Installing HBO in a car, i.e. about the cost, advantages and disadvantages of autogas

Interested in installing a gas system in your car? Remember that this is not only profit, but also additional obligations. Regular checks, services and formalities await you. Installing HBO installations is also a problem. This is why some people sometimes want to get rid of this system in their car. Is it possible to carry out effective disassembly? Discover the advantages and disadvantages of this still popular solution!

Installation of HBO installations - price list of services

The main criterion on which the installation price depends is the number of cylinders in the car. The method of its fuel supply is also important - carburetor, single or multi-point indirect or direct. How much does a good gas installation cost? It is estimated that the installation of a 4th generation HBO in a 2-cylinder engine costs about PLN XNUMX. It will be more expensive if you have:

• more modern engine;
• more cylinders;
• less space in the chamber. 

The 4th generation of supercharged cars sometimes costs more than PLN 5-XNUMX.

Installation of HBO - the price associated with its possession

Another cost item associated with the installation of LPG plants is technical inspections. New cars must pass the first technical inspection after three years, the second after another two, and then every year. Gasoline cars are different. Even in the case of factory installation, an annual check must be carried out. Its cost is also higher, as it is PLN 162. However, the price of a standard technical inspection does not exceed 10 euros.

Gas installation and formal duties

You already know the cost of installing HBO, but what about other necessary things? When you receive documentation from the LPG plant, you must contact your local communications department. Don't forget to bring with you:

• previously issued documents;
• Identification card;
• vehicle card;
• registration certificate. 

The proof will contain information that the car runs on liquefied gas. Officially, there is 30 days for this, but, as a rule, officials are not too strict with latecomers.

When the installation needs to be repaired, i.e. LPG cylinder replacement

The law states that pressurized fuel tanks have a permit for a certain time. In the case of those used for gas installations in cars, it is 10 years, and one gas bottle in a car can last up to 20 years. What to do when this time is up? You have two options - homologate your tank for the next 10 years or buy a brand new one. The price of legalization usually does not exceed 25 euros, and the replacement of gas cylinders is at least 10 euros higher.

How to replace a gas bottle in a car?

For the diagnostician conducting the inspection, it does not matter who installed the cylinder in the car. So you can spend several hundred zł for such a service along with a cylinder in a workshop or order a tank and replace it yourself. Of course, you must remember that this is not the easiest operation and requires attention, diligence, precision and far-reaching precautions. However, it is possible to independently install the HBO system, and the cylinder itself.

Step by step gas cylinder replacement

First you need to expel all the gas from the cylinder. Remember that some of it will remain inside, but it's more of a trace amount. Next, unscrew the hoses coming from the multivalve to the cylinder. Take a picture so you know how to connect the electrical wires later. The next step is to dismantle the multivalve itself, as it will need to be installed on a new tank. It has several bolts around the perimeter, and they are unscrewed one by one, as when changing wheels.

Replacing gas cylinders - what's next?

What to do next? Here are the next steps:

• install new gaskets at all joints;
• connect all electrical components to the multivalve;
• fill with gasoline and perform a leak test.

It is imperative that new gaskets are installed on all connections. Without this, most likely there will be a gas leak at the junctions. Another thing is to connect all the elements of the electrical system to the multivalve. After assembly is completed, fill in some gasoline and perform a leak test. Later, you can go to the diagnostic station for a technical inspection.

Dismantling the HBO system - why is it needed?

This type of procedure is most often performed for two reasons. First, it is a bad interaction with the engine. The second is unprofitable repairs that would have to be done on an old vehicle. During dismantling, as in the case of LPG installation, economic considerations are decisive. However, an important question arises. If you can replace the gas tank in the car yourself, is it possible to dismantle the entire installation yourself? Not necessary.

Dismantling a gas installation - what is it?

Getting rid of all the components of the installation can cause a lot of trouble. The first problem is the gearbox, which is connected to the cooling system, so removing it involves draining the fluid from the system. Next up are the injectors. Usually a place is drilled for them in the intake manifold, and after disassembly, they must be properly plugged. Another thing you need to consider is any wiring harness connections and properly latching when unplugged.

Dismantling of the HBO installation - SKP certificate

At the end, it is necessary to conduct an inspection and ask the diagnostician to issue a certificate on the removal of the HBO installation. If you receive them, you can contact the communications department, where the gas supply will be crossed out to you from the registration certificate. HBO dismantling and formalities are over!

Although the cost of installing gas is not that high, it needs to be thought through carefully. Sometimes liquefied gas brings more trouble than savings. Therefore, seek opinions, seek advice and calculate all costs. Then you will know what decision to make. The installation of a gas installation is not such a small item of expenditure in the case of newer generations. For LPG installations, the cost, of course, varies, and it all depends on the type of autogas. Installation should be carried out by specialists so that you do not have problems with the operation of HBO.