Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

[mazzy]

My contour indicator lights lights up for a minute then turns off and it goes into gas mode. On occasion it starts in cng and runs for a minute then goes into gas mode.

Is there a shut off valve on the tank that may be closed? I just purchased the vehicle and two connections were not connected at the tank and one in the engine was not connected.

Thanks in advance.

[dedwards777]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

There is not a manual shut off at the tank, but there is a shut off valve (red handle) under the car on the passenger side next to the frame rail.

[larrycng]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

If things are as you say, I hope that cylinder has not passed inspection NFPA 52 requires a shutoff valve on the tank. Post a picture of the tank where the high pressure line is connected and someone will point out the shut off valve -- If I don't see the picture first

larrycng

[CNG MOTORS]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

It's been a very,very long time since I have sold a Contour (for obvious reasons) but I thought they had electronic tank valves as most Ford products do. Valve opens when it recieves 12v from the ignition when switch on, a very distinct "tink" sound can be heard coming from it, if it's operational. Most setups with electronic valves will NOT have the 1/4 valve shut off along the frame rail, usually this is only found on vehicles with manual valve tanks.

[www.cngmechanic.com]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

Did you fill-up tank with cng?

[mazzy]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

Sorry for the delay. I appreciate the questions.

The shut off valve is under the passenger side.

I filled the car with cng. It took about 3 gallons.

The tank is so tight I can't get it out without disconnecting the hose. I'm not doing that until I know if it's safe. As far as I can see there is only the selonoid valve there. There is also a nut that looks like a plug nut. I turned it a quarter turn with no results.

When the car sits a few hours the gfi light stays on for about 30 seconds then switches to gas. If I try to start it again immediately the gfi stays on for a second then goes off without even starting in cng.

I was reading about a pressure transducer. Does anyone know where that is on the ford contour?

Thanks. I'll check more frequently for answers.

Mazzy

[larrycng]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

I hope you DID NOT turn that NUT on the solenoid counter clockwise (loosen). That nut is the manual lockoff valve. If you turned in CCW, turn it the other way (tightening) the same 1/4 turn and maybe a tad more.

What you did loosen the manual lockoff valve and could cause a leak if the O ring doesn't hold. There is an O ring between the nut and the main solenoid valve body.

In the center of that "nut" is a 3/16 allen head screw. Turning the screw in (cw) until it stops and you will (should) stop all fuel from leaving the tank (manual lockoff). The allen screw should be backed out (ccw) all the way and GENTLY seated. Don't mess with the allen screw until you properly tightened the "nut", manual lockoff to about 25 foot pounds torque (I can't remember the official specs, but that should work).

If I sound like I'm a littke excited -- I am. If that manual lockoff is taken out without tank being defueled AND the solenoid valve inside the tank is not seating properly you may have more CNG than you care to deal with. The pressure that the fuel exits the tank depends on how well the main valve is seating. Poor seat more the faster the gas exits the tank. As a note, the valve inside the tank fails in the closed position (takes electricity to open it). If all is well, there won't be any gas leakage (hopefully).

The pressure transducer you are speaking about is in the Compuvalve, that is what works you fuel gauge

Safety first

Larrycng

[jackblack]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

Larry, there is no allen set screw on top , just the large nut, (see pic) has mine been removed. I just bought a 1999 contour from USPS and it does not run on cng, someone mentioned they may have disabled something. I applied 12v to the solenoid and heard no click. If my solenoid valve is bad, is this the large nut i remove to install a manual override vent tool in?

[harob1]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

Jackblack, I just looked at the pic of your solenoid valve. Without seeing it for real I would assume that nut is to the solenoid coil, and secures coil to the valve or stem. Is there any way you can get a pic at a different angle???
Harry

[jackblack]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

It is a GFI External solenoid valve, No click with 12v and I get no 6-8 ohms reading on the coil (as per manual), means its bad, it is stuck closed. I have been bleeding off small amount of CNG with the coalescent filter plug out and using the manual shut-off valve at the filter, but it will take 6-12months to bleed a full tank. No one in Oklahoma knows how to depressurize the tank, even with the Override manual venting tool, which know one has. Any help is appreciated ...thanks

[cnghal]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

How about replacing the solenoid coil?

[harob1]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

OK thats a good pic. Since you have done your homework and coil is dead. And correct me if I'm wrong, your trying to empty the tank so you can repair the valve. If it was mine I'd try another 12V coil. Yeah I know, looks scary. Another 12 V coil from something else might "trick" the valve into opening. It's internals works by magnetism as I'm sure you already know. Harry

[cowboy]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

you can open these valves with a pement magnet by removing the coil and placing a strong magnet in place this is to be used for testing or dumping gas or to get off the road as it will disable all the auto shut down of gas I did this to get home with my dodge van a few years ago when the coil went down

[fracman_okc]

Re: Is there a shut off valve on the cng tank?

I'm having a similar issue with the 2000 contour I just bought. Runs for a while fuel guage goes to nothing then it switches over. Not sounding good.