Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

mikeC · Posted: Thu Mar 05, 2020 8:01 pm Post subject:

We have a car running lpg, but it does need petrol to start it; a couple of gallons lasts us about six months, so I have been a bit concerned about the petrol going stale - I suspect E10 will add to my concerns ...
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in the garage: 1938 Talbot Ten Airline
Recently departed: 1953 Lancia Appia, 1931 Austin Seven, 1967 Singer Chamois, 1914 Saxon, 1930 Morris Cowley, 1936 BSA Scout, 1958 Lancia Appia coupe, 1922 Star 11.9 ... the list goes on!

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6308 Location: Derby

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

My first RR on LPG had an override switch which by-passed the petrol system, and started quite happily on gas whatever the weather. I can't remember whose system it was though.
My current V8 starts on petrol but changes over within seconds, often before I've fastened my seat belt.

badhuis · Joined: 20 Aug 2008 Posts: 1390 Location: Netherlands

I have owned three Triumphs saloons (Mk1 2000, Mk2 2000 and Mk2 2500) which ran very happily on LPG, always started on LPG. Still have the Mk1 tucked away.
My 420 Jag runs on LPG since I got it, 13 years ago. Also starts on LPG.
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a car stops being fun when it becomes an investment

Keith D · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 9:27 am Post subject:

I have run several vehicles on LPG and none of them ever needed petrol in the tank. They started easily and ran perfectly on LPG the whole time.

I would not hesitate running a car on LPG if the installation costs were a lot less. At one stage our State and Federal Governments offered grants to convert our cars and consequently my car and my wife's were converted free of charge. (Both Mitsubishi Magnas) Gas was about half the price of petrol and the economy was almost as good, even when I was pulling a caravan with my Jeep on LPG.

Keith
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1926 Chrysler 60 tourer
1932 Austin Seven RN long wheelbase box sedan
1950 Austin A40 tourer
1999 BMW Z3
Its weird being the same age as old people.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22442 Location: UK

I've run LPG cars for a few years too, my understanding is that it helps the (petrol) fuel pump, and the valves, if you run on petrol from time to time - although a supplementary valve lubrication add-on would help with the latter.

Converting existing petrol (only) cars to also run on LPG makes perfect sense to me, but the network of stations selling LPG would need to pull its socks up.

RJ
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lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

Here in France we have had E5 and E10 95RON pumps for some time, plus E5 97 octane. So many cars can't run on E10 it seems. On the thorny subject of classics, the only way to avoid problems is rebuilding the fuel system. I have received a photo from a friend (he services and races classic racing machinery) of a plastic tank he installed in a car recently. The E10 had eaten right through the plastic tank in one day. He has advised me that the best way to combat the problem is a product called Tetraboost - http://tetraboost.com/ - and that will sort the problem out. I've had no problem with the E-type on E5 (the XKSS needs 97) but the future without additives is looking rather bleak. Hope this helps.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6308 Location: Derby

I am heartened by the fact that quite a few (possibly the majority?) of us classic car owners run vehicles on LPG. We probably give much more thought to motoring matters in general than Jo Public does so from now on I'm calling it "the thinking man's fuel choice".

I believe if push comes to a shove then it is the way to go rather than trying to fit in with this "all electric" agenda.

I just hope the FBHVC thinks the same way. The Government usually listens to them.

As far as E10 petrol is concerned; I think we will just have to learn to live with it and adapt parts as necessary.

Bitumen Boy · Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2020 11:34 am Post subject:

alanb · Joined: 10 Sep 2012 Posts: 516 Location: Berkshire.

I believe the problem with petrol going stale is the ethanol evaporates quicker than the other components that make up petrol thereby leaving what was known as pool petrol, a very low octane poor quality fuel.
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old tourer

Morris 8 two seater

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

Like everyone else, I've used E5 for years in the E-type and evan after a long winter she has started first time and I have never had any prooblem with the running of the car. I tend to run it low then add about 25 litres before wintering so the petrol is reasonbly fresh in the spring it must be said, but this year - first press of the button. What will happen with E10 is another matter.

alastairq · Joined: 14 Oct 2016 Posts: 1950 Location: East Yorkshire

I hadn't 'touched' my old trialling skoda rapid for nearly 10 years...[it sat in a field whilst I sorted my 'life' out]....It was a freebie, so did not owe me anything and was highly modified for trialling anyway..however...when I finally decided I didn't need to pay the farmer for using his field any more, I took the Skoda to be weighed in...but beforehand I drained the fuel tank...about 25 litres of petrol, very sweetly pungent it was....didn't dare try it in my runners, so ended up giving half to a mate for cleaning purposes...and putting the other half in my Daihatsu fourtrak!
[Good old Fourtrak, runs on most anything that might conceivably go 'bang'....gin vodka petrol, occasionally real diesel] Smile

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Dellow Mk2, 1951 built, reg 1952.
Fiat 126 BIS
Cannon special [1996 registered. Built in 1950's]
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Ford Pop chassis, Ashley 1172 bodyshell, in pieces.