lpg on the cards, what jobs to do at the same time?

hi folks,

Looking at getting an LPG conversion kit for my GEMS V8, just hoping to get some input on maintenance jobs to do at the same time.

Since I'll be removing the inlet manifold I thought it's probably not a stretch to take the heads off and replace the gaskets so bought a head gasket kit (rockers, inlet, valley seals, heads etc).

On a pretty tight budget atm but what else should I look at getting done at the same time?

Engines done 140k but has been well serviced.

JD. said:

hi folks,

Looking at getting an LPG conversion kit for my GEMS V8, just hoping to get some input on maintenance jobs to do at the same time.

Since I'll be removing the inlet manifold I thought it's probably not a stretch to take the heads off and replace the gaskets so bought a head gasket kit (rockers, inlet, valley seals, heads etc).

On a pretty tight budget atm but what else should I look at getting done at the same time?

Engines done 140k but has been well serviced.

Click to expand...

If it"s not broke! why fix it?

john winsemius said:

If it"s not broke! why fix it?

Click to expand...

Agreed.

If it's not showing any signs of HGF, I would leave it be - you could do more harm than good by disturbing it.

Keep the gasket set though, it's sure to come in handy sooner or later

make sure the engine is well cooled and everything in tip top condition.

LPG will cause hotter cylinder temps which can burn valves and cause other problems

Thanks for the input guys, much appreciated.

More than happy to leave it alone if it's not recommended to change, just thought since I was gonna be more than halfway there it's not much further to go gettin the heads off.
No HGF signs I can see; coolant level always the same, oil is clean, no white smoke...the top hose pressurises pretty hard, but softens quick enough when engine cools.

Changed the stat and put new coolant in not long ago, coolant get's to 90°C quick enough but doesn't go much over that. Is it worth rigging the Aircon fans to kick in for extra cooling?

you will proberly find that the cam is fubar when you get the manifold off at the milage it is par for the course!
rigging the air can fans will not help all that much as the ecu wil control them in a overheating issue but again they are not designed to run in that way ensure that the rads are clear of blockages and no coolant leaks

vougese39 said:

you will proberly find that the cam is fubar when you get the manifold off at the milage it is par for the course!
rigging the air can fans will not help all that much as the ecu wil control them in a overheating issue but again they are not designed to run in that way ensure that the rads are clear of blockages and no coolant leaks

Click to expand...

Stuart is spot on here - at 140k the cam and lifters will be shot,and the big ends/mains will be worn out too.Fitting LPG to it will just kill it off if its not set up just so.

Had a look at the camshaft yesterday, pretty worn as expected but not too bad. I Knew at that mileage and engine rebuild/replacement was gonna be needed at some point, was hopin to get some more mileage out of it yet though as it's been pretty well serviced.

Thought I'd put a pic of the camshaft up:

from the staining of the alloy it has had good oil and regular services but it can still have worm bearing and check the cam bearings too they swear well and it is the top of the bearing that wears the most

Cheers for more input voguese, appreciated pal.
Will look at replacing the cam, bearings and followers when cash allows!