Please share your LPG experiences...

blackstrat said:

Feck me I've a lot to learn about LPG

What happens about a gauge then, do you have a separate one or does a separate sender share the car's gauge?

..and does the car smell gassy like when Grandad boils the kettle?

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You have a seperate filler & the common option is a torroidal tank that is situated where the spare wheel would be (under the boot floor) so no loss of space but you lose the spare wheel, unless carried in the boot.
You have a seperate fuel guage, situated on the dash, or wherever you want it.
On a sequential system, you can switch fuels at the push of a switch & the switchover should be seemless. When the LPG tank is empty, the fuel will switch back over to unleaded.
No bad smells on mine, a nice sound though

So you run on LPG all the time just keep a couple of gallons of petrol in the tank for when the gas runs out yes?

So far the message seems to be that on LPG it'll cost much the same to run a V8 Classic as my TD4 Freelander but there's an on-going debate about LPG's reliability and associated hassles.

What's the most common V8 in the 1990's Classics - 3.9EFi?

Pays your money and takes your chance- I've had several lpg vehicles and I don't believe that they were worth the effort.
If you look at buying one realise that the inital fuel bill looks cheaper,but you get less power and distance.

I wouldn't have another lpg vehicle, buy a diesel or stand the v8 running costs.
Rv8 are slow and ineffective as they are out of the arc

fanatic said:

Pays your money and takes your chance- I've had several lpg vehicles and I don't believe that they were worth the effort.
If you look at buying one realise that the inital fuel bill looks cheaper,but you get less power and distance.

I wouldn't have another lpg vehicle, buy a diesel or stand the v8 running costs.
Rv8 are slow and ineffective as they are out of the arc

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I think it might be easier and less risky to go with a TDi I must admit.

blackstrat said:

I think it might be easier and less risky to go with a TDi I must admit.

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ok so in the interests of balance as I've had both tdi and v8's and like them equally, have you read up on the MANY problems people have with tdi's?

It turns out they are about as unreliable as a v8 on lpg

In the end it's up to you.

blackstrat said:

I think it might be easier and less risky to go with a TDi I must admit.

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200 amd 300 tdi are generally reliable, avoid VM

I've had two RR's with VM in and they were fine but I should think they're too old now and spares would be an issue. I'd be happy with either TDi lump except I'm thinking that in a RR the mpg would not be great.

fanatic said:

200 amd 300 tdi are generally reliable, avoid VM

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+1 & tbh the only downfall with lpg is availability compared to diesel

Based on past bitter experience & subsequent research in the early 2000's I would never convert any RV8, except maybe the original 3.5, to LPG. The combustion chamber temperature is hotter than when running on petrol & there is evidence that this condition can contribute to the infamous 'slipped liner' problem. The vehicle has a higher mpg on LPG, fuel outlets are scarce, tanks only fill to 80% (if you are lucky) & the system itself needs to be serviced. If you can't afford to run a V8 look for a more economical alternative

barmatt said:

ok so in the interests of balance as I've had both tdi and v8's and like them equally, have you read up on the MANY problems people have with tdi's?

It turns out they are about as unreliable as a v8 on lpg

In the end it's up to you.

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The only reason you get unreliable TDi's is usually down to how they are looked after. Service them regularly and they will last, neglect and abuse them and they will be trouble.

norseman said:

Based on past bitter experience & subsequent research in the early 2000's I would never convert any RV8, except maybe the original 3.5, to LPG. The combustion chamber temperature is hotter than when running on petrol & there is evidence that this condition can contribute to the infamous 'slipped liner' problem. The vehicle has a higher mpg on LPG, fuel outlets are scarce, tanks only fill to 80% (if you are lucky) & the system itself needs to be serviced. If you can't afford to run a V8 look for a more economical alternative

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Not true, LPG runs about 15% less than MPG on unleaded.
I've never had a problem finding LPG stations.
My system requires a service every 24k miles (it also tells you this when a service is ready). Generally just filters, not expensive - less than £100 for a full LPG service.
Like i said, keep your cooling system in top condition & there should be no problems running LPG on RV8's. Main cause of problems with the V8's is a poor condition cooling system - unleaded or LPG.

It does amaze me how much carp some people talk about LPG!!!!
Simply its a good fuel and works every bit as well as petrol. I have several motors and never seen any issues like those stated. Runs hotter? Load of carp, runs cooler if anything due to vapouriser. Lower power, no way if you set her up right you get MORE power and better mpg. Blows engine up ect,ext. Utter rubbish.
If its serviced directly like any mechanical item should be it will be trouble free.
LPG stations are everywhere now have a look at fill lpg.com

I remember when they said supermarket fuel would screw your engine up............we now all know not true that was not and enjoy fuel at average 10p Lt cheaper.

Go lpg it works and you get a lovely V8 to Play with

martynv8 said:

Not true, LPG runs about 15% less than MPG on unleaded.
I've never had a problem finding LPG stations.
My system requires a service every 24k miles (it also tells you this when a service is ready). Generally just filters, not expensive - less than £100 for a full LPG service.
Like i said, keep your cooling system in top condition & there should be no problems running LPG on RV8's. Main cause of problems with the V8's is a poor condition cooling system - unleaded or LPG.

