Tickford LPG Information for the Ford EL Falcon
- Document Information
- Factory information regarding the Tickford LPG System
- Vehicle: Ford Falcon (EL)
- Copyright Owner: Matthew Jones (Matti Jones) (ZerOne)
- Document Visits: 4584
- Created: Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:12 am
- Revised: Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:17 am (Rev 1)
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This document is simply a collection of information on the Tickford fitted LPG system, for the EF and EL Model Falcons.
It includes steps that are carried out during routine service, and also includes the following information,
- EEC V Spark Timing, and Transmission Maps
- Implementing the Tickford LPG Self Learn procedure,
- Some wiring and diagnostic information.
Unfortunately, because information on the Tickford LPG system is difficult (at best) to come by, the information detailed within this document is not as detailed as I would have hoped for.
In any case though, it is better than nothing !
Tickford LPG Description
With the Tickford LPG System, Falcon, Fairmont, Fairlane, and LTD Models deliver the same power on petrol or LPG (? Whaah tha ?)
Developed jointly by Ford and Tickford, and tuned specifically for these models, this LPG system is the only LPG fitment covered by the Ford 3 Year/100,000Km "Bumper to Bumper" Warranty.
Available on Automatic Falcon, Futura, and Fairmont, for both sedans and wagons.
Tickford LPG is not available for XR6 or Fairmont Ghias fitted with the High Output 6 Cylinder motor.
- EEC V Spark Timing, and Transmission Maps
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The unique LPG EEC-V modules contain enhanced power train operating characteristics, which provide increased engine power, and improved drivability when running on LPG.
Whereas the regular Petrol-Only EEC V Module contains software optimised to determine the ignition timing and Automatic Transmission shift timing for operation on petrol, the LPG EEC V Module contains individual spark and transmission maps for both LPG and Petrol
The LPG Spark map is optimised for operation on LPG, while the Petrol spark map is the standard petrol spark timing map, as used on Petrol EEC V Modules
All the Transmission maps are unique, to not only account for the different power and torque curves of the engine running on LPG, but also to account for the change in engine output as a result of the intake restriction at the gas air mixer.
Thus, the LPG EEC-V module contains 2 (two) spark maps (LPG and Petrol) and Four transmission maps (LPG Economy, LPG Normal, Petrol Economy, Petrol Normal).
Below is a table of comparative engine peak power and torque outputs obtained from a test engine modified to the different specifications for each test, to show the effect of the revised spark maps on engine peak output.
Description Peak Power (kW @ RPM) Peak Torque (Nm @ RPM) Standard Petrol Engine 150 @ 4750 362 @ 2750 LPG Vehicle (Gas air mixer installed in Engine Air Intake) Running on LPG with optimised LPG spark Map/Plug) 143 @ 4750 352 @ 3000 LPG Vehicle (Gas air mixer installed in Engine Air Intake) Running on Petrol with LPG Spark Plug) 141 @ 4750 352 @ 2500 LPG Vehicle (Gas air mixer installed in Engine Air Intake) Running on LPG with Petrol spark map) 133 @ 4750 339 @ 2500
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The EF/EL Tickford LPG system has a self learn procedure for maintaining a stoichiometric air fuel ratio at 3,000 RPM
This self learn procedure should be conducted under the following conditions,
- At 1,500Kms, 20,000Km, and every 30,000Kms there after.
- Whenever the spark plugs, or ignition leads are changed.
- Whenever ANY LPG system components are changed or replaced.
Note : This procedure is not required if the battery has ONLY been disconnected.
When conducting the Self learn procedure, the engine must be at operating temperature, and the bonnet should be closed. The operator should also be sober, and free of any drugs.
during this process, the LPG computer will be looking for the stepper motor position necessary to maintain a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio at 3,000 RPM. (A not too lean, not too rich LPG fuel mixture)
Once the procedure has been initiated, the LPG computer will tell you when to hold the engine speed at 3,000RPM, and will also notify you if the engine speed is incorrect.
Once the LPG Computer has learnt the stepper motor self learn position, (which takes 30 seconds), it will indicate the end of the procedure by switching the LED On constantly.
