People often ask what happens when they bring the car in for an LPG service. Some think it is just a filter swap. At some shops, that is all it is. But a proper service means going through the entire system, from the tank to the injectors. Here is how we do it.
Step 1 - LPG Filter Replacement
The foundation of every service. The system typically has two filters: a liquid-phase filter protecting the reducer from tank contaminants, and a vapor-phase filter cleaning the gas before it reaches the injectors.
Both get replaced every service, no exceptions. When we pull the old one, you can usually see how overdue the job was.
Step 2 - Injector Inspection and Cleaning
LPG injectors are precision components that must open and close at exactly the right moment. Deposits build up over time and mechanical parts wear.
We measure flow rate on each injector against factory specs. If deviation is beyond tolerance, we pull them for ultrasonic cleaning. After cleaning we measure again. Still out of spec? Time for replacement.
Step 3 - Reducer Inspection
The reducer converts liquid LPG into gas. It is the heart of the system. We check the membrane, gaskets, and pressure settings. A faulty reducer delivers too much or too little gas, directly affecting consumption and engine behavior.
On older or higher-mileage vehicles, the reducer sometimes needs an overhaul: membrane and gasket replacement. A cheap job that can significantly improve performance.
Step 4 - Hose and Fitting Inspection
Every fitting, hose, and clamp gets checked visually and physically. We look for aging, micro-cracks, and loose connections. Rubber hoses go brittle over time and can leak. Especially important on vehicles with LPG installed for more than five years.
Step 5 - Leak Test
Using a gas detector and soapy water, we check the entire installation for leaks. Every fitting, the tank valve, the reducer connections, the injector fittings. Even a minimal leak that you cannot smell can be picked up by the detector. This is a safety check that must not be skipped.
Step 6 - Electronic Diagnostics
We connect a laptop to the LPG controller and read all the parameters. We look at injection timing on each cylinder, mixture correction, reducer temperature, and system pressure. These numbers tell us exactly how the system is running and where there is room for improvement.
Step 7 - Map Adjustment
Based on the diagnostics, we adjust the electronic maps. This is the part that separates a good service from an average one. Precisely tuned maps mean optimal consumption, smooth engine operation, and a long component lifespan. Poorly tuned maps mean either excessive consumption or a lean mixture that can damage the valves.
Why Experience Makes the Difference
Each step requires knowledge and experience. Anyone with an ultrasonic machine can clean injectors, but reading diagnostic data and tuning maps properly means knowing the system inside and out. Every manufacturer (Stag, Lovato, Zavoli, AC) has its own specifics.
We have worked with LPG for over 15 years and catch problems before they get serious. If it has been more than a year since your last service, give us a call or stop by. Takes about an hour.