Anyone who has installed a 4th generation LPG on a car with their own hands will say that this is a very complex and labor-intensive process. Before you take on this matter, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Feedback and reviews from people who have already tried or installed gas equipment on a car can help.
Pros and cons of installing HBO
Switching a car to gas fuel is a rather serious and responsible step that must be approached with full responsibility. The pros and cons of installing and using gas equipment should be considered.
The advantages include:
- First of all, this is saving your personal funds. This is the main reason for switching a car from gasoline (diesel) to gas fuel. On average, annual prices for purchasing gas for a car are 35-40% cheaper than gasoline.
- The peculiarity of gas from gasoline is its high octane number of 100 or more. As a result, you will observe more “stable” operation of the power unit of your car. Gas does not put such a high load on the cylinder-piston group as gasoline, and as a result, uniform combustion of the fuel.
- Extending the service life of auto spark plugs. This is achieved due to the fact that the gas does not leave residues during combustion, thereby not “clogging” the electrodes of the spark plugs. As a result, the service life of the candles is doubled.
- Also an important advantage of using gas-cylinder equipment is the doubling of the service life of the engine oil. The gas mixes evenly with the air flow and thus does not wash away the oil protection from the surface. As a result, the oil will retain its performance qualities much longer and the personal costs of purchasing it will be reduced.
- Environmental friendliness of HBO. As mentioned above, gas is a natural product that burns without leaving any residue. Therefore, car exhaust gases will no longer contain harmful elements such as sulfur or various additives.
- Convenience and practicality of using gas equipment in cars. Modern gas equipment is able to switch to the required type of fuel using a toggle switch.
- And the last important advantage is low fire and explosion safety. You should not believe rumors and various stereotypes. If there is mechanical damage or various cracks, the fuel will begin to cool quickly, turn into a gaseous state and evaporate. And in the winter season, the chances of gas ignition are almost zero.
But we should also not forget about the disadvantages of using HBO:
- The first disadvantage is the sheer size of the gas equipment. The size of the gas cylinder will occupy on average half of the luggage compartment of the car. This, in turn, will not appeal to those motorists who like to travel or transport cargo in passenger cars. You should immediately choose between comfort or saving personal funds.
- Since gas burns slowly, the next disadvantage of using gas equipment is noticeable, namely the loss of power. On average, a car loses about 10%. But the power is replaced by smooth motion control without unwanted jerks of the car.
- The next disadvantage is the high load on the valves. This increases their risk of heating up, leading to overload. Therefore, when using HBO in a car, you should not abuse the operation of the car at high speeds.
- Costs for installation and registration of gas equipment. Registration of gas equipment must go through a lot of paperwork and be included in the vehicle registration certificate.
- The relative high cost of repairing gas equipment.
After weighing all the advantages and disadvantages of the presented system and the features of its use, it is recommended to make the right choice.
HBO in a car. Video:
How to install
Installing LPG on a car requires the involvement of specialists and work performed at a certified service station. This is especially true when converting the machine to methane, where the installation process is more complex. And the device itself is not so simple, and there are a number of cars on which gas equipment cannot be installed.
For a better understanding, below we provide brief instructions for installing a 4th generation LPG on a car. The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- Prepare equipment and tools.
- Open the hood of the car and determine the location for the gearbox. It should be located in a location convenient for connecting the cooling system on the main rail, but not on the engine. It is important that when connecting the tubes do not break or bend. Try to install this LPG element on your car at a point with less vibration.
- Attach the gearbox to the selected location.
- Connect the cooling system pipes. This must be done in parallel to the system. The connection must be made up to the shut-off valve by inserting a tee.
- Prepare a place for the cylinder. Before installing gas equipment on the car, determine the point for attaching the container. The simplest option is to install the product instead of a spare tire. All that remains is to connect the supply and filling tubes. Make sure that the muffler does not damage the system components.
- Secure the cylinder to the car body with two bolts. After drilling, paint the hole and insert the safety fitting.
- Install the multivalve into the cylinder.
- Continue the tube to refill. As a rule, when installing LPG on a passenger car, it is brought out under the cover for filling the car with gasoline. The filling valve itself must be attached as firmly as possible to the body.
- Connect the connecting pipe, including supplying gas to the reducer.
