LPG Conversion
Thanks for the updated address to the forum. I wanted to find out some information on converting my 1984 230GE Gwagon to LPG and whether any one has had any experience of this.
At 13 MPG the cost of running my G is quite expensive even though I try to
do most of the maintenance and servicing myself so I think LPG would be the way
to save some money on fuel although installation cost is a bit dear. Also I
would be interested in any information on DIY LPG conversion systems. Having said this I read on a Sunday newspaper that the government is considering on U trurn on the subsidised LPG fuel and over 5 years the cost of LPG will be similar to the petrol/diesel alternative. :(
Finally I am finding it difficult to source a steering damper which I
believe is the cause of the car rattling at the speeds of around 50 mph. I
tried Mercedes dealers a few months ago but was informed that they are
having a problem with the manufacturers/suppliers. Any suggestions would be
appreciated.
Thanks for your effort in keeping the association going and I love the
photos in your web site.
Although I don't have any experience with the 230GE I do have an LPG converted Audi.
Basically there are 3 types of conversion.
1. Basic open loop. This system would simply supply gas into the air intake system of the G. Would require "tuning" on a regular basis. Like any petrol/carb type sytem.
2. As above but closed loop. Mostly fitted to CAT engine. Uses the Lamda/oxygen sensor in conjunction with some electronics to continually re tune the mixture.
3. Closed loop gas injection. As fitted to my Audi. Similair to multi point fuel injection. Best but most expensive to fit.
Suggest option 2 would be your best bet. Even if you don't have a CAT/lamda probe you can use this system (i think the G230 has bosh mechanical fuel injection?) If yes make sure you fit/have fitted a device that fully opens the airflow flap in the petrol injection system when running on gas. Options 1 & 2 can suffer from blow backs through the induction system.
1 and 2 you could fit yourself. 3 you could install but you would need someone with the relevent (expensive) software to set it up for you. Although it is self learning once setup.
Do a search on Google for LPG and you should find some forums. BEWARE there are loads of bodgers out there, go on personal recommendation if poss.
Anyone who is not up front about the 20% increase in consumption is one of the above. Some even claim better consumtion (as seen on some LR forums) if the consumtion improves it was running like a bag of nails before they started!
Side benifits. Oil at 10K looks like it has done 2-3K. Exhausts last and last. Low emmisions.
Good luck,
Russ
It may be of interest to you, there is a 280 saloon with LPG conversion on Ebay, may end up cheaper than a new installation. Is anyone surprised the "government" will tax LPG as much as they can, they do it everywhere else, you can get your own back though, there is available a LPG transfer pump which means you can empty a camping gas bottle into your car so no tax, illegal but satisfying.
I had my 230 converted to run on LPG 6 years ago. did around 20K with no problem at all. Used a Landi renzo single point system and it was fitted by Eco gas systems in Bidford on avon. Never back fired and run better on gas. Always use a LPGA approved installer. Cost me £1100 then, I now have my 280 and had a citroen on LPG. TAX on LPG was frozen for 5 years ands run out in 2004. But it will not be the same price as unleaded. There is not enough useres yet to warrant the greed. You should be getting 17MPG on petrol and around 13MPG on gas if you car is set up properly.
A WARNING avoid using Bosch spark plugs use NGK, had problems with Bosch on my 280, 300 GE and renault. If you get a conversion stipulate to converter to use a good NGK spark plug and re-new HT leads wih OME or a good alternative, this is vital to gain the most efficient running.
regards
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Thank you all for your contributions. I will contact Eco to find out more. :D