LPG Query

[Vaux-Man-G]

Hi folks,

Just a quick Q.

Im thinking of buying an LPG motor and may well be going to see one tomorrow. Seen an Astra and a Vectra, undecided yet.

What do I need to look ot for in terms of problems and what could go wrong with them?

Whats the simple and best way to test the LPG on a test drive and also whats the most common problems with these and how you I look out for these.

Thanks people!

[Ste]

Not really a lot to go wrong.

Watch for any stutter or hesitation when changing fuel type. Look at the indicator to see what fuel you're using at any time. Switch between fuel types and notice any large hesitations or stutters. You wilol also need to see the annual certification checks have been done and any servicable parts done (eg fuel heater parts)

Also, it shouldn't take long for it to switch from petrol start to using gas. If it takes more than a few minutes, then it could mean something wrong.

[Vaux-Man-G]

OK, thanks for that.

Also, is it tru that you should start the car with petrol, then swap over to gas?

[VauxVeteran]

Rough idle is a good pointer to walk away, even if they say they will sort it for you, my mate did 800 quid in and still didn't get it fixed.

[DenisCB]

My advice regarding lpg is don't. I had a Vectra B 2.0 lpg for 125,000 miles and it was a struggle all along. I eventually gave up the unequal fight after the cylinder head gasket blew on the Chester bypass. I needed a a new cylinder head (£750) because it turns out lpg eats alloy heads. So forget it.

[Kyser143]

mines a sri lpg vec c..had it since April 07 and touch wood been excellent so far...If its a factory fit..or millford fit lpg then it starts on petrol and converts auto so no need for you to worry abt changing it,..probs to look out for ...fill it up ensure you can get at least 35-40 in to tank when empty..misfires are common so drive smoothly in low gears so if ou notice owt..as said before change from petrol to gas to ensure it works fine..

[VauxVeteran]

My advice regarding lpg is don't. I had a Vectra B 2.0 lpg for 125,000 miles and it was a struggle all along. I eventually gave up the unequal fight after the cylinder head gasket blew on the Chester bypass. I needed a a new cylinder head (£750) because it turns out lpg eats alloy heads. So forget it.

That's about right tbh, my friends Omega LPG model gave problems at about 110k and he eventually got rid of it around 130k running like a bag of bolts.

[Hideous]

^ That's the thing - the LPG mpg figures look very tempting, but servicing costs, longevity etc. is not looking very good from quite a few reports.
I think I'd only run a new-ish factory lpg car under warranty at the moment.

[Vaux-Man-G]

Good advice for future folks, thanks. On this ocassions, I missed the car and im not too miffed about it now as it had 90k on it so the LPG probably didnt have much life left in it!