Thread: How do the P38 run on LPG long term??

If it was a $4500 conversion it should be a vapour injection system. They usually don't interfere with engine diagnosis because they 1. don't run on gas when under a minimum engine temperature and 2. follow the petrol tuning closely enough to not require any funny tricks. I'd be asking the seller what exact brand and type of LPG kit was fitted.

As to the mileage, 300K is a lot for a P38 engine and an engine rebuild would be due around now, based on my experience with these things. There should be people able to properly do up an engine for less than $8500 but it depends a lot on how much needs to be done. A bit of moisture under the cap can mean anything from too many short runs only to a cracked block.

Oh and the OBD2 port may be present but not functional, many Oz spec 4WDs and commercials had the ports for other markets. I believe they weren't required in Oz until 2004.

I wouldn't be disappointed at spending money on an inspection.....isn't that what it's for....to buy or not!

True daf11e. true

Originally Posted by bee utey

If it was a $4500 conversion it should be a vapour injection system. They usually don't interfere with engine diagnosis because they 1. don't run on gas when under a minimum engine temperature and 2. follow the petrol tuning closely enough to not require any funny tricks. I'd be asking the seller what exact brand and type of LPG kit was fitted.

As to the mileage, 300K is a lot for a P38 engine and an engine rebuild would be due around now, based on my experience with these things. There should be people able to properly do up an engine for less than $8500 but it depends a lot on how much needs to be done. A bit of moisture under the cap can mean anything from too many short runs only to a cracked block.

Oh and the OBD2 port may be present but not functional, many Oz spec 4WDs and commercials had the ports for other markets. I believe they weren't required in Oz until 2004.

I agree it is alot of km.
The OBDIIdoes function on the p38. It is used for a range of diagnostics.

On my last one I calibrated and altered the ride hide through the connection.

Thanks for the thoughts on LPG. The seller did say it kicked in automatically when the engine temp was sufficient. Shame he spent so much on the system 2 years ago. Probably didnt recoup costs.

Mines on Sequential LPG, I bought it like that (the '02 one). It's averaging just over 20L/100km on gas and about 17L/100km on premium around town (both figures). At a price of 89.9cpl it's well worth it, and the car has been on gas for 3yrs with no dramas. I haven't added oil or topped up coolant in 10,000km, so I know the engine is reasonably well sorted.

It works out much cheaper to run on gas, and their loss is your gain, but, you need a reliable motor car to begin with. Buy a dud and you'll hate yourself.

I have no OBDII issues (communication as normal with my nanocom).

Seems suds....

I had state roads inspect my previous purchases, and a few duds in between, take their advice and steer clear if all is not good, or reasonably close to good.

I can email my previous p38 reports from them if you'd like a reference to see what not to, or what to buy.

My purchases have been very good examples.

Cheers
Keithy

My 96 has a milky tinge under the oil cap, though as soon as I do a long drive it goes away.

I'd be interested to know what the inspectors thought was wrong - but I'd be very criticalof the motor if it were me.

You can get good second 4.6s for a lot less than $8500 though, just look on ebay.


Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

Originally Posted by Keithy P38

. At a price of 89.9cpl it's well worth it, and the car has been on gas for 3yrs with no dramas.
Cheers
Keithy

wow,, 59cpl here,,
there is no performance hit on gas, there is no change-over sensation, there are distance constraints but only compared to Diesels with LR tanks.
I dont see any downside.

Yeah we get screwed for fuel prices up here hey... When I bought the P38 in Sydney earlier this year, LPG was 55cpl and I was pretty stoked with the $/km ratio, paying attention to the gas prices on the way north it just continued to go up. It's around 110cpl north from Cairns, but still cheaper $/km than premium ulp.

Cheers
Keithy