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How to fill a car LPG tank from a gas cylinder.
A step-by-step guide for drivers who fill their own LPG car from a gas cylinder, using a 12V pump that runs from the car battery.
What you need
- A car with an LPG (autogas) tank and filler valve.
- A full LPG or propane gas cylinder.
- A 12V LPG transfer pump. It runs from the car battery, so you can use it anywhere. The YAM 12V DC pump comes with its hoses, valves and battery clamps.
- The connector that fits the car filler and the cylinder valve used in your country. Fittings are different in every country, so most people buy this locally.
- An open space outdoors, away from flames, sparks and drains.
Step by step
- Park outdoors and switch offTurn off the engine. No smoking, no flames, and keep mobile phones and anything that can spark away from the pump while it works.
- Turn the cylinder upside downLPG is moved as a liquid. In an upright cylinder the top is gas; upside down, the liquid sits at the outlet and the transfer goes quickly. Stand it securely so it cannot fall.
- Connect the hosesConnect the inlet hose from the cylinder valve to the pump, and the outlet hose from the pump to the car filler with your connector. Screw every thread in tightly before you open any valve.
- Connect the batteryClip the battery clamps straight onto the car battery terminals. The 0.5 HP pump draws about 30 to 40 amps at full load, so do not use the cigarette-lighter socket.
- Open the valves and start the pumpOpen the cylinder valve, then the outlet valve, and switch the pump on. It moves about 2 kg of gas a minute: a 15 kg cylinder takes 7 to 8 minutes.
- Stop and close everythingCar LPG tanks have an automatic fill-stop valve that stops filling when the tank is full, at about 80%. When the flow stops or the cylinder is empty, switch the pump off, close all valves and only then disconnect the hoses.
- Check for leaksBefore you drive, check every joint for the smell of gas. Brushing soapy water on a joint shows a leak as bubbles.
Common questions
How long does it take to fill a car from a cylinder?
About 7 to 8 minutes for a 15 kg cylinder with a 12V or 220V pump, or 12 to 14 minutes with a manual pump.
Will the pump empty the cylinder completely?
Nearly. When the last liquid leaves, a little turns into gas and stays at the top, so about 2 to 3% remains in the cylinder.
Can I power the pump from the cigarette-lighter socket?
No. The pump needs about 30 to 40 amps at full load, so it is connected directly to the battery terminals with the clamps supplied.
Which connector do I need?
The one that fits the LPG filler on cars in your country and the valve on your cylinders. The pump comes with hoses and valves; you add the local connector.
What if a part wears out?
The diaphragm is the part that wears. Spare diaphragms are in the box and it is easy to replace, and the pump has a one-year guarantee.
Need a pump for your car?
The YAM 12V DC pump is 6 kg packed and ships from India to your door, ready to use. Message us for the price to your country.