LPG COOLANT LEVELS

[wishmaster]

Hi guys, had lpg conversion on my '99 v6,i've notice that the coolant level seems to be dropping on a weekly basis [ im checking bongo regular] , it needs topping up by about 200ml a week. As im new to this mad world of bongos im a bit overcausious, will this problem settle or is it normal or is there something i can do to put it right. Any views would be gladly excepted

[dobby]

I'm only guessing but having an LPG conversion makes no difference to cooling issues - assuming it's been set up properly.

Best to get the cooling system checked for leaks etc.

Good luck

[Ron Miel]

Our LPG conversion was done, with the camper conversion pre-purchase, so had no experience with it as a pure petrol motor. However, apart from hose leaks caused by removal/re-fitting during cambelt change, no coolant losses - i.e., once those leaks were sorted, no coolant problems.

[mikeonb4c]

Yup - keep a careful eye on things. Recommend fitting a low coolant alarm to avoid costly repairs if you lose coolant and overheat. Interestingly, I've not heard of a V6 cooking its head(s) yet but there have been plenty of tales of woe with diesels

[apole]

Hi,

Loss of coolant is something you need to get resolved. With LPG you have an extra item called a vapouriser. This turns the liquid LPG from the tank into a gas, using heat from the cooling system (it also reduces the gas pressure). This is basically a heat exchanger. They do have a diaphram inside that can leak, and hence cause coolant loss.

You need to have a good check round the cooling system for leaks, including the vapouriser, failing that maybe your head gasket is on it's way, or the vapouriser needs to be checked out and tested by an LPG specialist.

There are plenty of places a leak could occur, I've had one in the throttle body heater housing, and more recently in the rear heater matrix so there are plenty of places to look.

If in doubt get a bongo specialist to check it all out first and do consider some kind of coolant alarm.

[haydn callow]

I have plenty of leak detection fluid left if thats any help ??? You would also need a cheap UV torch off ebay (about a fiver)

[The Great Pretender]

If the leak started after conversion check the pipes and trace them to where they connect into the existing system. 200ml a week is a very small amount per day and probably evaporated off the undertray if it gets there. Run a tissue around the joints on the new pipes/hoses and also the downstream joints from where the new connections have been made. Check before use and also after when the system has cooled enough as leaks can appear and disappear.