Thread: New project 89 vogue

Originally Posted by bee utey

Not knowing how your gas is set up I have no idea what is damaged, you'll have to look at the flapper and the air hoses connected to the various idle control valves. I normally fit an anti backfire flap to these things just downstream of the flapper. I must admit the hotwire system is much better than the flapper system and is relatively easy to fit. You'll need the inlet manifold and injectors too.

As for the lack of power, you need lots of static advance on the timing, at least 10 degrees, good quality plugs gapped to no more than 0.8mm and of course a good working ignition set up. If you're running an Impco 200 mixer that'll be a big drag on your low down power too.

Thanks, this is definitely the kind of info needed.
From looking at the plugs today, they seem to show that there is something contaminating the combustion. I will get some pictures up tomorrow.

Most of the issues with the cars are within my ability/budget to fix, but I need some reassurance that it will be a good setup once sorted.

Ok.

Mate found a vacuum hose that was disconnected, and the car seems to run fine now.

Still having concerns about the cooling system, thinking HG.
So have ordered a gasket set (Ebay link), and after fixing some cosmetic problems, will get the heads off and check everything out.

Also bought some NGK BP6ES spark plugs over the weekend, will fit them when I have the engine apart.

I googled the impco 200 mixer, I definitely don't have one that looks like that.
Still need to get some photos up!

Are there anti-backfire kits that you can bolt on? Or will this be a Bunnings-spec mod?

Gas system:



Ignition loom drama:


Current electric window loom:

That's much the same LPG system that I use in SA, the kit would have been sold by my local wholesaler whose name is on the sticker. Anyway, there's a thread where I show how I do these things, with pictures, here. The backfire valve is a stock item, size 70mm, but could be hard to source as they have no application on more modern injected LPG vehicles. Here it is:



Also be warned not to stress the water fittings on the LPG converter, they look like the original plastic ones that last around 5 years. There are brass replacements available from the wholesaler.

Excellent.

Have sent an email to the wholesaler you mentioned, maybe they could help source a suitable part.

After a quick search, have found the following:
70mm Backfire Valve Air Filter Protection
Not cheap though!

Also found this thread with some very useful information.
As said in that thread, if I keep the intake a bit loose on the manifold side, the intake pipe will just blow off again and should hopefully cause no damage again.

However, I am hoping that if I follow the advice and fix ignition and timing, I should not need to worry about it backfiring anyway.


Good point re: the brass connectors though. I will need to track some down. The mixer may be what is causing problems with the cooling system.
Edit - I am guessing this is what I need

Just a point, don't refer to the converter as a "mixer". It isn't. A mixer in this context is a device that mixes gas and air. The converter mixes nothing.

The last time I visited Mega Gas he had run out of backfire valves but still had the brass elbows. I have had to buy repair kits for Zavoli converters from the UK as well as there are none left at the wholesaler and he's not restocking anything for the limited demand for LPG stuff.

There were Australian made backfire valves available from AMR Manufacturing in Melbourne, but the plastic flaps used to break. I repaired a few with hand cut steel ones instead.

Another update. Visited a fellow LR enthusiast family member, and had a chat about the work I'd be doing on this project. Decided to order a new camshaft, followers, some various seals, timing chain w/sprockets etc, and possibly a new water pump. Had a bit of a 'while it's out' moment! Figured that if I was going to the trouble of pulling it all apart to make it run better & stronger, I may as well replace the cam as it had done 250k+ and would likely be very worn.

The toughest thing (I think) will be creating room to slide the cam out the front of the engine. No problem pulling the radiator etc out, but will be a bit of a pain to remove the AC condensor and reclaim whatever gas is left in it.

Ordered it all from LR Direct. Pricing was pretty good, and it should be here within a week. We shall see...

No problem pulling the radiator etc out, but will be a bit of a pain to remove the AC condensor and reclaim whatever gas is left in it.

You do not have to break into the AC system.

If you have a "come along" you can lift the condenser enough to clear the cam without opening the system courtesy of the rubber hoses.
I have done it several times.
Regards Philip A