An LPG conversion saves on fuel, but it also changes the operating conditions of the most heavily loaded parts of the head — the valves and their seats. Many drivers only find out when compression drops. As a valve seat manufacturer, we explain the problem.

Why gas is harder on valves

Gas burns at a higher temperature, and gaseous fuel does not form the thin protective film on the valve that petrol provides. As a result, the valve seat runs hotter and more "dry", so it wears faster and, in extreme cases, burns away (recession).

Symptoms of burnt seats

• A drop in compression on one or more cylinders.
• Rough running and a shaky idle.
• Power loss and higher fuel consumption.
• Harder starting.

The solution — seats designed to run on gas

The answer is to use seats made of a material resistant to high temperature and friction. We produce valve seats in three versions matched to operating conditions:

1. 1For petrol engines — heat-resistant cast iron.
2. 2For petrol-gas engines — cast iron developed for more demanding conditions (LPG/CNG).
3. 3For diesel engines — cast iron for particularly tough conditions.

With an LPG car it pays to choose seats designed for gas at the first head repair — it is cheaper than a second repair.