Astra Duel Fuel Model

[Littlejohn]

Hi. I have recently bought a 2002 Astra Duelfuel (petrol & LPG) car. All was fine until this afternoon when it will no longer run on LPG. On switching over from petrol the car will just not pick up on LPG, after a short period of no responce from the LPG the car switches back to petrol(as it is designed to do when it senses the LPG is not operating.) Before anyone asks, I know the LPG tank is about three quarters full. Does anyone know the likely cause of this refusal to run on LPG? Or can anyone point me to a Forum where I might find some trouble shooting advice on LPG fuelled cars. I'm now retired but used to work as a motor mechanic several years ago, unfortunately long before LPG systems came into use.

[AlBags]

Tank solenoid not opening
Eng bay solenoid/vaporiser solenoid not opening

Is this Vauxhall original or aftermarket?
I cant remember name of Vauxhall kit .. it will be on vaporiser (is is Vialle?)

There are vapour and liquid injection kits .. I think yours is vapour injection.

[AlBags]

There used to be a LPG newsgroup that you could subscribe to .. I was once several years ago. I'll look for it.

(I am LPGA member .. have been for 10/11 years)

[AlBags]

uk.rec.cars.fuel.lpg

Here's web 'version' ..

http://www.autobanter...uk-rec-cars-fuel-lpg/

http://www.cunningham.me.uk/lpg/faq.php

I wrote a 40-odd page technical conversion manual .. but I can't publish it on here.

[AlBags]

Similar ..
http://www.autobanter...ctra-lpg-problem.html

[Littlejohn]

Hi AlBags. Many thanks for your helpful links, I will have a look at them. As I said in my original post the car is an Astra Duelfuel model, so it's an orignal factor built Petrol/LPG car. Vauxhall's supplier appears to be KOLTEC as it is their name that appears on the vaporiser, "KOLTEC type 392" is printed on a plate on the vaporiser. Is there any link you can give me to your 40 odd page technical manual? I realize it's a conversion manual but I expect it could still be of help, on the basis that you can't have too much knowledge on a subject! Especially from someone who has hands on experience!!! Not looking for "something for nothing", happy to buy your manual.
Best Regards, Peter.

[AlBags]

I never officially published it .. I wrote it for a company that is no more : )

Yes .. Koltec I remember. Necam was also popular on GM vehicles.
I'll take a look around. I think a good start would be to remove vaporiser and clean out the wax. The problem may well be to do with the bios setting of the load on the vaporiser outlet. It wants stripping really .. there is a diaphragm on most vaps. This gets perished or worn, and usually needs replacing.

[AlBags]

Like this one? ...
http://www.elpege.cz/...ual-koltec-repase.pdf

http://autogas-lpg.co...er-koltec-vg-392.html

Ask these folks on eBay if they still do a kit ..
http://www.ebay.co.uk...AIR-KIT-/250881786743

See if this forum is still alive ..
http://www.lpgforum.c...p?f=28&t=8825&start=0

[Littlejohn]

Hi AlBags.
Yes, indeed that's the one. Once again you have come up with the goods.
Many thanks, you're a STAR!
Peter

[AlBags]

No problem.
I would get a kit and rebuild vaporizer first. Check any solenoid clicks when gas live. Usually you can jump it onto a gas live with a jump lead. This will open the solenoids and you can leak check and check stuff over. It's normal to whiff a bit of gas when you do this .. so keep naked flames away.

[Littlejohn]

Hi AlBags.
Kit ordered, now awaiting the postman!
Thanks Again.

[AlBags]

Great!
Any probs .. post back here. I will keep a link to this one.