cng leak

[burnsie]

Hello all, great forum thank you for all the great info.
I have a 99 e350 bi-fuel van. About a month and a half ago I noticed a very slight natural gas smell. In the past couple weeks it has gotten very bad, I have to keep the windows open. I traced it down to what I think is the compuvalve, its behind the engine above the transmission. It says GFI model P75-100. The leak seems to be coming from the small holes on the right above the warning sticker. I attached a picture hopefully it works. Maybe its not coming from these holes, I believe that there are three of them that go around the compuvalve. What do they do, could I just cover them up? Maybe I should to see if that stops the leak. Anyway if anybody has any ideas let me know. Thanks for the great site, and thanks for looking.
Burnsie

[cngmike]

Re: cng leak

That is the high pressure regulator.

[burnsie]

Re: cng leak

Ok so that is my high pressure regulator, thanks. Is it common for these to leak? What can I do about it? Could I just plug up those holes? That is where it seems to be coming from. I wouldnt think so because they must be there for a reason. ANy help would be appreciated. Thank you
Burnsie

[cngmike]

Re: cng leak

You will have to replace the regulator. It will cost you $500 to $900 for the part. check with your local NGV repair shop.

[j03j03]

Re: cng leak

Are you sure its coming from the holes? I have an older version of the regulator. Mine was leaking from the main connection. Where the two pieces screw together. So i took mine off and unscrewed the two pieces and put some thread sealant on then put them back together. Haven't had a problem since. The diaphram inside is getting old and hard and doesn't seal quite right.
Good luck!

[burnsie]

Re: cng leak

Thanks for everybodys help, Im going to try taking it off and resealing it, guess it cant hurt. If that doesnt work, I guess I will have to get a new one. I will keep you updated on how it goes.
Thanks again
burnsie

[Surfdancer]

Re: cng leak

Don't plug those holes!

If gas is leaking out of them, it's because the rubber diaphragm is leaking. Plugging those holes will allow the cap to pressurize in an upward spiral and possibly develop sufficient pressure to grenade off the regulator.