Zavoli problem

[puddleglum]

Hi

have a Zavoli system fitted. About 4 weeks ago, the mpg return dropped suddenly. Was getting 200+ miles before red bar lit up commuting to and from work, now getting about 130.

Went away for a week, and when running tank from full to red light in one stint, still getting 200+ miles.

So I'm thinking that the system has developed a leak, and that during the week, when car is sitting between commutes, it's losing gas, hence the much lower return.

Does this seem reasonable? If so, I'm going to be looking for somewhere to have it repaired - can anyone recommend a place near Manchester?

TIA

[billynoband]

I have found lpg disappears when the car is left for periods, same as running in very cold weather. If it was leaking you WOULD be able to smell it. Good luck.

[puddleglum]

I have found lpg disappears when the car is left for periods, same as running in very cold weather. If it was leaking you WOULD be able to smell it. Good luck.

Thing is, this suddenly started happening after car had been in garage for water pump \ cam belt.

One week 200+ miles to the tank on commute runs, next week after being in garage, just getting 130 miles or so. The periods standing haven't changed. Was thinking that a small leak had developed such that during the week when it's stood overnight during the day gas is now being lost.

[Gilbertd]

If it was leaking you WOULD be able to smell it.

Unless you park it outside where any breeze would disperse it. If it is leaking when not in use, which it would appear to be, then it can't be anything in the front end as the shutoff solenoids would prevent any gas getting that far. I would check around the multivalve on the tank and the filler for any leaks there. Proper leak detect spray or soapy water over all joints would be a good idea to start with.

[puddleglum]

If it was leaking you WOULD be able to smell it.

Unless you park it outside where any breeze would disperse it. If it is leaking when not in use, which it would appear to be, then it can't be anything in the front end as the shutoff solenoids would prevent any gas getting that far. I would check around the multivalve on the tank and the filler for any leaks there. Proper leak detect spray or soapy water over all joints would be a good idea to start with.

Yeah it's parked outside all the time, we're on a hill that catches all wind, and with a steepish drive slopes, which I guess heavier that air lpg could "flow" away down. Outside at work too.

Don't want to put in the garage to see if I can collect any leakage (and be certain it is leaking) because boiler is in there

Thanks for suggestion - I'll get the fairy liquid out tomorrow.

[AUTOLPG]

hi.. try to find gas detector machine.

[billynoband]

I must have a really good nose then. I could even smell gas when my liquid phase filter housing washer failed. The leak was so small it just left a slight oil type patch, there was no hissing and the leak spray did not bubble. I put a new sealing washer on and smell gone. I still stand by what I say in that if it's leaking you will notice unless you grow, eat and have lot's of rotten cabbage hanging around.
Never believe your tank gauge either, always fill it and run out to get mileage. Mine changed it's reading habits drastically soon after installation. I get 100 miles in the red now.

[rossko]

Thing is, this suddenly started happening after car had been in garage for water pump \ cam belt.

Maybe they had battery off and the Zavoli's settings have been lost.
Maybe the cam is a tooth out on the timing and the consumption would be as bad on petrol.

[puddleglum]

I must have a really good nose then. I could even smell gas when my liquid phase filter housing washer failed. The leak was so small it just left a slight oil type patch, there was no hissing and the leak spray did not bubble. I put a new sealing washer on and smell gone. I still stand by what I say in that if it's leaking you will notice unless you grow, eat and have lot's of rotten cabbage hanging around.
Never believe your tank gauge either, always fill it and run out to get mileage. Mine changed it's reading habits drastically soon after installation. I get 100 miles in the red now.

Well, if I do a constant run - from tank full to tank empty - like having been to Cornwall - it gives the same miles per tank as it used to.

Hence I believe it's leaking. Hey, I could be wrong. I'm looking for a solution to this huge drop in mpg.

[puddleglum]

hi.. try to find gas detector machine.

Any suggestions where, and to makes \ models that are worth buying?

[puddleglum]

Thing is, this suddenly started happening after car had been in garage for water pump \ cam belt.

Maybe they had battery off and the Zavoli's settings have been lost.
Maybe the cam is a tooth out on the timing and the consumption would be as bad on petrol.

Okay, hadn't thought of either of those.

Battery wasn't off though, otherwise radio would have needed code putting in again.

On a continuous run full tank to empty, I get same mpg as expected. I think if cam was out, I'd see reduced mileage returned like during week on commuting runs?