2.3L industrial...few quick questions...

[rusty ol ranger]

At work we got an old hyster forklift on propane powered by a 2.3L ford. Its currently not running and since all our mechanic knows is diesels i volunteered to piss with it a few hours one day and see what i can figure out. Heres my questions...

1- How does a propane carburator differ from a gasoline carburator? And how would one tune a propane carb?

2- He claims the lift is a 91, but i think its older. Possibly. The engine has a distributor. Is it likely a duraspark setup? Or points? I didnt pop the cap off to see yet.

He says its not getting fire but truthfully i doubt he really checked. So obviously coil and points (if so equipped) is the starting point.

Any info is apperciated.

 

[RonD]

Ford called this engine the LRG-423, so Google: Ford LRG 423

For 2.3l Lima first thing to check is the timing belt, is it there, lol, not broken and is it turning with crank, see if distributor is rotating

LRG 423 Service manual here: https://www.pittauto.com/customer/piauel/pdf/ford/194-287 LRG423.pdf

Some used a Zenith controller, info here: http://www.zenithfuelsystems.com/sm.pdf
There is a good Flow Chart at the end for No Start LPG

Most no starts, or engine running issues, come down to simple mechanical issues so don't second guess yourself, the basics apply
1. spark, at the right time
2. fuel, in the right mix with air
3. compression, above 120psi static

Do the 50/50 test
Spray fuel, ether, into the intake and try to start engine
If it starts and dies you have OK compression and spark at the right time, but no fuel from the carb/injectors
If it doesn't start then you have no spark or very low compression(see timing belt )
50/50

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I talked to my bosses kid, who actually owns/uses the thing most the time. Said it would run good for a while then go to shit. Now it wont start.

Im thinking its a simple ignition coil.

 

[adsm08]

So hook up a light across the terminals for the coil, and crank it. See if the light flashes. If the light is flashing and there is no spark, coil.

 

[RonD]

Actually reads more like fuel filter, but overheating coil will do that as well

 

[rusty ol ranger]

So hook up a light across the terminals for the coil, and crank it. See if the light flashes. If the light is flashing and there is no spark, coil.

Thats my plan.

Actually reads more like fuel filter, but overheating coil will do that as well

Do propane models have fuel filters? Ive never really messed with propane stuff much.

 

[snoranger]

Thats my plan.


Do propane models have fuel filters? Ive never really messed with propane stuff much.

Usually no, they don't. Follow the fuel line from the tank. It would be the first thing in line if it does.
The fuel system usually consists of a vacuum lock off or fuel shut off solenoid, a regulator/convertor, and the carb.
The fuel shit off does exactly what it sounds like... it stops fuel flow when the engine isn't running. It either uses vacuum (could be mechanical or electrical) or oil pressure (electrical) to open.

The regulator uses heat (either ambient air temp or coolant) to convert the liquid fuel to gas. It only releases fuel when vacuum pulls from the carb.

Check your spark first, if that's good I can walk you through fuel system tests... I was a foreman at a forklift repair shop for 15 years.

 

[tomw]

I agree that running for a while and then shutting down points to fuel flow being limited or disrupted. With the need for heat to vaporize the propane so it can be used, it might be a good to look at the heat source used. The carb doesn't need to do a lot with propane as it is already a vapor, so does not need atomization/emulsion/etc to get it to mix with the air.
FWIW, I have read that some propane unit use regular gasoline to start and then switch to 100% propane after the engine is at operating temperature. If the fuel tank is empty, ... no start ...
tom