As an independent quality controller of the Fuelture LPG conversion service, Shaw Consulting suggests that motorists should check with the gas conversion company to ensure the vehicle's engine valves are LPG-compatible.

Mike Shaw of Shaw Consulting says: "Because LPG engines receive less fuel lubrication than petrol units they run hotter which, on certain car models, exacerbates valve wear and valve recession. The engine is also likely to lose compression because of valve seat recession."

Cars that may have problematic valves are well known to the industry.  If installers are unsure whether a car would suffer from valve seat recession, why not contact us at Fuelture?

Fuelture's LPG installer in Edinburgh suggests that certain LPG valve problems are due to engine management systems. "The ability for a car to undergo an LPG conversion depends purely on the make of the vehicle," says SME's Allan Wedgewood. "Some engines fitted to BMWs, Fords, Hondas and Jaguars aren't compatible with gas because they have unsuitable valve clearances."

To prevent LPG car valve problems in certain cars, Fuelture  recommends that valve clearances are adjusted between 12,000 to 20,000 miles. This can often be done at the vehicle's regular service. The time taken to adjust valve clearances on most vehicles takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

Prevention is better than cure: vehicles prone to this problem can be fitted with hardened valves and valve seats. Although this solution makes the conversion more expensive, the technique will forever cure this potential problem. OK, there is slightly more to pay. Before the hardened valve and seats can be fitted, the engine's cylinder head needs to be removed. This commands a higher cost for labour and parts. But cars with incompatible valves aren't bad news.

Far from it. There are feasible solutions recommended by the Fuelture conversion service for the few cars likely to suffer from this problem.

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