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Yes more mpg, its true.
Do make sure the ignition timing is set up correctly for lpg and not as a compromise between petrol/lpg. A electronic gizmo can change it automatically.

quattro6999 said:

The only reason you get unreliable TDi's is usually down to how they are looked after. Service them regularly and they will last, neglect and abuse them and they will be trouble.

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Thanks, that was exactly my point. I never had any major issues with any of my tdi or v8 engined landies as I like to think that I maintain them quite well and because of that I have relatively trouble free motoring.

pete1987RRC said:

Yes more mpg, its true.
Do make sure the ignition timing is set up correctly for lpg and not as a compromise between petrol/lpg. A electronic gizmo can change it automatically.

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Thats a first. On a good run i can get 18-19mpg from LPG. On unleaded i would be getting around 22 mpg.
LPG is less 'calorific' than unleaded hence the decrease in MPG.
LPG is also higher octane so reduces the chances of pre-ignition, which can cause localised overheating.
Mine is a Tartarini sequential system & runs perfectly. The key is to make sure the engine is running very well on unleaded before setting trims for LPG.
I don't notice much reduction in power.

I am an LPG convert. I have DIY fitted LPG to two cars now, a X300 Jag, and then I fitted the same system (with a few extra bits) to my 4.6 V8 P38.

Both cars have run very well on LPG, the P38 gives me about 235 miles to 74 litres of gas or so.

It's dead easy to fit yourself, and set up. So long as you can use a Meccano set and operate an electric drill, you can LPG your car.

There are always loads of stories about Rover V8s slipping liners on LPG, but theres no evidence. They slip liners in TVRs and in countries where LPG is almost unheard of like the USA. Just because a V8 slips a liner on LPG doesn't mean the LPG caused it to slip the liner.

Fact is the Rover V8 at 4.6 litres is not a strong engine, no matter what you run it on you might get unlucky.

If your engine is fuel injected get a recent sequential LPG system, and it'll run great. The LPG system copies the petrol injection pulses so there no need to "tune" it for petrol or gas. As you drive more and more on LPG the engine management will use the feedback it gets from the engine to continually tune the engine just like it does on petrol. They even set themselves up automatically these days.

Mine's been great for nearly two years now, so far no problems, just reasonable running costs for a massive car with a thirsty engine.

I'd say go for it, with the 12,000 mile oil service periods the V8 has, I think it makes running one actually cheaper than the diesel.

+1
Couldn't agree more

Having now had 3 Vehicles on LPG...

Currently my beloved 2003 M62TUB44 powered L322 4.4 with a BRC Multi-point system and 90ltr Tordial Tank and my 1999 M62TUB35 powered 735i with an OMVL Dream XXI-N Multi-point system and 90ltr Torpedo Tank....

And previously a 1993 3.9 RRC with a Lovato Single Point system with twin 50ltr underslung Torpedo Tanks....

They run superbly, keep the ignition system and cooling system up to muster (just like you should on any vehicle - let alone a Range Rover), ensure the install is a good one and is setup correctly and they'll run just fine.

My '93 Classic returned 12-15mpg on LPG and yes all LPG powered vehicles do run about 15% less efficent due to the less energetic burn charectoristics of LPG against petrol, but the cost per litre is lower. You will save around 40% the cost of petrol equivalent.

I prefer to measure it in Pence per Mile rather than MPG - my Diesel P38 returned 25.1mpg and cost 23p per mile....my current L322 returns 15.1mpg and costs around 21p per mile.

My 735i returns 19.8mpg and this is about 16p per mile.....

On the Classics Single Point system, if the Gas pressure was getting low, it did have a tendancy to backfire through the air intake, splitting hoses, but you can fit a 'Fart Flap' which is a valve that closes on back pressure and vents sideways then closes again to prevent intake hose damage....

Multi-point systems are seamless in operation (atleast mine are thankfully) and you don't notice the switch over from petrol to gas and back again!

They will start on petrol until the coolant reaches a certain temperature to warm the vapouriser sufficently to efficently vapourise the Liquid into a Gas for injection, in the L322 this takes about a mile or so, in the BMW a little further...but once the coolant reaches about 55degC it switches to LPG and off you go.

LPG is a good fuel at half the cost and 40% savings...a good and correctly installed system will run well without issues....always ensure you get the Certificate from the Installer for the system but if not, get it looked over by a Garage who is member of the LPG Association to ensure it has been installed safely and correctly.

Saint.V8 said:

always ensure you get the Certificate from the Installer for the system

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Further to this, I think it more important these days to make sure it's on the UKLPG register.

You can check any car you are looking at buying on the website here...

LPG Autogas - the greener, cleaner and cheaper fuel alternative

A lot of insurers now use that database as proof of a correct installation. And like the MOT there is no certificate for it, if you pass the inspection the inspector puts you on.

If a car you buy isn't on there you may find it harder to get insurance, or you'll have to pay someone to inspect your car and out you on.

MrGorsky said:

Further to this, I think it more important these days to make sure it's on the UKLPG register.

You can check any car you are looking at buying on the website here...

LPG Autogas - the greener, cleaner and cheaper fuel alternative

A lot of insurers now use that database as proof of a correct installation. And like the MOT there is no certificate for it, if you pass the inspection the inspector puts you on.

If a car you buy isn't on there you may find it harder to get insurance, or you'll have to pay someone to inspect your car and out you on.

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Quite correct, both of mine are on the register.