Just came across this bit of info from 4x4 action forum that is very relevant to all of you that have had the diesel / gas conversions installed -
Anybody thinking of converting to Diesel/LPG be careful because this week the AAFRB (Australian Alternate Fuel Registration Board) have declared that all diesels from 2003 onwards that have been converted are illegal and unroadworthy.
A statement from AAFRB says that the LPG kits are not compliant with AS1425 standards because they have not been certified with emission testing. One supplier of LPG kits has started legal action against the AAFRB for restriction of trade because it is not possible for the kits to meet emission standards as there are none
available to be tested against in Australia at this time.
Current newsletter of AAFRB refers to this -
http://www.aafrb.com.au/forms/AAFRB_Winter_Newsletter_2008.doc
Sidek PRX Pressure Relief Valve
Since the 2002 / 2003 introduction of ADR079 and ADR80 any diesel powered vehicle converted to run on a dual fuel system must have a system that has been emission certified to the requirements outlined in AS/NZS1425 – 2007 appendix D.
Currently we are not aware of any LPG systems that have been developed for a diesel vehicle that has been emission certified in accordance with the Australian Standard.
Over the last twelve months we have inspected two vehicles that were subject to consumer complaints that have required a certified LPG system fitted to them, and as a result the businesses have either removed the system or are currently trying to have the emission test carried out.
For vehicles that have been manufactured to comply with ADR 079/00 or ADR 079/01 the requirements in AS/NZS1425-2007 for a dual fuel diesel vehicle (part diesel part LPG) is that the kit shall be fitted to at least one representative vehicle and tested in accordance with the Type I test requirements specified in ADR 79/00 or ADR 79/01. When tested the converted vehicle shall meet the relevant Type I test emission limits specified in ADR 79/00 or ADR 79/01.
The following test facilities have the capability of carrying out ADR 79/01 testing:
Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited
Contact: Mr F Will
Phone:(03) 5279 6123
VIPAC Engineers & Scientists Ltd
Contact Mr Michael Smith
Phone: 9647 9700
ADR 80/00 engines converted to dual fuel operation may be tested on either the ESC and ELR tests and meet the limit values in Table 1 or the ETC test and meet the limit values in Table 2, as specified in Clause 6.2 of Annex 1 of Appendix A of ADR 80/00, ADR 80/01. These tests are performed on an engine dynamometer and there is no provision for a chassis test.
Our enquiries have revealed that no such engine test facilities are available on a commercial testing basis in Australia.
Therefore, anyone fitting LPG to a heavy duty diesel vehicle post the publication of AS/NZS1425-2007 would require that the LPG fumigation system be fitted to an engine and tested in an overseas laboratory.
It should be noted that any vehicle that is converted to LPG and is not converted in accordance with the Australian standard would be deemed technically unroadworthy in Victoria and the vehicle would be deemed uninsurable.
Fella's, if I were you guys, I'd be making some inquiries as it could be a loophole in the event of an at-fault accident that insurance might get out of paying you because your vehicle could be deemed "un-roadworthy"......
pretty serious situation, I'd be getting on the phone to whoever installed your system and make some inquiries.
