Toyota Avalon Engine Problems

THE Avalon is successfully running on LPG in taxis, and Toyota offers a dual-fuel system as a dealer-fit option. The system is an Apollo Gas Products development, so contact Apollo for its recommended installer. The Pulsar is a little different. It can be converted, but finding a kit is a problem. We checked with Victorian Autogas Supplies, which is working on systems for cars such as the Pulsar. It can't say when it may have one.

TOYOTA promoted the Avalon to the taxi industry and most cabbies were happy with them. The LPG system most use is one developed for Toyota by Apollo Gas and works well.

As well as the spark plugs, you could change then plug leads, check the coils, and clean the throttle body.

TOYOTA had an LPG-compatible engine for the Avalon when it was selling it to the taxi industry, but the LPG industry tells me there are no problems running the regular Avalon engine on LPG either. For an installer, contact Apollo Gas.

IT IS unusual a service manager would advise against changing the belt for starters. He's right that there is enough clearance so there is unlikely to be any internal damage, but if it does break you will be left stranded. Car companies are generally conservative when it comes to service on items like the cam timing belt, but I'd err on the side of caution and have it replaced.

THE older system is more prone to backfiring than the injection system because it works by flooding the inlet manifold with LPG and this can be ignited by a stray spark. ApolloGas developed the LPG system used by Toyota on the Avalon. Give them a call and ask their advice.

Your experience of increased performance and increased fuel consumption on E10 is in line with what we've been told would happen, but the failure of a rubber component in the fuel tank is cause for concern. So too is the starting difficulty you had. Both of your cars are claimed to be E10 compatible, but like you I'm not convinced that E10 won't cause some issues on some cars.

APOLLO Gas developed the dual-fuel system. Call 9761 7883 for advice.

TOYOTA did release an LPG-compatible engine for Avalon taxis, but the general view of the LPG industry is that the standard Avalon can be run on LPG without any problems with the valves and valve seats.