Initiating the LPG Self Learn Procedure
- Ensure the engine is at its correct operating temperature. (Drive around for a bit, doing some burnouts if this is not the case)
- Shut the Bonnet (Hopefully you would have done this before conducting any burnouts, as specified above)
The Tickford LPG computer is located some-where on the car. - Go find it !
Once the Tickford LPG computer is located,- Locate the Blue and white wire from its spade connector. This wire will be connected to a Black wire.
- The Blue/White wire is the self learn procedure input for the Tickford LPG computer.
- Apply 12 Volts to the above Blue/White coloured wire. (DO NOT APPLY 12V TO THE BLACK WIRE!)
- Start the engine on LPG, and allow it to idle
- The Amber LED on the LPG selector switch will blink fast at 1.3Hz (1.3 times a second)
- After a 1 (one) minute duration, the LED will stay on constantly - AT THIS POINT, HOLD THE ENGINE RPM AT 3000RPM
- Once the RPM is stable at 3000RPM, push the fuel selector switch once, and MAINTAIN the engine speed at 3000RPM
- The LPG selector switch LED should blink fast, at 1.3Hz (1.3 times a second)
- NOTE : IF THE LED BLINKS SLOW AT 0.5Hz (once every 2 seconds) BEFORE 30 SECONDS - THEN THE ENGINE SPEED WAS INCORRECT, AND YOU WILL NEED TO REPEAT THE ABOVE PROCEEDURE !
- After 30 seconds, the LPG selector switch LED should stay on constantly. - If the LED blinks slowly at 0.5Hz (once every 2 seconds), then there was a problem with the LPG system running too rich, or too lean. Go find the fault !
- If all is OK, then allow the engine to idle. Switch off the ignition, and reconnect the LPG Computer Self Learn wire (Blue/White) back to the Black wire plug.
- And thus concludes the Tickford LPG self learn procedure.
- At 1,500Kms, 20,000Km, and every 30,000Kms there after.
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Ignition Timing
The EEC-V Computer is responsible for all ignition timing aspects, whether running on ULP, or LPG.
The EEC-V Module receives a signal from the LPG computer, indicating if the vehicle is running on ULP, or LPG fuel, and adjusts the ignition timing accordingly.
For EEC-V Models, the Ignition timing is not adjustable, and as such should not require any attention.
Though the above may be the case, the timing can be checked with a timing light immediately at the end of the Engine Running Self Test, (With the STI Pin grounded).
The information for conducting this test is outlined in the EEC-V Diagnostics Document.
For EL Models, Ignition timing should be carried out as per the Workshop manual for these models. (Information coming soon to www.FordMods.com)
Base Idle Speed
The Base idle speed when running on LPG fuel is controlled via the EEC-V Computer via the ISC (Idle Speed Controller).
It can be checked by running the engine on ULP fuel, at the end of the Engine Running Self Test.
A 0.75mm spacer is placed under the throttle stop adjusting screw, and the ISC connector is removed.
The Throttle stop is then adjusted so as the engine idle speed is then set to 700RPM, with +/-20RPM tolerance.
Annual Inspections
The Australian Standard 1425-1989 requires an annual inspection of certain components of the LPG system.
A brief summary of the requirements are listed below,
- Fuel Tank - Test Date, Damage, corrosion and attachment.
- Automatic fill limiter operation
- Service Valve operation
- Fuel Tank sub compartment sealing
- Lock-Off and Duel fuel selector operation
- Filler valve and connections
- LPG Decal attachment to front and rear number plates
The Complete requirements are detailed in the appropriate section of the Australian Standard 1425-2989
Something to look forward to for all EF/EL Tickford LPG systems is the Fuel cylinder testing and inspection.
This inspection is an important requirement of the Australian Standards, and includes every ten years, the removal of the LPG cylinder, for testing by an authorised Container Test Station.
Once the testing has been completed and the cylinder has passed, the cylinder is stamped with the test date and is then ready for another 10 years of service.
LPG Problems The following is a list of common problems, and their solutions, when running a Tickford LPG System, on an EF/EL/AU Falcon.
The Car will NOT RUN on LPG - No matter How many times you swear at it
This can be caused by a Blown LPG Computer Fuse.
The Tickford LPG Computer has a 3Amp Keep Alive Power fuse, and if this fuse has blown, or is removed, then the Tickford LPG computer will AUTOMATICALLY switch to petrol operation, and the Fuel Indicator LED will switch Off.
