Starting up new FMQ2-36

[in_cognito]

After a long 3+ months I have the FMQ wired, plumbed and waiting for the tech to come "Initialize it" and give it his blessing.

The question I have is, Can I use the thing to fill my car ? Do I really need to wait for the tech to do the intialization?

[freedml]

Re: Starting up new FMQ2-36

Here's what I would do (if I didn't have a FM test kit). Fill your car at the usual station. Start the FMQ without a car attached. Smell for leaks. It should shut off in a couple of minutes and not leak at the nozzle. Yellow light should be on. Hook up the car and start the FMQ. Watch it until it shuts off. Probably 15-30 minutes if you're close to the CNG station. Smell for gas leaks from the FMQ to the car connection during this process. You're using your car's tank as a 'test bottle' and the only thing you're missing is a gauge to make sure you really got to 3600.

[Steve]

Re: Starting up new FMQ2-36

After I got mine all ready to go, I called the local rep (Clean Energy) and he was nonchalant about the whole process that lead me to believe that this "christening" of the FMQ was almost unnecessary. I never had the Clean Energy guy come down and I have been fueling my car. Should I push the issue to get the unit officially tested?

[freedml]

Re: Starting up new FMQ2-36

If you don't smell gas leaking and it reliably fills to 3600 then I wouldn't bother.

[cngaz]

Re: Starting up new FMQ2-36

Without the test kit, you will not have a way to bleed the initial air from the
unit and it will go into your tank. May cause a burp or the engine to die when it finally gets to your engine from the tank and may not. Your gamble.
The other purpose of the test kit is to time how long it takes to fill it and shut down to make sure the FuelMaker is running according to spec.
This way you know for sure with a company rep present that it is or isn't working properly and if it isn't get it taken care of under warranty.

[Cal]

Re: Starting up new FMQ2-36

Without the test kit, you will not have a way to bleed the initial air from the
unit and it will go into your tank. May cause a burp or the engine to die when it finally gets to your engine from the tank and may not. Your gamble.
The other purpose of the test kit is to time how long it takes to fill it and shut down to make sure the FuelMaker is running according to spec.
This way you know for sure with a company rep present that it is or isn't working properly and if it isn't get it taken care of under warranty.

It is my understanding that you can bleed the air from the fill hose by pressing firmly in the center of the nozzle. You will hear air and then smell the natural gas. Stop once you smell the gas and your line is ready to go.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

[cnguser]

Re: Starting up new FMQ2-36

I would err on the safe side. Suppose something is WRONG with your unit and YOU tried to run it, and damage occurred. You may be looking at a voided warranty from FuelMaker, as the rep didn't do it.

I replaced the processor on mine when it died ($300) and didn't have the rep do it. Even though he ordered it and I picked it up from him, he told me he would not warrant it....... after the fact (because I didn't want to pay him 2 hrs of labor & travel time). Oh well.