Re: Zafira 1.8 LPG cutting out
Written by Frank at 30 Apr 2008 22:45:42:
As an answer to: Re: Zafira 1.8 LPG cutting out written by mike at 05 Aug 2006 10:44:20:
>> Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 Comfort fitted with Italian Multipoint ETAGAS sytem over two years ago. Whilst changing headlamp bulb moved LPG ECU to gain access (Disconnect not required, slack in cables). Later same day when engine auto switched from Petrol to Gas, engine stalled and i manually restored to petrol (not set to auto restore). Repeated attempts resulted in same result or erratic running - similar to water in petrol or running out of gas despite tank being full. Over the last few days the system has run ok about 30% of the time. Found a poor connection to battery earth from one LPG component near ECU and made good but no change.
>>Could this be a fault caused by disturbing the ECU? Contaminated Fuel?-(moisture or air)? Sticky solenoids in tank or vaporiser? During this period the weather has also been colder -1 to 5 Deg C but have driven car without problems at lower temperatures previous year.
>>Any ideas please.
>Reply
>We have heard of this problem but not experienced it, because of the additives in our fuel, these additives stop heavy ends congealing on solenoid valves and keep vaporisors and injectors clean. Also any 'free water' in the lpg is moleculised and burnt, the additive also acts as upper cylinder lubricant to protect exhaust valves. We have covered nearly 20 million miles now without any ill effects, one test vehicle of our own now has 168k miles on the clock and has not had any fuel related issues.
** Try disconnecting the battery overnight to get the ECU to reset. Do this after you check that moving it did not cause a loose connection or cracked wire. Also check if the unit is firmly fixed and earthed. This is probably something very simple!