Periodic LPG system inspections – effective prevention
Automotive LPG systems must be regularly maintained and serviced. The inspection interval specified by manufacturers (mileage or time between inspections) is a realistically defined period that enables effective prevention, allowing for the detection of potential damage or malfunctions during the operation of the vehicle’s LPG system.
Performing an inspection of the automotive LPG system before winter is the best way to ensure its proper operation during the most demanding period, when lower ambient temperatures and increased air humidity occur.
LPG filter replacement – extremely important
Replacing fuel filters in an automotive LPG system, which is one of the basic activities performed during periodic LPG system inspections, contributes to improving the gas fuel filtration process. Of particular importance is the replacement of the LPG vapour phase filter (which is why it is replaced twice as often as liquid phase filters). It is the vapour phase filters that prevent contaminants, which may appear in LPG after evaporation, from entering the subsequent part of the gas system (the low-pressure section where LPG occurs in the vapour phase), i.e. LPG injectors (injector rail) or the LPG pressure sensor and intake manifold pressure sensor.
Delayed (too infrequent) replacement of LPG filters or the use of low-quality filters in an automotive LPG system may lead to the accumulation of contaminants, mainly in the LPG injector rail (gas injectors), which results in disturbances in the operation of these components.
Sticking of LPG gas injectors
Contaminants accumulated in injectors or injector rails limit the ability of their internal components to move freely. This phenomenon intensifies as ambient temperatures decrease. At low temperatures, these contaminants increase their density, further restricting the mobility of the internal injector components.
This is one of the most common causes of uneven engine operation, with the possibility of the engine even stalling, after the first morning switch to LPG operation (during periods of low ambient temperatures). To avoid or minimize this phenomenon, LPG filters in the gas supply system should be replaced on time, in accordance with the recommendations of the LPG system manufacturer.
Quality of filters in the gas supply system
The higher the quality of filters used in the gas supply system, the greater the effectiveness of gas fuel purification. The filtration efficiency parameter is strictly related to the filtering material used in the filter (filter element). The highest filtration quality is provided by filters with fiberglass filter elements, which is also confirmed by manufacturers’ practices. Some manufacturers, after using a filter with a fiberglass element, extend the warranty protection for injectors. The lowest ability to separate contaminants is characteristic of filters with paper filter elements (made of filter paper).