Ford Factory Bi-Fuel Van - CNG System Help Needed 1

[traver8]

Hi All,

I'm new here and am hoping that someone out there might be able to help me. We have a 1996 Ford E350 Bi-Fuel van which now has a failure in the CNG fuel system controls somewhere. I am desperatly searching for detailed service info on the CNG system. Ford does not seem to be much help as they keep refering me to their generic service publications provider to purchase a manual. I don't want to spend that much money without confirmation that the info I need is in there (and I suspect that is is not). This van came from a GSA fleet sale so I know that there are others out there. Anyone have ideas on how I might get some info so that I can try to fix this thing ?

Thanks,

Terry

 

[franzh]

Terry:
This question is off topic for this forum, but it is important enough that I thought I could help a little.

Assuming it is factory or OEM installed, this system was manufactured by a company under license from Ford. It was usually installed after production on a platform approved by Ford. If it is aftermarket, you are on you own as there are too many conversion systems to identify.

Back to the OEM. The company building the conversion systems is based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Just this past month, Ford severed the relationship with the company, partially due to the high number of failures of the systems, warranty, related system failures, etc. Ford has since discontinued the OEM production of gaseous fuel systems. Diagnosing the system is complex, even for the seasoned professional, but there are three basic components.

Starting at the fuel tanks, you will have electronic pressure solenoids at each tank. The fuel then passes to the primary pressure regulator, which reduces tank pressure from 3600 psig to about 125 psig. The fuel then travels to the Compuvalve, which is a combined fuel injection metering block and ECM assembly, mounted on the engine.

The primary pressure regulator has a history of leaking both internally and externally. The Compuvalve has a high failure rate, losing the program, sensor failure, injector clogging, injector burnout, etc. The regulator may cost up to $500, the Compuvalve up to $1500 USD, maybe higher.

Please be advised that repairs on these systems are NOT for the do-it-yourselfer! You will not find published material on these systems, and parts are not available on the aftermarket, only through licensed Ford dealers, and a few selected facilities around the country. Diagnosis of these systems is only possible using the Ford NexGen scanner with the appropriate program for gaseous fuel.

Here in Texas, many of these vehicles were fast-tracked to early retirement, mainly due to accelerated vehicle repair costs. I have seen more than a few sell for 80% of the same vehicle without the fuel system.

Franz