LPG cold start problems

Post by **robintb** » 01 Oct 2006, 18:28

I've read a few posts which mention the problem i've got but still cant get rid of it -

LPG on a 2.0 CU engine cold starting -Tried the following:
Ignition to first until light goes out then start under full throttle, opening throttle during light on (gas being pumped) then trying to start, adjusting chokes to be open a little while cold - all with no joy, just one battery thats getting rather tired.

After waiting the 4 seconds for the light to go out, do you have to turn the ignition key all the way off again before turning folly on? Sorry, still quite new to this lpg system and inherited it with the van

I don't want to have to keep starting on petrol then switching over, want to be purely on gas.

Anybody got any suggestions, graetfully received

Thanks

Robin

Post by **Mash** » 01 Oct 2006, 19:02

sorry Robin we have the same problem we have to leave the van on petrol just before stopping so it will strart again at all

Post by **alden1957** » 01 Oct 2006, 20:19

Hi, Adjust the chokes till they does not work at all ..meaning permanently OPEN..Then start on LPG..
If the chokes are closed when cold the LPG can't get down the carbs to the inlets..Mine starts every time even on very cold mornings with chokes fully OPEN.
Al

Post by **Trundler** » 02 Oct 2006, 18:35

Yep, the throttle should be wide open during the initial phase. Not sure about the details of your system but you should be able to repeat the 'turn on and wait' routine two or three times before starting if it's stubborn. Throttle wide all the time.

That seemed to work on mine anyway but the problem was cured completely after cleaning the solenoid valves on the regulator.

Post by **Sven** » 08 Oct 2006, 15:27

Interesting thought about the choke flaps. My van runs on lpg 99% of the time and recently with the mornings cooling off of a bit it seems to take longer to start. Its never started first time on lpg. But when on petrol its amazing how fast it starts.
I wonder if i should look at the choke when cold???
Sven

Post by **wobbly** » 09 Oct 2006, 08:35

Mine starts from cold,first time every time, on LPG with no problems. Very rarely switch to carb and then not because of the engine temp. Running a standard carb but i think the choke has been set to full as the boys suggest above.

Post by **Cruz** » 10 Oct 2006, 05:46

I'm getting the same problem and assumed it may be the choke as it also cuts out occassionally at the lights down the road.

How do you set the choke? (mechanical dolt)

Post by **robintb** » 10 Oct 2006, 11:48

I've set my chokes to fully open peramnently - still the same problem. Other things that might be causing it -
1.I've got a horrible 009 distributor,
2. the points might need replacing.

Other symptoms, its popping and backfiring a bit more than usual when cold (maybe the weather again or one of the aboe), and even on petrol from cold, it sometimes takes 3-5 attempts to start - turn key with full throttle, engine starts to turn, then dies - this happens a few times then finally cataches. Now I think the problem is further compounded by my battery getting more and more knackered so the turnover speed isn't up to what it should be.

going to get myself a 'proper' electronic distributor and new hall effect unit and idle stabilizer

cheers'en

Robin

Post by **andyhagerty** » 22 Oct 2006, 13:48

Hi

I had the same problem with starting on LPG. Adjusted the choke, but it made no difference. Started looking at the electrics. Changed the distributer cap and rotor arm, plus cleaned all the leads. Now seems fine (crossed fingers). I gather if you run on LPG the electrics are far more critical than on petrol.

Good luck

Andy

Post by **ROBS T25** » 22 Oct 2006, 17:48

give steve shaw a ring mate hes the daddy of lpg

Post by **ghost123uk** » 10 Nov 2006, 14:27

Whilst on this subject...

I could ask Steve, but I know he is always busy and probably got better things to do than answer daft questions from me. Especially as it's not an issue, I am just curious.

As we know all petrol equipped vehicles have some method of enriching the mixture when cold ( choke on carb, fuel enrichment on F.I. etc )

We know the choke flap is actually a hindrance when using LPG, and is best wired fully open.

So, do our LPG equipped vehicles have any cold start fuel enrichment system ?

btw - especially in the cold season, a healthy battery is a boon, not just for cranking speed, but for healthy sparks too.

Post by **robintb** » 10 Nov 2006, 15:47

well well,

new dizzy in there, new coil, old hall effect unit and now it starts on gas, cold!! (Not instantly, but its working and its been quite chilly lately.) aven't put a drop of petrol in the engine since.

Got Pete (gasure) to tune it and it purrs just as good and as powerful as on petrol. Happy camper!

The beauty runs from idle straight away, no stalling. I ended up buying a new big battery, replacing the old distributor cap and some of the HT leads too.

Just goes to show, tip top electrics really makes the difference.

Hope this helps and thanks to all who've helped with this thread!

Robin

Post by **crampervan** » 01 Feb 2007, 17:28

hi all
can anyone tell me how to wire the choke unit open please?
all the best carl

Post by **alden1957** » 01 Feb 2007, 20:46

Hi Carl
Ive pm'd ya
Al

Post by **Ivor Brownun** » 01 Feb 2007, 21:16

I think the advice is to run on petrol now and again anyway, to stop your petrol pipes perishing and to clean everything, why not start on petrol and then change over? the cost would be negligable.

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LPG cold start problems

LPG cold start problems

lpg cold start problems