Bedford 2.3 carb engine conversion

[AndrewS]

Hi all,
I'm a newbie here, although I've read many posts/discussions over the years. I have an old 90s Jag running on LPG, which I love. Because the Jag is so great on LPG I have decided to convert my old Bedford CF Campervan to LPG. I'm thinking I may have to do the job myself, which I'm certainly capable of, but if there was a professional available to do the job I'd be happier, as it would get done a lot quicker! I'm so busy with work at the moment I know the job would just get put off...
The reason I'm thinking I may have to do the job myself is, despite many phone calls to professionals who advertise their services, I can't find anyone to do it! I've rang quite a few, and they either ignore my voicemail messages, tell me they "don't do vans", or tell me they can't convert carb engines...
Some of these issues have come from people who post on this forum talking about work they've done, conversions they've carried out etc... but it would seem that they don't want to do mine...
Can anyone here help?

Cheers,
Andrew.

[Gilbertd]

Carb engines can be converted fairly easily but it is better if you get a boss welded into the exhaust downpipe so you can fit a lambda sensor and run something like an AEB Leonardo/OMVL Millennium/Bigas Pegaso/AEB Galileo controller with a suitable mixer. You best bet would be to have a chat with Mick at LPG Auto Supplies (https://lpgautosupplies.co.uk/shop/) who will be able to advise you on the best system for you van.

[AndrewS]

Thanks Gilbert, I'll do that.

[LPGC]

Some of these issues have come from people who post on this forum talking about work they've done, conversions they've carried out etc... but it would seem that they don't want to do mine...
Can anyone here help?

Many current 'professionals' have never coverted a carb engine'd vehicle.

I don't think you contacted me? Yet I'm the only installer who posts regularly and I have converted plenty carb'd vehicles.

Standard van or campervan? A campervan can have many different designs, which can dictate what tank(s) etc can be fitted and affect the price. Keep in mind that no professional is going to want to spend an hour or so measuring up and checking proposed tank mounting positions to tell you what tank(s) could be fitted, how and where, only for you to thank them for that but decide to do the job yourself. And now you've said you'll probably do the job yourself...

Adding closed loop fuelling to a mixer system on a carb engine is a good idea, I've done it on plenty carb'd engines, but electronics are not available designed to switch fuelling between petrol/LPG on a carb engine running a closed loop fuelling system as discussed in this thread viewtopic.php?t=19631

[CNG]

^^Young Simon will be your man^^.

Reckon you've dodged a bullet. They "Don't do vans"? Anyone with claims to install 'modern' systems, yet comes incapable of installing a carb set-up is unlikely to be good for anything.

[LPGC]

^^Young Simon will be your man^^.

Reckon you've dodged a bullet. They "Don't do vans"? Anyone with claims to install 'modern' systems, yet comes incapable of installing a carb set-up is unlikely to be good for anything.

I agree mate.

But you'd be surprised how many 'installers' tell potential customers carb vehicles can't be converted to LPG! They've either not been around long enough to know that not all LPG systems are injection, probably never seen/fixed a forklift, only fit one make/model of LPG system such as Stag injection systems.

[CNG]

Best I don't shout too loudly, at 11 pages and counting, only now working as it should, I made a meal of that carb/175 conversion. Then again I don't makes claims to be any pro.

[Gilbertd]

Professional simply means someone gets paid to do the job, not that they will do it properly.....

[CNG]

Very true, in fact when someone specifically reflects on their know-how, and all they have is... "I've been doing blah for 40 years" - run. This usually means the same thing is done the same way from day one, and it wasn't good then.

[AndrewS]

Some of these issues have come from people who post on this forum talking about work they've done, conversions they've carried out etc... but it would seem that they don't want to do mine...
Can anyone here help?

Many current 'professionals' have never coverted a carb engine'd vehicle.

I don't think you contacted me? Yet I'm the only installer who posts regularly and I have converted plenty carb'd vehicles.

Standard van or campervan? A campervan can have many different designs, which can dictate what tank(s) etc can be fitted and affect the price. Keep in mind that no professional is going to want to spend an hour or so measuring up and checking proposed tank mounting positions to tell you what tank(s) could be fitted, how and where, only for you to thank them for that but decide to do the job yourself. And now you've said you'll probably do the job yourself...

Adding closed loop fuelling to a mixer system on a carb engine is a good idea, I've done it on plenty carb'd engines, but electronics are not available designed to switch fuelling between petrol/LPG on a carb engine running a closed loop fuelling system as discussed in this thread viewtopic.php?t=19631

Hello Simon,
Sorry for the late reply- I've been working away from home and not online very often.
I did indeed contact you about it for some advice earlier this year, and we had a lengthy chat. I said I would give it some thought and get back to you. I have since called a few times, and left 2 voicemail messages, but not had a reply from you. Perhaps your voicemail is faulty...? Anyway, I would like the job done asap please! Feel free to message me on here and give me a rough idea of your availability and how long you'd need the van for.
Bedford CF Autosleeper standard wheelbase van 2.3 4cylinder. Tank would be under rear floor, replacing spare wheel, and as large as possible. Tyre size can be 205/14, and that would still leave space around it, so plenty of room.
Thank you!

[LPGC]

Hi Andrew,

I don't remember not replying to voicemails and I usually call back missed calls, I'm not sure why I missed your calls then. PM me your phone number if you like and I'll call you, or you could try to call me again.

Tyre size 205/14 but what profile (is it 70)? Even if a high profile tyre it wouldn't make much space for an LPG tank, not much diameter or depth.

Simon

[AndrewS]

Hi Simon,
It's a full profile tyre, so 205/80/14. I think a full toroidal tank of 680x250, possibly even 270, would fit ok. I'm away from home until Thursday. I'll double-check measurements when I get back, and I'll call you on Thursday afternoon.

[LPGC]

OK Andrew