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LP forklift help

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Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Construction and other equipment
Forum Description: everything else with orange (or yellow) paint
URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=86099
Printed Date: 09 Sep 2025 at 8:08pm
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Topic: LP forklift help

Posted By: dave63
Subject: LP forklift help
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 3:56pm

I am not sure of the forklift model. It is a 3000 lb lift solid wheel forklift.

The component that converts the liquid propane to gas is where the problem is. the solenoid clicks, I have liquid going in and no vapor coming out. It is cold in the building and there is what looks like a glow plug in the coolant manifold on top of the engine. There is no currant going to it.

Does that need currant to heat the coolant in order for the LP to vaporize?

I have not been able to get it running in the winter for a few years now but I kinda need it now.

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Replies:

Posted By: Eric B
Date Posted: 15 Mar 2014 at 10:14pm

Your forklift should start without having to heat the coolant. Propane will vaporize down to around -40, however, that said once an engine starts on propane it is dependant on the coolant warming up in reasonable time or you will get 'freeze up' and it will stall. I've had a similar (to your) problem with my forklift and I don't know what make of system you have but in the propane regulator on mine there is a plunger that can get stuck if it's sat without running for some time and it has to come apart and be cleaned before it works well again. Some forklifts run like clockwork year after year and other ones act up, I have one I'm ready to convert back to gas because the propane system has hiccups, mostly good but enough frustration that trouble shooting has to come to an end. Some systems are very hard to get parts for any more.

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Currently- WD,WC,3WF's,2 D14's B. Previously- I 600,TL745,200,FL9,FR12,H3,816 LBH. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!

Posted By: DiyDave
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2014 at 6:00am

Check around the propane system, A friend said that once he had a hole spider plug up a propane setup, by daubing mud over an orifice, that needed airflow.

Posted By: Dave Richards (WV)
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 9:46am

Amen on the spider, had that happen in a propane stove.

Also, there should be a vaccum switch on the carb or manifold that limits the propane until the engine is cranking. Mine was corroded and wouldn't start till I cleaned the connection. If the switch is bad, it wont start ever.

Posted By: Mrgoodwrench
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2014 at 8:10pm

if you are getting liquid fuel into the vaporizer, all the vac and oil pressure switches are working fine. the vaporizer may be ok too. they don't push fuel into the engine, the engine sucks it in. if it is a impco modle j, jb, or cobra, they operate on 1.5 psi so you wont feel fuel coming out. the beam systems run on 3 or 4 psi. will if start on either or carb cleaner? with a little more info on what you have or some pics I may be more helpfull

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Posted By: sweckl
Date Posted: 19 May 2021 at 11:40am

Hi Dave63,

There could be a couple of issues going on. These may be the most likely culprits:

1. The fuel filter is gummed up with debris. Fuel filters should be replaced every 2,000 hours, at least.

2. The regulator is gummed up. Ethyl mercaptan oil (the stinky stuff added to LP gas for detectability) can "crack out" in the regulator - along with several other fuel system components. When this happens, it can destroy the diaphragm or otherwise prevent it from accumulating the required fuel pressure. The solution is to drain the regulator to force that oil out.

Beware that either of these items can be dangerous, as LP is extremely cold and under pressure. Working on either component improperly can result in frost bite, among other dangers. If you're unfamiliar with forklift fuel systems, it's best to leave these repairs to the professionals.

If you want more information on propane fuel system troubleshooting, check out this guide that I found online: https://www.conger.com/forklift-propane-fuel-system-troubleshooting/" rel="nofollow - https://www.conger.com/forklift-propane-fuel-system-troubleshooting/

Good luck!