guarantee and says that it will be a OMVL reducer and all the other bits are common to all the kits.

He also gives a certificate for the insurance. He is LPG affiliated or something.

This sounds really cheap to me. At that rate i will be even within 9 months and saving money by the next MOT.

Does it sound about right to you ? Is it too cheap ? Is the OMVL kit the correct for my model, a 93 MKll ?

I think I have a 70L tank, takes about 50 to fill from empty, I would seriously consider a bigger tank, 140 mile range is a hassle, otherwise, I love having LPG

[39buss]

I've just sold my E39 528 BMW with LPG and loved its low running costs. LPG is harder on plugs than petrol so maybe a change of plugs. Some people like to fit the extra lube as LPG is 'drier' than petrol.LPG evaporates at 30° so your coolant system must be spot on.My BM changed over after ½mile from stone cold. On a big car a big tank makes sense and the spare can still be kept in the boot. If the space is needed, ie, holiday, then temporary roof bars to hold the wheel.Another method is convert a cycle rack to hold the wheel.Modern systems can have the filler under the fuel flap.I believe the regulations now stipulate a certain height and position from the ground. I dont own a Lexus but looking for one with gas.

Hi with regard to the flah lube kit the ls 400 does not need it. funny enough the gs300 does some converters insist on installing it though.

Another thing is you cant empty the LPG tank as the gas pick up leaves about 8/10 litres in. This will assure others on here when they fill up they only get about 58ltrs in a 67 ltre tank. Put £10 of petrol in at the same time as you wont get the car started if you run out of petrol even when hot.

Hi I put in £20 worth of petrol about every six months, On most systems the car petrol gauge works as normal (as with mine & the previous 2 cars ive had on lpg) If I was to need £10 worth of petrol every time I filled £25 worth of lpg I would have to tow a tanker behind me

hmmmm..... does that mean that you can never actually use the last 8/10 litres .... definitely need the 84l tank then. Also sounds a really sensible idea to carry 5 litres of petrol on a can in the boot - just in case it's switched to petrol and you haven't realised.

Mike

Hi Mike my tank runs to empty or as near as,i get 56 litres in if the weather is cold which is correct for my tank, it will only fill 80% ( allows for expansion if it gets warmer). You only have a large amount of gas left in a tank when the tank is fitted incorrectly, with a doughnut tank( not level) or a cylinder type tank with the valve at the wrong angle. I have never had an issue with running out of petrol as my petrol gauge works normally & if it runs out of gas my gas gauge goes red & bleeps. It is a good Idea to get the biggest tank poss though, you will loose about an inch in height in your boot. The new gas systems are top notch & all automatic (fool proof) so unless you are in the habbit of running out of petrol normally you will not find it any different with a gas conversion. I assume your car has a fuel gauge as does mine. You have a gs300 so will need a flashlube kit fitted with the conversion ( prevents valve seat ressesion).

[39buss]

I've just sold my E39 528 BMW with LPG and loved its low running costs. LPG is harder on plugs than petrol so maybe a change of plugs. Some people like to fit the extra lube as LPG is 'drier' than petrol.LPG evaporates at 30° so your coolant system must be spot on.My BM changed over after ½mile from stone cold. On a big car a big tank makes sense and the spare can still be kept in the boot. If the space is needed, ie, holiday, then temporary roof bars to hold the wheel.Another method is convert a cycle rack to hold the wheel.Modern systems can have the filler under the fuel flap.I believe the regulations now stipulate a certain height and position from the ground. I dont own a Lexus but looking for one with gas.

Hi with regard to the flah lube kit the ls 400 does not need it. funny enough the gs300 does some converters insist on installing it though.

Another thing is you cant empty the LPG tank as the gas pick up leaves about 8/10 litres in. This will assure others on here when they fill up they only get about 58ltrs in a 67 ltre tank. Put £10 of petrol in at the same time as you wont get the car started if you run out of petrol even when hot.

