The Hidden Dangers of LPG Conversion for Vehicles

Do you want to save money on fuel and help the environment at the same time? If so, you might have considered converting your vehicle to run on LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas. LPG is a type of gas that can be used as an alternative to petrol or diesel. It is cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient than traditional fuels.

LPG conversion is a process that involves installing an extra tank, pipes, and injectors in your vehicle, so that it can use both LPG and petrol. This way, you can switch between the two fuels depending on your needs and availability. LPG conversion can offer many benefits, such as:

1. Saving up to 50% on fuel costs compared to petrol. 
2. Reducing your carbon footprint by lowering your CO2 emissions. 
3. Increasing your driving range by having two fuel options. 
4. Improving your engine performance and lifespan by using a cleaner fuel. 

However, before you decide to convert your vehicle to LPG, you should also be aware of the potential problems and risks that come with it. LPG conversion is not a simple or risk-free procedure. It can cause serious damage to your engine and compromise your safety if not done properly. In this article, we will reveal the hidden dangers of LPG conversion that are often overlooked or ignored by drivers and installers.

Worn Out or Broken Piston Rings

One of the most common problems of LPG conversion is the wear and tear of the piston rings. Piston rings are metal rings that fit around the pistons in the engine. They seal the gap between the pistons and the cylinder walls, preventing the gas from escaping and maintaining the compression. 

LPG has a higher ignition temperature than petrol, which means it burns hotter and faster. This can cause the piston rings to overheat and expand, resulting in loss of seal and increased friction. Over time, this can lead to worn out or broken piston rings, which can cause:

• Loss of power and performance
• Increased oil consumption and leakage
• Smoke emission and pollution
• Engine knock and noise
• Cylinder damage and failure. 

To avoid worn out or broken piston rings, it is advisable to check the oil level and pressure regularly. If the problem occurs, the piston rings should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. 

Cracks or Holes in Pistons

Another problem of LPG conversion is the cracking or holing of the pistons. Pistons are metal cylinders that move up and down in the engine, compressing and expanding the gas to create power. They are exposed to high temperatures and pressures, especially when using LPG. 

LPG can cause the pistons to overheat and crack, especially if the fuel mixture is too lean or the timing is too advanced. This can create holes in the pistons, allowing the gas to escape and reducing the compression. This can cause:

• Loss of power and performance
• Increased fuel consumption and cost
• Smoke emission and pollution
• Engine knock and noise
• Cylinder damage and failure. 

To avoid cracks or holes in pistons, it is advisable to use high-quality LPG equipment, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and adjust the fuel mixture and timing correctly. If the problem occurs, the pistons should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. 

Bent or Broken Conrods

Another problem of LPG conversion is the bending or breaking of the conrods. Conrods are metal rods that connect the pistons to the crankshaft in the engine. They transfer the motion of the pistons to the crankshaft, which rotates and drives the wheels. They are subjected to high forces and stresses, especially when using LPG. 

LPG can cause the conrods to bend or break, especially if the fuel mixture is too rich or the timing is too retarded. This can create excessive pressure and vibration in the engine, resulting in:

• Loss of power and performance
• Increased fuel consumption and cost
• Smoke emission and pollution
• Engine knock and noise
• Crankshaft damage and failure. 

To avoid bent or broken conrods, it is advisable to adjust the fuel mixture and timing correctly. If the problem occurs, the conrods should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. 

Noisy, Worn Big End Conrod Bearings

Another problem of LPG conversion is the noise and wear of the big end conrod bearings. Big end conrod bearings are metal rings that fit around the conrods and the crankshaft in the engine. They reduce the friction and noise between the conrods and the crankshaft, allowing them to rotate smoothly. They are lubricated by the engine oil, which also cools them down. 

LPG can cause the big end conrod bearings to become noisy and worn, especially if the oil level or pressure is low or the oil quality is poor. This can reduce the lubrication and cooling of the bearings, resulting in:

• Increased friction and heat
• Noise and vibration
• Metal particles in the oil
• Oil leakage and consumption
• Conrod and crankshaft damage and failure. 

To avoid noisy and worn big end conrod bearings, it is advisable to check the oil level and pressure regularly. It is also important to use the right type and grade of oil, and change it according to the service intervals. If the problem occurs, the big end conrod bearings should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. 