Some rough engine running may momentary occur during the changeover.
If the fuse is refitted, the Tickford LPG computer will revert back to LPG operation.
Engine Does Not run on Either Fuel
If you have checked all the normal fuses located in the fuse panel, it is recommended that you check the 7.5Amp Ignition Power Fuse for the Tickford LPG Computer.
Removing, or blowing this fuse will mean that the engine will stall, and will not run on either fuel.
A stop gap solution is to remove the Tickford LPG Computer Connector, and petrol operation will be restored.
The same also applies for a complete Tickford LPG Computer Failure.
Starting Difficulties
It is possible to start a Tickford LPG Equipped Vehicle on Gas. (This is not normally not possible).
This can be very helpful if you have (For some reason) run very low on ULP Fuel to such an extant that it is impossible to start the vehicle on ULP Fuel.
To cause an LPG ONLY next start, either press the Fuel Selector Switch when the Ignition Switch is Off, or remove, and refit the 3Amp Keep Alive Power fuse, for the Tickford LPG Computer.
If hard starting is a problem, check to see if the Fuel Selector Switch LED goes out (Indicating Petrol Operation), during cranking/Starting.
If LPG is selected and the Tacho Signal is not detected by the Tickford LPG Computer while starting, it will initiate ULP Petrol operation, but the Fuel Selector Switch LED will remain On
If the engine is running on LPG and the tacho signal is lost, the engine will stall.
The Ignition key must be cycled to restart (I.E. Switch the Ignition Off completely, then Back On, and Start).
Again, Petrol operation will occur, and the LED will remain on.
LPG Converter Problems
- If the converter is leaking water internally, chances are it has frozen at some stage.
- The secondary valve can be opened manually by inserting a blunt object in the centre hole on the back of the converter (Pushing on the secondary diaphragm).
- The converter should hold secondary pressure for at least 10 minutes after the engine is turned off.
- If the vapour outlet is blocked while the idle jet is open, the pressure in the converter will increase until the blockage is cleared or the pressure reaches the tank pressure.
Stepper Motor (LPG Mixture adjustment) Information
If the stepper motor is suspected of being faulty, follow the "Engine Running Rich or Lean" Diagnostic chart outlined below, taking in to consideration the following operating characteristics
- When the ignition is turned to On with the LPG Computer in Petrol mode, the stepper motor will travel to its fully opened position, then return to the fully closed position.
- When the ignition is turned on with LPG selected after the car has not been started for more than 20 Minutes, the stepper motor will open fully then return to the open loop position
- When Petrol is selected, the stepper motor will move to the fully closed position.
- If the ignition is turned off with the LPG Computer in LPG mode, the stepper motor will return to the open loop position.
- The Stepper Motor Pintile can usually be pushed by hand. If this is not possible, the stepper may not be responding fast enough to maintain satisfactory control.
General LPG Electrical operating Characteristics
- If either of the 2 (two) LPG Computer fuses are blown, the car WILL NOT run on LPG.
- If the LPG Computer is removed from the car, the petrol injectors will not operate unless pins 7 and 11 on the General Connector 1 are bridged.
- If the Tacho signal does not reach the LPG computer, the Fuel Change over Light will still change when the Fuel/LPG button is depressed, but the engine will only run on petrol.
- A dirty earth strap to the engine may cause excessive fuel consumption.
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There are a number of electrical connectors that are added, when the Tickford LPG System has been optioned.
There are some slight modifications made to the existing Vehicle Wiring Loom, in order to integrate the LPG system into the vehicle.
The EEC-V Computer Wiring Connector has 3 Terminals added/replaced.
On top of this, a further 5 wiring connectors are added to the vehicle, for LPG Operation.
These Wiring Connectors include,
- LPG Stoichiometric Stepper Motor Connector (To Stepper Motor)
- Tickford LPG Computer Main Wiring Connector
- Tickford LPG Computer, Secondary EEC-V Wiring Connector
- Fuel Selector Switch Connector
- Idle Speed Control Stepper Motor Actuator Connector (On LPG Housing)
All in all, it looks like there is some good fun to be had by all.
- LPG Stoichiometric Stepper Motor Connector (To Stepper Motor)
- Fuel Tank - Test Date, Damage, corrosion and attachment.