Hi I put in £20 worth of petrol about every six months, On most systems the car petrol gauge works as normal (as with mine & the previous 2 cars ive had on lpg) If I was to need £10 worth of petrol every time I filled £25 worth of lpg I would have to tow a tanker behind me

hmmmm..... does that mean that you can never actually use the last 8/10 litres .... definitely need the 84l tank then. Also sounds a really sensible idea to carry 5 litres of petrol on a can in the boot - just in case it's switched to petrol and you haven't realised.

Mike

Hi Mike my tank runs to empty or as near as,i get 56 litres in if the weather is cold which is correct for my tank, it will only fill 80% ( allows for expansion if it gets warmer). You only have a large amount of gas left in a tank when the tank is fitted incorrectly, with a doughnut tank( not level) or a cylinder type tank with the valve at the wrong angle. I have never had an issue with running out of petrol as my petrol gauge works normally & if it runs out of gas my gas gauge goes red & bleeps. It is a good Idea to get the biggest tank poss though, you will loose about an inch in height in your boot. The new gas systems are top notch & all automatic (fool proof) so unless you are in the habbit of running out of petrol normally you will not find it any different with a gas conversion. I assume your car has a fuel gauge as does mine. You have a gs300 so will need a flashlube kit fitted with the conversion ( prevents valve seat ressesion).

Good point about poorly fitted tank. My tank was only held by a thin metal strap and not by the welded brackets on the tank which are then bolted to the floor.

[sir john]

Been on the net this morning and found an LPG conversion specialist. LPG North West at Preston. Says he can fit a single point kit with 70lt tank for £900 all in. The filler goes in the NS rear bumper. About 3" x 3" and sticks out about 5mm.

The only extra cost will be £35 to have the filler point sprayed to match the car (its black when fitted).

He gives a 2 years guarantee and says that it will be a OMVL reducer and all the other bits are common to all the kits.

He also gives a certificate for the insurance. He is LPG affiliated or something.

This sounds really cheap to me. At that rate i will be even within 9 months and saving money by the next MOT.

Does it sound about right to you ? Is it too cheap ? Is the OMVL kit the correct for my model, a 93 MKll ?

ON a single point an omvl reducer/vapouriser is the one to have, See if he can fit a small filler behind the petrol flap & screw on an addaptor. they are readerly available & less hastle all round than on the bumper ( not legal anyway unless its secured to the bodywork), Also make sure he fits an in line blow back valve as close to the inlet as possable & fit a secondry one in the airbox. £900 is a fair price for a reasonable single point closed loop kit. You would normally pay up to £1200 for it depending on how much they are chargeing labour. I think this guy in preston also fits multi point kits for £1300 & advertised on eBay a few months back

I asked him about putting the gas filler under the petrol filler flap but he said that to do that he would need an adapter and fitting one is illegal. Something about being affiliated to the LPG thingie.

Im now wondering if it could go on the back pannel along side the rear # plate.

[ManicMark]

Been on the net this morning and found an LPG conversion specialist. LPG North West at Preston. Says he can fit a single point kit with 70lt tank for £900 all in. The filler goes in the NS rear bumper. About 3" x 3" and sticks out about 5mm.

The only extra cost will be £35 to have the filler point sprayed to match the car (its black when fitted).

He gives a 2 years guarantee and says that it will be a OMVL reducer and all the other bits are common to all the kits.

He also gives a certificate for the insurance. He is LPG affiliated or something.

This sounds really cheap to me. At that rate i will be even within 9 months and saving money by the next MOT.

Does it sound about right to you ? Is it too cheap ? Is the OMVL kit the correct for my model, a 93 MKll ?

ON a single point an omvl reducer/vapouriser is the one to have, See if he can fit a small filler behind the petrol flap & screw on an addaptor. they are readerly available & less hastle all round than on the bumper ( not legal anyway unless its secured to the bodywork), Also make sure he fits an in line blow back valve as close to the inlet as possable & fit a secondry one in the airbox. £900 is a fair price for a reasonable single point closed loop kit. You would normally pay up to £1200 for it depending on how much they are chargeing labour. I think this guy in preston also fits multi point kits for £1300 & advertised on eBay a few months back

I asked him about putting the gas filler under the petrol filler flap but he said that to do that he would need an adapter and fitting one is illegal. Something about being affiliated to the LPG thingie.