- Lay the gas supply pipes between the valve and the reducer to the gasket. When installing LPG on a car, make sure that the tubes are securely connected and that the bends are smooth and not sharp. Pay special attention to the connection point of the tube to the multivalve.
- Install gas injectors. The next stage of installing gas equipment on a car is inserting the injector. It must be done as close as possible to the gasoline injector. This point is important, because the quality of ignition depends on it.
- Choose a location and install the control unit on the car.
- Remove the terminal from the battery.
- Attach the “brains” to the body and lay the power cable to the battery - red to “+” and black to “minus”.
- Distribute the wires into bundles. One of the most important stages in the question of how to install LPG on a car. Here you need to be guided by the colors and the given diagram.
- Install MAP sensors. They come in different types - for installation on the body or for inserting into the gas supply pipe to the injectors.
At the final stage, it is necessary to check the correctness and reliability of the installation of all elements and the connection of wires.
Generations of HBO, choosing equipment for your car
Now it’s worth approaching the important issue of choosing generations of HBO. It is recommended to consider all existing generations.
There are five generations of HBO in total: from relatively old to the most modern systems, which are discussed in detail:
1. Distinctive features of the first generation are the presence of a gas evaporator (separation-type gear system). Its use began in the 90s of the last century. Currently, these systems are old, and they have been replaced by the second generation of gas equipment. But most car enthusiasts and gas equipment installers consider them to be very reliable.
2. A feature of the second generation of gas equipment is the manual supply of fuel using a specific tube with a hole inside. The diameter of the hole in the dispenser directly depends on the bolt screwed transversely into it. The more it is screwed in, the less gas fuel is supplied. The disadvantage of this generation of gas equipment is the need to adjust the cross-section in case of contamination of the air filter.
3. The third generation of gas equipment uses a gas supply system through a special dispenser. In other words, fuel is supplied directly from a special motor, which is powered by the vehicle’s on-board system. Accordingly, the main advantage of the third generation of HBO is its configuration via a PC.
4. The fourth generation of gas equipment made a breakthrough in mechanical engineering with its production. Its main and important feature from previous generations is the supply of fuel from the gearbox to the injectors of the power unit. Due to this, an ideal gas supply occurs, which in its characteristics is not inferior to its “gasoline” competitors. The “brain” of this system is configured exclusively through a computer or laptop.
5. The fifth generation of gas equipment did not find high popularity among car enthusiasts in the CIS countries. Since its operation is possible only through the installation of a certain high-pressure pump, which is installed in the inside of the cylinder. And also due to the low quality of liquefied gas necessary for its operation. The advantage of this generation of gas equipment is the injection of gas directly into the combustion chamber of the vehicle.
The choice of system is approached not only taking into account convenience, but also with a preliminary examination of the technical characteristics of the car. The most preferable option should be selected in accordance with the capabilities of the vehicle.
HBO 4 generations. Video:
Installation of gas equipment on a VAZ
Installation on VAZ models, carburetor and injection, does not have any special features. In the latter case, it is not a gas valve that is used for cutoff, but an injector emulator, which prevents the standard computer from going into emergency mode. A lambda probe emulator is also used.
There are nuances when working with the Niva, which has a small trunk. You can install a gas cylinder on the roof or under the bottom. Installation on VAZ 21214 and 21213, which have a shortened muffler, is somewhat complicated. Any generation of gas equipment is suitable, but for the fuel-injected Niva it is optimal to install a Gromyko gas injector with one nozzle.
The domestic GIG 3 DL and imported ejector systems perform well. For cars manufactured after 2011, an ECU with a program that takes into account the type of injection and road conditions is required.
Read about installing LPG on a VAZ.
Features of installing gas equipment that everyone needs to know about
Next, we should consider the features of installing gas equipment in a car, which undergoes annual changes both in terms of technical data and legal and financial factors.
Installation features
First of all, the cost of installing gas equipment on a vehicle directly depends on the following factors:
- Engine mileage, volume and power.
- Number of cylinders.
- Gas cylinder volume.
- Type of installation of the HBO system.
On average, installation takes about 3-5 hours if there are no problems with the car.
If the installation is carried out on a rare foreign car, special installation will be carried out, or there will be a non-standard engine or cylinder volume, then you can spend not only additional funds, but also time for installing the equipment itself for 5-7 hours.
