What to Do When the Car Runs Smoothly on Gasoline but Jerks on Natural Gas?
2 Answers
The fuel injectors may become clogged after prolonged use of natural gas. Running a tank of gasoline at high speeds for a period can improve the situation. After switching a fuel-powered vehicle to natural gas, due to differences in the air-fuel ratio and combustion characteristics, engine damage can occur. Following an oil change and comprehensive engine maintenance, this phenomenon significantly improves. Damage to the solenoid valve is a major cause of jerking, which can be categorized into sporadic jerking and fixed jerking. The difference is simple: sporadic jerking occurs irregularly, while fixed jerking happens at a specific RPM, gear shift, or fixed speed. Over time, this can lead to a series of issues such as high transmission temperature, vibration, and slippage. The advantages include: better economy—natural gas mixes easily with air in the engine, burns completely, is clean, resists carbon buildup, and has good anti-knock properties without diluting lubricating oil; reduced wear—this significantly decreases wear on engine cylinder components, extending the engine's lifespan and the service life of the lubricating oil.
I've also experienced my own car running smoothly on gasoline but jerking on LPG, which usually indicates an issue with the LPG system. It could be clogged injectors from impurities causing uneven gas supply, or an unstable pressure regulator affecting the air-fuel mixture. Start by checking injector cleanliness—try using a specialized cleaner yourself. If that doesn’t help, inspect the air flow sensor and oxygen sensor, as these tend to accumulate errors in gas mode. Additionally, the ECU program may need updating or tuning to match your car’s type; improper calibration post-conversion can cause shaking. Don’t overlook spark plug condition—carbon buildup is more common when running on gas, so replacing them might help. For safety, promptly visit a reliable repair shop for a full diagnostic scan to prevent worsening jerks that could damage the engine or compromise driving control. Always refuel at certified stations to avoid low-quality fuel and prevent issues.