Im now wondering if it could go on the back pannel along side the rear # plate.

No problem with that if it will fit there, I have mine fitted on the towbar opposite side to the electrics.

[mikesands]

damn ... I was really keen on doing the lpg conversion and the guy I use to do all my servicing happens to be a Romano fitter. But I've just looked through the Lexus approved used car warranty and they clearly say:

Item 4. Warranty Exclusions:

The warranty will not apply in the following circumstances:

.....

13. Where the engine has been converted to run on LPG

....

my spreadsheet was showing payback in 14 months

Mike

[sparkyhx]

damn ... I was really keen on doing the lpg conversion and the guy I use to do all my servicing happens to be a Romano fitter. But I've just looked through the Lexus approved used car warranty and they clearly say:

Item 4. Warranty Exclusions:

The warranty will not apply in the following circumstances:

.....

13. Where the engine has been converted to run on LPG

....

my spreadsheet was showing payback in 14 months

Mike

is there any clarification? is it a blanket exclusion or just an exclusion on ECU/engine/fueling problems i.e. if the suspension went or gearbox would they not be covered?

It might be worth seeking clarification and then deciding whether the nullifying part of the warranty cover is worth the risk. Engines are bomb proof so the likelyhood of a claim under warranty is much less unlikely than eg starter motor, alternator, window motor etc which may still be covered.

[mikesands]

yep Sparky, that's precisely what I'm in the process of doing. Lexus dealer is giving verbal assurances that anything unaffected would still be covered, but I have said that we both (them and me) want it in writing from Lexus GB who only seem to be reselling an insurance policy of TGB Insurance Services Ltd.

Mike

[ManicMark]

yep Sparky, that's precisely what I'm in the process of doing. Lexus dealer is giving verbal assurances that anything unaffected would still be covered, but I have said that we both (them and me) want it in writing from Lexus GB who only seem to be reselling an insurance policy of TGB Insurance Services Ltd.

Mike

Sounds like it could be a goer then fingers crossed

[deskbound]

fyi

I have a RX300 51 plate..got a multipoint kit fitted (Zavoli, Italian). 70 ltr donut tank in spare wheel well, consistently get about 19mpg on lpg, working range of 240-250 miles. Change from petrol is seamless with an audible click and within half a mile. Performance drop is negligble. Car will cruise at 70,80,90 all day long (more to do with the car itself rather than lpg per se). I usually keep 1/4 tank of petrol, my rule is to stick in 1gal of petrol every 4rth fill up with LPG. I zero out the trip meter and go by that. The petrol fuel gauge mainly shows empty, with the empty light on most of the time. It resets itself periodically and then you get the correct petrol reading. Gauge is ECU driven largely and only occasionally does it take a reading from the float in the fuel tank.

Whenver I can, I buy from Flogas depots around the country. Flogas have a good website http://www.flogas.co.uk/gas-finder/ and tell you which depot does what so you can plan your route in advance. Shell are overcharging by a wide margin most of the time, unless there is a Morrisons/Asda nearby then they might be a bit more competitive.

Have done 24k trouble free miles and have recouped the install costs (£1500). I have a Flashlube kit fitted to counter the valve seat recession problem. However, I always have niggling doubts in my mind as to when this problem might strike and how it will manifest itself. Fitter said you wont notice any issues until after 50k miles on gas...I'll get there in another 12 months!! But has anybody done any studies on the 3ltr engine running on petrol vs gas...and then have they opened up the engine to see what the differences were? This is the only thing tempting me to sell the car now before any valve problems arise...as this will be a big cost item to fix.

The Chunnel will refuse lpg cars. Mainland Europe, lpg is much more widely available, though not much cheaper, now that the £/Euro rate is not so favourable.

Overall, I highly recommend the gas route but only if you do at least 15k per year or plan to keep the car for at least 5 years if doing less mileage.

