Economically it seems to make sense to have a conversion to lpg given the mileage I do.
From an emissions POV it also makes sense and my tax bill will reduce.
Trouble is, I cannot find any decent advice as to whether reliability will be adversely affected.
Subaru did not offer a conversion on this engine (Turbo) and their conversion subcontractor was polite, but not helpful.
Other conversion specialists are positive, as you would expect.
Does anyone have any experience of such a conversion please?
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If you are still looking you could try the Forester Owners Forum - www.subaruforester.org - and do a search for lpg in the european section where you will find some comments/ experiences - maybe worth bearing in mind that lpg price due to be reviewed in 2010 and guess it won't go down!
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Good tip. Many thanks.
SQ
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 23/10/2008 at 00:34
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How does your tax bill reduce on a conversion?
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only a few quid a year, unless factory-fitted
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First find out if your engine has hydraulic, or solid tappets. I would suspect that yours would be solid. If they are solid, then the valve clearance can be adjusted. This is important because LPG is a "dry" fuel, there is no lubrication propertys as there is with petrol. This can be very detrimental to the valve seats, causing them to wear at a greater rate, and thus closing up the valve clearances. A good LPG conversion should come with a "lubricator" that injects some lubricant into the engine to help prevent this. Be aware however that to adjust the valve clearances involves the removal of all four cams, and therfore the replacement of the timing belt. Each tappet block is £28.00 + VAT, and expect a labour charge of around 10 hrs. A £1,500 bill could arrive very quickly.
It is for good reason therefore that Subaru dont list a conversion for it.
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Many thanks. I have decided to scrap the idea.
Interestingly, many of the lpg retailers have not reduced their prices at the same time as the unleaded and diesel, which has also helped me to decide - some are still charging 59.9p per litre, when unleaded has been reduced to approx 95p. Unless the differential is approx 50% there is insufficient saving to offset the installation cost.
I would like to be greener, but have to draw a line. I'll plant some trees instead.
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