How to maintain gas installations so that cars work well on liquefied gas

For the car's LPG system to work properly, the driver must take care of it. Otherwise, the car will not only burn more, but also increase the risk of serious engine damage.

The main task of an automotive gas installation is to convert fuel from liquid to gaseous and supply it to the engine. In older cars with carburetor or single point injection, simpler systems are used - second generation vacuum systems. Such an installation consists of a cylinder, a reducer, an electromagnetic valve, a fuel dose control system and a mixer that mixes gas with air. Then he passes it further, in front of the throttle.

Consistent installation – maintenance every 15 km

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– Proper maintenance of such installations – replacement of filters – every 30 km of run and software check – every 15 km of run. The cost of inspection and filters is about PLN 60, says Wojciech Zielinski from Awres in Rzeszow.

For cars with multipoint injection, more complex sequential systems are used. Such an installation is an additional electronic module. Here, the gas is fed directly into the collector. A more complex system requires more frequent inspection.

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- The driver of such a car must visit the service every 15 thousand kilometers. During the visit, the mechanic replaces two fuel filters without fail. One is responsible for the gas in the liquid phase, the other for the gaseous phase. The car is also connected to the computer. If necessary, the installation is being finalized. As a result, the gas is properly supplied and burned. The cost of such a website is PLN 100, says Wojciech Zieliński.

Take care of the gearbox

In the case of gas-powered vehicles, one of the most common failures is the gearbox (aka the evaporator). This is the part where the gas changes from liquid to gas. The gearbox decides how much fuel the engine will receive. One of the elements of the evaporator is a soft thin membrane. It is she who, in response to a change in vacuum, decides how much gas to supply to the engine. Over time, the rubber becomes harder and the evaporator becomes inaccurate.

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If the rider drives it carefully, the engine will not be able to burn off the injected gas. HBO is wasted. Symptoms include the smell of unburnt gas remaining behind the vehicle, engine choking while driving. Let's remember that this is how we lose money, because instead of fueling our car, gasoline gets into the air.

The problem becomes even more serious if the driver behaves aggressively. A heavily loaded gearbox does not keep up with the gas supply, which makes the fuel mixture too lean. This means an increase in the combustion temperature, which in turn leads to faster wear of the valve seats and head along with the seals.

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“And then, especially in the case of newer cars, repair costs can reach even several thousand zlotys,” says Stanislav Plonka, an auto mechanic from Rzeszow.

Problems with the gearbox are often manifested by a stalling engine and problems with switching to LPG. Complete regeneration of the evaporator costs about PLN 200-300. Its durability during normal operation is estimated by mechanics at about 70-80 thousand. km.

Be careful where you refuel

An equally important issue is refueling at a proven station.

– Unfortunately, the quality of gas in Poland is very low. And bad fuel means problems with bricks during installation, says Wojciech Zieliński.

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As the mechanics explain, in the process of transition from a liquid state to a volatile state, paraffin and resin fall out of low-quality gas, which pollute the system. Clogged nozzles and reducer work inaccurately and unevenly. Do I need to use a different oil and spark plugs in a gas powered car?

- No. Candles, fuel, air and oil filters should be replaced after the same mileage as before the installation of the gas system. We also use the same oil. Preparation for engines running on liquefied gas is a common marketing ploy. “In terms of viscosity and lubricity, today most of the patented standard oils meet all the requirements,” says Wojciech Zieliński.

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Governorate Bartosz

photo by Bartosz Guberna