Upper Cyl Lubricant not dispensing

[SteveMJ_new]

Hi Folks,

A simple question that will have a simple answerr I think.

My LPG vehicle’s flash lube dispenser is not dispensing. I presume it needs a clean, what should I clean it with?

The car was not used much during Covid lockdown, perhaps that is why. It has been in the car since 2009 and dispensed during 148,000 miles.

I have attached a photo to aid identification of my actual dispenser.

Thanks

Photo of Flashlube dispenser, to aid identification.

Flashlube.PNG (346.22 KiB) Viewed 4734 times

[LPGC]

Before cleaning - make sure the pipe is connected at the manifold end and at the bottle end, try adjusting it (uncscrew the brass thumb adjuster) to see if it starts dripping.

Not sure what you'd clean it with but for some kinds of cleaning fluids you'd want to remove it from the car to make sure they don't get into the engine (or to make sure highly flammable stuff doesn't get onto the engine). Maybe clean it with petrol but most basic vacuum type lube system problems can be sorted by fixing pipe leaks, seal leaks (check the rubbers at the top and bottom of the sight glass) or by simple adjustment.

[SteveMJ_new]

Before cleaning - make sure the pipe is connected at the manifold end and at the bottle end, try adjusting it (uncscrew the brass thumb adjuster) to see if it starts dripping.

Not sure what you'd clean it with but for some kinds of cleaning fluids you'd want to remove it from the car to make sure they don't get into the engine (or to make sure highly flammable stuff doesn't get onto the engine). Maybe clean it with petrol but most basic vacuum type lube system problems can be sorted by fixing pipe leaks, seal leaks (check the rubbers at the top and bottom of the sight glass) or by simple adjustment.

Thanks Simon,

I'll check connections. That will be fiddly due to stuff in this area of engine compartment. I presume that if I disconnect the pipe I should be able to feel a vacuum?

I previously tried adjustment but none allowed any dripping in the sight glass to occur. I have found in the past that I would make an adjustment as the seasons changed. I always presumed that was due to ambient temperature change. I see this dispensing method as being simplistic and rather crude.

I'll see if I can do that over the next few days.

Cheers, Steve

[Pinger]

Check the bottle's vent (the one that allows air in) isn't blocked - though it being blocked would probably cause the bottle to collapse inwards on itself.

[Brian_H]

I doubt you'd feel a vacuum if it's going into a spider type arrangement. You might if it's just a single pipe to manifold with nothing in middle of the pipe. The spiders have a metal braided cable down the centre.

The electronic ones are a bit more sophisticated, but if it's worked up to now sounds like sticking with what you have is best bet.

Blocked hose might also cause problems though the stuff is fairly thin so wouldn't expect a clog unless it's got contaminated with something

[SteveMJ_new]

Thank you all for your advice.

I have good news to report.

This morning I removed the dispensing bottle - it was grubby and there was jelly like deposits inside the bottle and dispensing mechanism. 13 years without any maintenance or cleaning is good IMHO.

I started the car (6.2L V8) and put my finger over the pipe connected to the inlet manifold - I could feel the vacuum. Which I took as a good sign.

I stripped and cleaned all the bottle and dispensing mechanism in petrol. I re-assembled and re-fitted and added a small amount of Flash-lube. The dispensing is occuring as normal. Hurrah.

As an after thought; I cannot clean the inside of the plastic pipe leading to the manifold, so i was thinking about filling the dispensing bottle with petrol which may soften the build up of Flash Lube in that pipe. What are your thoughts?

Many thanks again for all your help, Steve

[Pinger]

As an after thought; I cannot clean the inside of the plastic pipe leading to the manifold, so i was thinking about filling the dispensing bottle with petrol which may soften the build up of Flash Lube in that pipe. What are your thoughts?

Good result getting it working.
The plastic pipe leading to the manifold - can't you just replace it?
I'd be wary of petrol in case it either melted or stiffened/perished the reservoir bottle (or any other components not designed for it). Removing the pipe and soaking it in petrol is as far as I'd want to go. Or blast some carb cleaner through it?
And, as it will richen the mixture, it will likely mess up your fuel trims. Others can probably advise better (on both points!).

[SteveMJ_new]

As an after thought; I cannot clean the inside of the plastic pipe leading to the manifold, so i was thinking about filling the dispensing bottle with petrol which may soften the build up of Flash Lube in that pipe. What are your thoughts?

Good result getting it working.
The plastic pipe leading to the manifold - can't you just replace it?
I'd be wary of petrol in case it either melted or stiffened/perished the reservoir bottle (or any other components not designed for it). Removing the pipe and soaking it in petrol is as far as I'd want to go. Or blast some carb cleaner through it?
And, as it will richen the mixture, it will likely mess up your fuel trims. Others can probably advise better (on both points!).

I have done nothing much more about this as it all seems OK. I think the few drips of petrol would not significantly richen the mixture.

Bigest problem is locating LPG for me.

[Brian_H]

At the moment that seems a bit of an issue, hopefully that will sort itself out when it warms up a bit more, https://autogas.app/ should give an idea of what's available locally to you. Asda and Morrisons seem more reliable than other outlets at the moment. the few Shell stations that still have it have been out of action most if the time since early December here.