Anyone in to LPG converted Engines

Arda

Arda

Arda

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Came across to a 2005 Cadillac Escalade 6.0 V8 AWD which is running on LPG.
It was a good deal so I took it and now having some issues.

The problem is spark plugs I guess.
Rough idling sometimes and hesitation on full throttle especially if the AC is on.
Changed spark plugs with the OEM AC Delco ones.
Solved my problem for about a month or so but burned like 3 or 4 of plugs after.

Been looking for spark plugs which can run better on LPG but wasn't lucky so far.
Some say I need colder plugs and some say I need laser iridium ones.

All opinions will be appreciated thanks to everyone.
 
I used to run a Jeep with a 4 litre 6 cylinder engine on LPG. No idea which spark plugs it needed now but definitely different to the engine standard ones.
 
sovietspybob said:
Not had an LPG vehicle myself but i know they tend to run hotter than on petrol so i'd say you need to go at least 1 step colder.
Click to expand...

I got in touch with NGK US and they also 1 step colder plugs.
The thing is, I am able to find 2 steps colder plugs and not sure if it will ruin the system.


Greebo said:
I used to run a Jeep with a 4 litre 6 cylinder engine on LPG. No idea which spark plugs it needed now but definitely different to the engine standard ones.
Click to expand...

Some mechanics strictly try to stick with OEM plugs but you are totally right.
OEM can't take the heat pressure of LPG, tested.
 
Arda said:
I got in touch with NGK US and they also 1 step colder plugs.
The thing is, I am able to find 2 steps colder plugs and not sure if it will ruin the system.




Some mechanics strictly try to stick with OEM plugs but you are totally right.
OEM can't take the heat pressure of LPG, tested.
Click to expand...

From memory I am sure they were iridium ones like these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360389533158 on mine.

Came across these while googling your car

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PETROLEUM-Cadillac-Escalade-Platinum-23PLPGR15ZCSLP2267/dp/B00APHY9RI

ELECTRODE SHAPE VARIES ACCORDING TO ECONOMY- & DYNO-TESTS. PLS CHECK ENGINE CODE & YEAR OF PLATE SPECS. QUANTITY AS IN TITLE. LPG engines work on the same theory as gasoline engines. This fact allows anyone to easily convert a gas engine to an economic LPG hybrid. However, a few factors need attention. Different sparks for different fuels. It's not a secret but an axiom. LPG motors have higher voltage requirements. Since internal pressure and temp of combustion is higher in LPG engines, they need higher spark voltage for ionization than standard gas engines. Where a petrol engine might need 14.2 kV, the same engine converted to Liquid Petroleum Gas would need 16.2 kV. LPG causes fewer deposits and less fouling, so heat range choice could be one range colder than stock. However if you fitted a colder spark plug definitely how would your bi-fuel engine behave when running on regular petrol? Have you ever heard about misfires, flat spots, extreme plug fouling and soot deposit on projective electrodes? This is what you need to avoid. These high intension LPG plugs increase fuel efficiency, lower emissions and enhance engine performance. You can increase gas mileage, reduce harmful exhaust emissions and maximize horsepower. They are designed to outperform other brands in durability and productivity. Misfires have been significantly reduced consequently combustion conditions have improved dramatically, generating more performance. Multi-spark plugs increase HP. Auxiliary electrodes applied by a special patented technology on the insulator tip enable simultaneous flashover of 2 surfaces & one air-gap spark at one impulse of ignition system. Spark can flash along the whole perimeter of 360° auxiliary electrode. Spark gap protrudes deep into the combustion chamber & improves initial phase of spread of the flame front. Design ensures optimum mix ignition. If you are sick of wasting money on gas prices & looking for better performance, then these plugs are for you.

From that i would suggest 2 steps colder and your car will run like a dog when running on petrol.
 
Thank you very much for the help.
I spent so many time on Amazon US, never thought of Amazon UK

Detailed information is very useful.
NGK US suggested that I use 1 step colder spark plugs which I can find almost nowhere.
According to this information, 2 steps colder will be better and I can find them here in Turkey.
 
Well, I ran my 4.0ltr Straigh 6 Jeep Grand Cherokke on LPG from 61k miles upto 199k miles on ONE step colder plugs and they ran perfectly on both LPG and Petrol. Valves went basically in the end, if running LPG always ensure your car has hardened seats, mine didn't and eventually they will go especially in modern cars where the engiens made of tinsil. Personally I never had a problem and at 54p per litre, I was saving SOOO much money. However, would I LPG my current 6.1litre? NOPE I wouldnt as I want it original. BUT on certain cars like my old Jeep, yep great way to go!
 
Yeah I'm saving so much right now and it was really good until I changed my spark plugs as a periodic maintenance.

Old ones were also OEM and new ones are also OEM but I simply don't understand what happened.

Double checked if valves or wires or ignition coils are bad but they are all fine.
Only problem seems plugs.
They got burned after approximately 1.000km
 
Didn't think people bothered with LPG now plus not many fuel stations sell it.

I did learn to drive in an LPG Corsa back in the day though.
 
LeeUK said:
Didn't think people bothered with LPG now plus not many fuel stations sell it.

I did learn to drive in an LPG Corsa back in the day though.
Click to expand...

Its a shame as half price fuel made running my big engined jeep affordable since i got only 22 mpg on a good run. I think from memory, cost wise I was getting the equivalent of 40mpg. Made it affordable.
 
Fuel economy is more than half of petrol while running on LPG.
It is really amazing.
To be honest, didn't have any problems with the performance of my vehicle.
 
LeeUK said:
Didn't think people bothered with LPG now plus not many fuel stations sell it.

I did learn to drive in an LPG Corsa back in the day though.
Click to expand...

It’s still very popular in many parts of the world. I run my truck on LPG, pay the equivalent of around 40ppl and you’re never more than a mile or two away from a filling station. Wouldn’t trust a conversion on a complex modern engine though - too much risk of it going wrong.
 
geekman said:
It’s still very popular in many parts of the world. I run my truck on LPG, pay the equivalent of around 40ppl and you’re never more than a mile or two away from a filling station. Wouldn’t trust a conversion on a complex modern engine though - too much risk of it going wrong.
Click to expand...

That's what I meant, don't hear of anyone getting new cars converted. It's mostly just big old thirsty Land Rovers running on it.

Even the local taxi/private hire drivers have abandoned it for hybrids or full electric.
 
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