I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..

In article ,
   sheeper  wrote: 
> I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
Just my 2Cents worth:  IF it was running fine before, I doubt it would need
remapping UNLESS something has changed/broken. 
Check for air leaks after the MAF if you're running one.

HTH

-- 
Mitch - 1995 Z28 LT1 M6          terminal_crazy@sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk
Lancashire England          http://www.sand-hill.freeserve.co.uk/terminal_crazy/

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
too lean and needs remapping.

My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..

Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
Trent, Staffordshire.

Thanks in advance....


I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say either 
the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of heavy ends.

When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with the 
exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and when were 
the valve clearances last checked?

Tim..

On 28 May, 10:36, "Tim.."  wrote:
> "sheeper"  wrote in message
>
> news:1179736603.187108.165090@36g2000prm.googlegroups.com...
> I've got an 04 Focus 1.8 Bi-fuel (factory lpg - not a conversion)
> which dies when cold starting and won't switch to lpg until warmed up
> after about 2 miles.  I'm told by those in the know that it is running
> too lean and needs remapping.
>
> My local garage's lpg expert says he can't do the job and only Ford
> can do the job as they won't release the software for others to use.
> My local Bristol Street Ford dealership say they can do the job - but
> at a cost of £195.00 which seems excessive..
>
> Does anyone know if I could get the job done anywhere other than at a
> Ford agents locally (as I object to being exploited)?  I'm in Stoke-on-
> Trent, Staffordshire.
>
> Thanks in advance....

 I 'm not an expert on LPG systems, but from the symptoms I would say
either the filter is partially blocked, or the vap needs draining of
heavy ends.

 When you say "factory fitted" I assume you can substantiate this with
the
 exchange cylinder head being fitted?  Also, whats the mileage, and
when were
 the valve clearances last checked?

 Tim..

Thanks -

I've now booked it into an lpg specialist in Stoke who seems to do the
conversions on behalf of all the garages that "install lpg" for all
makes in the area.  Can't get it in until 13 June which I take as a
good sign.  He thinks the problem may be the need for a filter
cleanout.  If that doesn't do the trick I will pass on your suggestion
regarding the need to drain the vap of heavy ends.

I say "factory fitted" as the car was supplied by Ford Direct via a
Ford dealer with all of 4 miles on the clock, a bi-fuel supplement to
the handbook, a jazzy pump thingy built into a foam recess under the
raised boot floor that reflates and seals a punctured tyre (the 45
litre lpg donut tank is in the spare wheel recess) and a snazzy green
leaf logo attached to the "Focus" badge on the rear end.  The spec.
for this £2K engine option involves the extra hardened valve seats in
the upgraded cylinder head.

I bought the car (Ghia) for £11K as they were clearing them out in
preparation for the new shape model and the new bio-ethenol engine
option.

It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

Thanks for your helpful response and also to those who have proferred
advice dircet by e-mail.

---------------------------------------

"sheeper"  wrote in message 
news:1180432009.163261.211210@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com...


It's now done 41K miles.  I was labouring under the niaive
misapprehension that the overpriced Ford dealer's regular service
included attention to routine maintenance of the Ford bi-fuel system.
Alas no apparently, but I assume valve clearances would have been
checked during their procedures on the 35K service.  My spreadsheet
tells me I've saved over £3K on fuel costs in 3 years, so I suppose I
can't really complain too much.

I dont expect for one moment that the dealer checked the valve clearances at 
the 35k interval. They should be at least checked
say every 30k if only to judge if there is any valve recession occuring or 
not. Anything thats tightened up is a possible problem. Recession can occur 
on hard driven petrol cars at around the 100k mark, BUT also on the 
hardened-seated LPG-ers if they spend most of their time at high motorway 
speed under high load.- Your driving style may not include this treatment 
though. over 4000rpm is well over 100mph on the 1.8 anyhow!

I've just lost faith with Ford dealers en masse.  The car is great and
if Ford still did the 1.8 bi-fuel engine option I'd buy another new
Focus tomorrow and cheerfully pay full price!

The mk1 / mk2 Focus is arguably the best ever car Ford have produced; yes 
the new mk3 is dynamically better in many ways, but aside from being dull , 
many are already experiencing build / quality / reliability problems that 
the earlier cars didnt. The 1.6's are slow to sluggish, and the 2.0 thirsty.

Tim..