Dodger

I had my 2005 4L Prado converted to LPG about 2.5 years ago. Cost was $4000, I got $2000 back but I think that you get less now. It costs more than some cars because they fit 6 LPG injector valves, unlike the cheaper aspirated type conversions. Benefits are, very little noticeable drop in performance, even when pulling my 2.5 ton Supreme caravan and all the gear. It uses approx 15l/100km of gas ( LPG being less than half price, works out at about 7.5l/100km petrol price equivalent). Towing the van it gets approx 22 l/100km. The main disadvantage is, only 55 useable litres of gas per fill. So the range on gas is about 350km, and only about 230km when towing. However it still has the 2nd petrol tank fitted and with the 90 litres , the range of the vehicle is still very good. The engine starts on petrol and when temperature is up, auro switch to gas, or flip a switch between gas and petrol for a totally seamless switchover. I paid for my conversion after about 1.5 years. Service costs are low, the main one being filters every 30,000 to 40,000. Still maint costs for a petrol engine are a lot less than diesel., and I feel it was well worth the effort. Cheers

I have now travelled about 500 km's since the oil change and the engine runs as smooth as silk. The oil has a little color to it, but acceleration up hills is normal.

Hi, I have a 2005 4 litre petrol engine Prado Grande, and for the last 3 times that I have changed the oil, the engine has major acceleration problems when going up a hill. It operates normally along the flat, and when approaching a rise, applying more throttle will not result in any more power unless the throttle is pushed almost to the floor, and then it will change down a gear, rev hard, but still not develop normal power. Once you get back on the flat, it runs smooth as silk. This condition is evident for the first 300 to 400 Km's (approx), then it will clear up and all is normal again till the next oil change. I have used different brands of oil, but all the correct spec, SM or higher, and 10w / 40. Hope anyone can give an explanation. Roger

Hey Buff, What do you mean "run the engine" to remove the trapped air ? Is there some special action I should do when I first start the car after the oil change ? I have tried a 15w/40 and 10w/40 as per the specs, they both cause this problem.

Hi, I have a 2005 4 litre petrol engine Prado Grande, and for the last 3 times that I have changed the oil, the engine has major acceleration problems when going up a hill. It operates normally along the flat, and when approaching a rise, applying more throttle will not result in any more power unless the throttle is pushed almost to the floor, and then it will change down a gear, rev hard, but still not develop normal power. Once you get back on the flat, it runs smooth as silk. This condition is evident for the first 300 to 400 Km's (approx), then it will clear up and all is normal again till the next oil change. I have used different brands of oil, but all the correct spec, SM or higher, and 10w / 40. Hope anyone can give an explanation. I have reposted this thread under 4x4 Prado Listing. I you have anything to suggest, can you reply there. Many thanks. Roger