2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

[Harpoon]

I own a 2000 Cavalier (factory) bi-fuel. I think I need the CNG fuel filter replaced.

symptom description:
Requires 5sec of cranking to start when running on CNG
Misfires when transitioning from CNG to gasoline
Seems to only have half throttle available on CNG

When the car is run on Gasoline it starts first crank and has full thottle response.

Has anyone else had these symptoms?

I would have no issues changing the gasoline fuel filter myself; however I do not know the location of the CNG fuel filter nor if there is a special procedure. If you have any information on the CNG filter please pass it on.

I am hesitant to take the vehicle to the dealer for CNG servicing.

[John Mitton]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

Welcome to CNGchat!

Starting the Cavalier on CNG always takes a few more cranks than on gasoline, but your other symptoms would indicate you need work done.

I see you are also in Utah. Matt Matsukawa at SNO-motion deals with CNG Cavaliers all the time and probably has the part you need in stock. Give him or Rick a call at 1-801-232-6798.

[Highmarker]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

I own a 2001 Cavalier CNG. I have the service manual for my vehicle. I believe that it is quite complicated to change the CNG filter yourself. It is located where the big black tube comes from your CNG tank and goes through the floor of the trunk just behind your rear seat. You have to shut off the CNG tank and release the pressure in the lines prior to changing out the filter. I also live in Utah, in fact, a few buddies of mine are going to change the high pressure regulator along with the filter on a 1999 Cavalier CNG this weekend in South Ogden. Let me know if you want to join us.

Jared.

[golfpro]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

hi guys, having simular problems, but have a leak , so will let you know when i get that fixed next week. the leak is in the solonoid valve .

[Highmarker]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

I changed my high pressure regulator filter on Saturday. My cavalier has over 60,000 miles on it. It was a piece of cake (with the service manual).

[Harpoon]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

Thanks for all the replies. I purchased the service manual. I am ordering the new filter today will preform the service next week. I'll post my results and the scans of the service manual sections for the forum.

The filter part number is:
52368706

The filter is purchaseable on-line from http://www.gmpartsdirect.com for $18.27 + $10 shipping
However that is only $2 cheap than the dealer if you only order one.

Also to note this is the same filter used on the OEM CNG Silverados.

[CNG MOTORS]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

long cranking on CNG is normal for a cavalier. Misfire with switch over? The faster you are traveling when the change over occurs the more abrupt it will feel. Minimal power loss is normal. But if you feel you still have a problem it is very unlikely the filter causing it. I would go to the low pressure regulator or gass mass sensor before I went to the filter. Low pressure reg is the most common failure item on cavaliers.

[Harpoon]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

I agree the LPR is suspect however as a mechanic I always start with the cheapest replacable part Also with 90k+ miles the filter needs replaced. Do you have the part number to the LPR as I don't see it listed in the service manual?

[willide]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

I agree the LPR is suspect however as a mechanic I always start with the cheapest replacable part Also with 90k+ miles the filter needs replaced. Do you have the part number to the LPR as I don't see it listed in the service manual?

The LPR Part Number is 52369142, 290.54 from http://www.gmpartsdirect.com

Dennis

[GreenCav]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

Did the filter replacement solve your problem? I have a 2001 CNG Cavalier that has similar symptoms to what you descibed. I already went ahead and bought the filter anyways because it's so cheap and the vehicle has gone 168,000 miles so far without it being replaced. I was just hoping this would be an easy fix since other alt.fuel parts for the car are pretty much impossible to get ahold of nowadays.

[Kevin Fern]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

Sometimes if your vehicle has considerable miles on it and you have used CNG primarily, oils can build up on the inside of the Low Pressure Regulator, any system where fuel is introduced through the vacuum stream is trouble prone. Well for that matter all systems injection or not are susceptible to the negative effects of oils and aerosols. Extended cranking is usually noticed when the vehicle has sit for more than a few minutes. If the LPR has oil in it, it could be giving you problems. Most fuel filters only stop larger particles from going through. However oils, from compression and the aerosols in CNG can accumulate over time and puddle up inside components. Kevin

[Flynnd27]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

AFVTech,

Can the residual oil be cleaned out of the LPV?

If so can you tell us how?

Thanks for the post.

[versher]

Re: 2000 Chevy Cav bi-fuel (CNG fuel filter replacement)

Hi this is versher 504 4026961 Video anything you do MANY of us would like to see it I have 2002 and next time i do anything i will video. The water pump is easy but the radiator was a little difficult. my son wrecked the front but we replaced the hood, lights, fenders, bumper, radiator and straightened the condenser