How much does it cost to install HBO?
As an illustrative example, the average prices in Russia for the installation of equipment with a cylinder of 80-90 liters are presented:
- For domestic cars with a four-cylinder engine from 10,000 to 19,500 rubles.
- For foreign cars with a four-cylinder engine from 17,000 to 28,000 rubles.
- For foreign cars with 5-6 cylinder engines from 10,000 to 38,000 rubles.
- For foreign cars with an 8-cylinder engine from 12,000 to 46,000 rubles.
On average, installation takes about 3-5 hours if there are no problems with the car.
Are there any restrictions on the use of cars with LPG?
Eat. At the entrances to underground parking lots or other unventilated premises, as a rule, there are signs prohibiting the entry of vehicles with gas-cylinder equipment. This is due to the risk of gas accumulation in the event of a leak. The gas is heavier than air and accumulates at the bottom. This may result in an explosion hazard. But you can leave a gas car in the sun. The tank is never more than 80% full and the vapor cushion prevents any problems caused by the tank pressurizing in the heat.
Should you install HBO yourself or trust professionals?
Every driver first thinks about the possible independent installation of equipment - is it possible and how to do it? Next, the issue is discussed in detail with justified arguments.
Why should you trust professionals?
First of all, installing gas equipment is a necessary measure in order to save personal money on fuel. But installing the equipment itself requires extra expenses. Therefore, you will have a choice: do the installation yourself or trust the professionals?
If the driver is an inexperienced car mechanic, and is also just beginning to learn the business of a car enthusiast, then under no circumstances should you install LPG with your own hands. Since installing any fire-hazardous equipment without following any safety and installation regulations will have serious consequences, it is recommended that you contact a specialist.
As confidence in future work done, you can require an appropriate certificate.
Features of self-installation of HBO
If the driver has a second-generation gas system, then you can install it yourself if you have enough experience. Detailed installation requires careful consideration of the issue, therefore, for general information, only the main stages of work are presented:
- The first step will be to install the gas supply cylinder itself.
- Next, it will be necessary to install gas pipeline wiring equipment.
- The third step is the installation of valves and mixers.
- Then it is necessary to install the gearbox, followed by the control panel and dispenser.
- At the end of the work done, it is necessary to conduct a detailed inspection of all equipment for malfunctions, operability and its tightness.
This is the basic sequence that is followed in full compliance with all features and recommendations.
Which HBO is better to install on a car - expert advice! Video:
Installation of gas equipment on methane
Converting a car to methane gas is practically no different. There is no point in saying that at high pressure, connections and hoses must be of appropriate quality. Additionally, a system pressure gauge is installed on the gearbox. The technology and operating algorithm are approximately the same. The only difficulty is in the placement of the cylinders. Before you decide to install this system, familiarize yourself with all the advantages and disadvantages of methane gas equipment.
Registration of HBO in the traffic police
The change from gasoline to gas equipment must be recorded and registered with the traffic police. Cancellation of the need for registration is possible only in the following cases:
- The car left the factory with gas equipment.
- If the technical passport provides for the replacement of fuel equipment.
- And the last case is that gas equipment was installed on the car in advance (that is, before the introduction of the law on registration of gas equipment). Only if the installation was carried out in the appropriate services (not independently).
In other cases, you should immediately go from the car service center to the traffic police department to register the system.
How to register HBO with the traffic police?
Before installing and registering an LPG on a car, it must go through several stages of verification and preparation of documents, which are presented below:
- It is necessary to carry out a preliminary check of the vehicle for compatibility with HBO.
- Next, you need to obtain permission from the traffic police to install gas equipment.
- You should install the gas equipment in a specialized center, obtain copies of certificates and a conclusion on the installation.
- Then you should undergo a vehicle inspection and receive the appropriate diagnostic card.
- After the measures taken, you need to go to the traffic police and obtain a certificate of compliance of the vehicle with the changes made to it.
To obtain a vehicle certificate, you must collect the following documents:
- Conclusion of the technical inspection of your car.
- Statement-declaration from the LPG installation workshop.
- Availability of a safety inspection protocol for using gas equipment on a vehicle.
- Availability of a receipt for payment of the state duty.
- Copies of HBO certificates, vehicle passport.
- Passport of a citizen of the country.
Additional documents may be required, which should be confirmed with the traffic police department.