Low Oil Pressure, Worn Main Bearings

Another problem of LPG conversion is the low oil pressure and wear of the main bearings. Main bearings are metal rings that fit around the crankshaft and the engine block. They support the crankshaft and reduce the friction and noise between the crankshaft and the engine block. They are lubricated by the engine oil, which also cools them down. 

LPG can cause the oil pressure to drop and the main bearings to wear, especially if the oil pump is faulty or the oil filter is clogged. This can reduce the lubrication and cooling of the bearings, resulting in:

• Increased friction and heat
• Noise and vibration
• Metal particles in the oil
• Oil leakage and consumption
• Crankshaft and engine block damage and failure. 

To avoid low oil pressure and worn main bearings, it is advisable to check the oil pressure and filter regularly. It is also important to use the right type and grade of oil, and change it according to the service intervals. If the problem occurs, the oil pump and the main bearings should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. 

Worn Camshaft Lobes

Another problem of LPG conversion is the wear of the camshaft lobes. Camshaft lobes are metal bumps that stick out from the camshaft in the engine. They push the valves open and closed, allowing the gas to enter and exit the cylinders. They are lubricated by the engine oil, which also cools them down. 

LPG can cause the camshaft lobes to wear, especially if the valve springs are too stiff or the valve clearance is too tight. This can reduce the opening and closing of the valves, resulting in:

• Loss of power and performance
• Increased fuel consumption and cost
• Smoke emission and pollution
• Engine knock and noise
• Valve and cylinder damage and failure. 

To avoid worn camshaft lobes, it is advisable to check the valve springs and clearance regularly. It is also important to use the right type and grade of oil, and change it according to the service intervals. If the problem occurs, the camshaft lobes should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine. 

Cracked or Broken Crankshafts

Another problem of LPG conversion is the cracking or breaking of the crankshafts. Crankshafts are metal shafts that connect the pistons and the conrods to the wheels in the vehicle. They convert the up and down motion of the pistons into the rotational motion of the wheels. They are subjected to high forces and stresses, especially when using LPG. 

LPG can cause the crankshafts to crack or break, especially if the engine is overloaded or the fuel mixture is too rich or too lean. This can create excessive pressure and vibration in the engine, resulting in:

• Loss of power and performance
• Increased fuel consumption and cost
• Smoke emission and pollution
• Engine knock and noise
• Piston, conrod, and wheel damage and failure

To avoid cracked or broken crankshafts, it is advisable to overloading or misfiring the engine. It is also important to monitor the engine vibration and noise, and avoid overheating the engine. If the problem occurs, the crankshaft should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.

Blown Cylinder Head Gasket

Another problem of LPG conversion is the blowing of the cylinder head gasket. The cylinder head gasket is a thin metal or composite sheet that seals the gap between the cylinder head and the engine block. It prevents the gas, oil, and coolant from mixing or leaking. It also helps to maintain the compression and temperature in the cylinders.

LPG can cause the cylinder head gasket to blow, especially if the engine is overheated or the fuel mixture is too lean or too rich. This can create a breach in the seal, allowing the gas, oil, and coolant to mix or leak. This can cause:

• Loss of power and performance
• Increased fuel consumption and cost
• Smoke emission and pollution
• Engine knock and noise
• Overheating and coolant loss
• Oil and coolant contamination
• Cylinder and head damage and failure

To avoid blown cylinder head gasket, it is advisable to use high-quality LPG equipment, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and adjust the fuel mixture and timing correctly. It is also important to monitor the engine temperature and coolant level, and avoid overheating the engine. If the problem occurs, the cylinder head gasket should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.

Conclusion

LPG conversion can offer many benefits, such as saving money, reducing emissions, increasing range, and improving performance. However, it can also pose many problems and risks, such as worn out or broken piston rings, cracks or holes in pistons, bent or broken conrods, noisy or worn big end conrod bearings, low oil pressure or worn main bearings, worn camshaft lobes, cracked or broken crankshafts, and blown cylinder head gasket. These problems and risks can affect the safety and performance of your vehicle, and cause serious damage to your engine.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the hidden dangers of LPG conversion and to take proper measures to avoid or minimize them. You should always use high-quality LPG equipment, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, and check and maintain your brake system and your engine system regularly and properly. You should also consult a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to install, service, and repair your LPG system and appliances. If you notice any signs or symptoms of LPG problems, you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

We hope this article has helped you understand and solve your LPG problems. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading.

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