Hope this helps

[ManicMark]

fyi

I have a RX300 51 plate..got a multipoint kit fitted (Zavoli, Italian). 70 ltr donut tank in spare wheel well, consistently get about 19mpg on lpg, working range of 240-250 miles. Change from petrol is seamless with an audible click and within half a mile. Performance drop is negligble. Car will cruise at 70,80,90 all day long (more to do with the car itself rather than lpg per se). I usually keep 1/4 tank of petrol, my rule is to stick in 1gal of petrol every 4rth fill up with LPG. I zero out the trip meter and go by that. The petrol fuel gauge mainly shows empty, with the empty light on most of the time. It resets itself periodically and then you get the correct petrol reading. Gauge is ECU driven largely and only occasionally does it take a reading from the float in the fuel tank.

Whenver I can, I buy from Flogas depots around the country. Flogas have a good website http://www.flogas.co.uk/gas-finder/ and tell you which depot does what so you can plan your route in advance. Shell are overcharging by a wide margin most of the time, unless there is a Morrisons/Asda nearby then they might be a bit more competitive.

Have done 24k trouble free miles and have recouped the install costs (£1500). I have a Flashlube kit fitted to counter the valve seat recession problem. However, I always have niggling doubts in my mind as to when this problem might strike and how it will manifest itself. Fitter said you wont notice any issues until after 50k miles on gas...I'll get there in another 12 months!! But has anybody done any studies on the 3ltr engine running on petrol vs gas...and then have they opened up the engine to see what the differences were? This is the only thing tempting me to sell the car now before any valve problems arise...as this will be a big cost item to fix.

The Chunnel will refuse lpg cars. Mainland Europe, lpg is much more widely available, though not much cheaper, now that the £/Euro rate is not so favourable.

Overall, I highly recommend the gas route but only if you do at least 15k per year or plan to keep the car for at least 5 years if doing less mileage.

Hope this helps

You should have no problem with the flashlube fitted I assume its the same 3.0 litre lump as in the gs300 ( which needs flash lube)

[39buss]

I dont own a Lexus but looking for one with gas.

just found this

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1236484.htm

I've looked at that one 3 weeks ago. Sad looking car, baldy tyres, bubbly alloys, couple of the centre console displays dont work, flat Battery, gaffer tape round the air intake to engine and a bit scuffed inside. LPG fitted 3 years ago by local company,6yrs Lexus history and full history by independants with 2 belt changes. £3000 for an M reg in this nick wasnt for me.

[Fergus the dog]

I bought my LS 400 two years ago with an OMVL Dream System, which the previous owner had done at 125000 k

The car has now got 222000 k on it, and has run without any problems, although the LPG injectors were rplaced under a parts warraty as they started to leak (at around 158K) so the new injectors have done over 67K.

Advise you get a flash lube system fitted - costs about 40£ and the flash lube is around £14 a ltr, but this should last you 20K or so.

Only down side is the tank is where the spare wheel goes, so the boot is partially filled up by the spare wheel, but basically my car is a workhorse, 160 mile a day round trip to work and back, so don't really need large boot capacity.

Look on eBay for some conversion deals - the prices are coming down as converters are competing for work - and don't think the most expensive id the best, all in all they do the same job.

Good luck

[ManicMark]

I bought my LS 400 two years ago with an OMVL Dream System, which the previous owner had done at 125000 k

The car has now got 222000 k on it, and has run without any problems, although the LPG injectors were rplaced under a parts warraty as they started to leak (at around 158K) so the new injectors have done over 67K.

Advise you get a flash lube system fitted - costs about 40£ and the flash lube is around £14 a ltr, but this should last you 20K or so.

Only down side is the tank is where the spare wheel goes, so the boot is partially filled up by the spare wheel, but basically my car is a workhorse, 160 mile a day round trip to work and back, so don't really need large boot capacity.

Look on ebay for some conversion deals - the prices are coming down as converters are competing for work - and don't think the most expensive id the best, all in all they do the same job.

Good luck

Hi the 400 doesnt need flashlube, its the gs300 that suffers valve seat recession, my mates done 130k with no flashlube & no problems ive done 15k & all is well, some installers insist on it though.