Registration cost
Below is the average cost of document processing in the country for the last year:
- Registration of documents for a certificate of compliance of the vehicle with the design of the gas equipment – 700-900 rubles.
- Obtaining a certificate of registration of a personal car – 400-600 rubles.
- Making changes to the vehicle passport – 250-450 rubles.
Depending on the region, the cost may increase.
DIY car window tinting. - there is more useful information here.
Maintenance of a car with LPG - what are the details?
The gas cylinder installation requires individual maintenance, which consists of replacing filters, adjustments and routine inspections to identify possible malfunctions. The fact is that the fourth generation gas system is quite tightly integrated into other vehicle systems: the power supply and engine control system, the cooling system and on-board electrical equipment. All this must work flawlessly, and this requires control.
The first check of the cylinder must be carried out 10 months after installation. Then the cylinder must be checked every 2 years. Approximately every 50,000 km, rubber seals of connections in valves and lines need to be replaced. Each such maintenance will cost 3,000 rubles. The car's air filter has to be changed more often - every 7,500 km. And every 15,000 km you need to change the gas filter at a cost of about 500 rubles.
Fixing gas nozzles
Do-it-yourself installation of gas equipment also involves installing and fastening gas injectors. Most often, they purchase a ready-made design of injectors on the ramp and attach it. The mounting method depends on the gas injector model. If you want to save money, then Valtek injectors are best suited for you; read more about them here. Read about how to install injectors on a car and cut the fittings into the manifold here.
Gearbox installation
After selecting a set of equipment, it becomes necessary to install it correctly on the car. When installing the gearbox, you have to make holes in the car body, so they should be treated with anti-corrosive. It is better to install the gearbox in such a way that there is easy access to it. In the future, such an installation will help in servicing the gearbox. We described in detail how to install the gearbox in this article.
Dismantling of gas equipment
Sometimes, however, owners decide to dismantle gas equipment on their cars. Full or partial restoration can be considered. In the first case, everything returns to the “factory” state.
If you plan to use the HBO in the future, it is simply deactivated by turning off the power supply (remove the fuse) or:
- Remove the balloon.
- They are jamming the highway.
- A plug is installed in the control connector.
Now about how to remove a gas cylinder from a car. It is better to entrust this to a specialist, but you can do it yourself. Usually they just start the engine and wait until it is completely exhausted. Although it can be done differently.
It is very important to de-energize the system, then close both valves (on the cylinder body), unscrew the two braided copper tubes and completely bleed the gas. All you have to do is install the plug, unscrew the fasteners and pull out the cylinder. To completely remove the HBO, you need to:
- Completely release the gas.
- Disconnect the electrics (remove the terminal from the battery).
- Disconnect the lines, remove the cylinder, reducer, ECU and sensors.
- Unscrew the injectors.
- Plug holes in the intake manifold.
- Replace the cooling system pipes.
- Plug the neck.
We hope it is now more or less clear how to remove gas equipment. But we don’t recommend doing it yourself. Although, if you take into account the cost of dismantling at a service station (an average of 4 thousand rubles for a four-cylinder car), you might think twice about it.
The installation procedure for gas cylinder equipment when installing it on a car
After selecting gas equipment, you can begin installing it in the car. See detailed video instructions for installing 4th generation gas equipment below.
Before starting the installation, you need to decide on the mounting locations for the filling valve (usually under the bumper or in the area of the gas tank filler neck) and the fuel switch button (gas/petrol) in the car interior.
During the installation of gas equipment, the battery must be disconnected from the vehicle's on-board network!
The first element of gas equipment that is installed on a car is a gas reducer . Its task is to reduce gas pressure and maintain constant pressure at the outlet of the reducer. The gearbox itself is mounted on fixed and stable elements in the engine compartment.
Then rubber hoses are connected to it, through which antifreeze is supplied from the engine cooling system to heat the gearbox during operation. In most cars, the connection to the cooling system should be in parallel, that is, between the engine block and the heater radiator (the so-called small circle).
Next, they usually install a solenoid valve , which is also attached to the car body (preferably as close as possible to the gearbox).
an electronic control unit or, as it is also called, a controller is mounted and connected To perform such work, you must have basic knowledge of the electrical system of a car and have a wiring diagram for the electronic gas control unit.
