Impco Archives

How to Rebuild Impco Model J Regulator

October 22, 2020

The Impco model J regulator is the most popular LPG regulator on the market today, yet it is no longer used in current models of forklifts due to emissions regulations.

Impco model J regulators are found in a most brands of forklifts along with other LPG powered equipment like Tennant or American Lincoln scrubber units and even Zamboni ice resurfacers.

Replace or Rebuild?

Inside the model J are diaphragms made of hydrin or silicone. These wear out or tear and need to be replaced. The first decision you’ll have to make is if you want to replace the entire model J unit or rebuild the unit with a repair kit. Either decision is fine, it just depends on how you value your time.

You will see in the tutorial below that rebuilding a model J is pretty simple. There are times when a model J might be mounted inside a forklift where it’s easier to rebuild the unit instead replacing the entire unit. It just depends on the location of the model J.

How the Part Numbers are Designated

One more note. Model J is Impco’s designation for an entire series of LPG regulators. There’s a method to how the Impco part numbers work:

Model JB = Model J with Blue spring. Blue spring units have Neg. 0.37 kPa pressure. This is the standard and most common model J.

Model JO = Model J with Orange spring. Orange spring units have Neg. 0.12 kPa pressure. This is the lease common model J. You should stick with the model J that is already installed in your forklift.

After the letters JB or JO, you sometimes see a -2 like this: JB-2. The -2 indicates the diaphragms are manufactured from silicone. No letter means the diaphragms are made from black hydrin rubber. Silicone (yellow) diaphragm material is the optional upgrade material that provides excellent flexibility in cold weather climates and is more resistant to chemical contamination. They can be used interchangeably, if you want to upgrade, go with the silicone material.

Rebuilding the Model J

Remove screws from front of unit. The screws are typically 9-32 x 7/8″ Torx style

Remove diaphragm from inside cover

Remove lever. Screw is also a Torx screw

Remove the screws from the back of the model J unit.

Take the halves apart and remove the old diaphragm.

Re-install the diaphragms and metal seat.

Re-install cover and screws

Re-install cover and screws

For full video: click here

Post by Intella Parts Company, LLC

Tagged impco, impco model j, model j regulator

Impco Model J Regulator and Friends

June 9, 2016

The Impco Model J Regulator is a fantastic product, but like all machine parts, get worn out and need care. This blog page is dedicated to repairing and/or replacing your regulator. Impco is a manufacturer of fuel system components that has been around since 1958. Impco works with fuel system components for alternative fuels like LPG/propane gas that allow for a cleaner environment. You can find Impco parts in a variety of different forklift brands such as Hyster, Nissan, Toyota, Yale and many others. Intella carries the most popular pressure regulator, the Impco Model J, along with a few other models, accessories and kits.

How to Repair and Rebuild Your Impco Model J Regulator:

Full Replacements:

So your regulator is on it’s way to the forklift graveyard? Have no fear. Here at Intella we have a couple different models so you can find the perfect replacement to get your forklift running smooth again.

Classic model: Impco Model J Regulator

The Impco Model J regulator/vaporizer delivers reliable performance and pressure output consistency. It’s reliability, especially with questionable fuel quality, has made it an industry standard for many years. Two vapor outlet pressures are available. The standard Impco Model JB (this version, meaning blue spring) provides -1.5″wc (0.37 kPa). The optional JO (J-orange) provides 0.5″ wc (0.12 wPa). The port size and mounting pad locations are identical to the Impco Cobra regulator and include a primary pressure test port and “left” or “right” fuel outlets.

Replaces:
Hyster 0213549
Nissan 16310-90H71
Nissan 16310-90H72
Toyota 23530-U2000-71
Toyota 23530-U2001-71
Yale 517079800

Base model: Generic Model JB Regulator

The generic model JB regulator and the Impco Model J are similar in build, although a noticeable difference would be the primer button found on the generic model JB. Impco no longer manufactures Model J’s with a primer button but the generic model JB does have one. The primer button can allow for a shot of propane into the engine for starting purposes. The “B” stands for blue spring. This is by far the most common model J regulator. The blue spring offers negative 0.37 kPa (1.5 inches w.c.). The Impco Model JB diaphragm is made of hydrin and is suitable for most applications.

Repair Kits:

Don’t think you need a brand new regulator? Save some money and pick up a rebuild kit. You can repair and rebuild Model J Regulators using kits made of hydrin or silicone. You can rebuild a Model J regulator as many times as you can get your paws on a rebuild kit. Oh and you’re in luck because here at Intella, we regularly stock a few different kits.

What’s the difference between hydrin and silicone you ask?

Well to start off, silicone performs better in colder climates than hydrin. This is due to the fact that the silicone diaphragm stays noticeably more flexible in colder weather. The physical makeup of silicone is actually lighter than hydrin too, making a little bit more responsive. Lastly and very advantageous, is that silicone has a better resistance to being damaged from fuel.

Classic Kit: Impco Model J Repair Kit

Most common Impco regulator repair kit, mostly used on forklift propane fuel systems. Repair kit for the popular Model J forklift LPG regulator. Includes hydrin diaphragm, secondary seats, gaskets and primary diaphragm. Exactly what you need to rebuild an Impco Model J regulator.

If you need parts, Intella can help. We have thousands of parts available at great prices and would be happy to help you find what you’re looking for. Click here for more information! Also you can check out Intella’s YouTube channel for how-to videos and product demos.

Post by Intella Parts Company, LLC

Tagged impco lpg, impco model j, impco regulator

Inspecting Impco Systems for High CO Levels

April 1, 2015

Step 1: Squeeze Hose

Use a needle-nose pliers to pinch the vacuum hose on the VFF-30. If the RPM speed changes, the o-ring seal is bad. If after disconnecting the hose the engine doesn’t die or the o-ring is bad, the Impco VFF-30 needs to be replaced or rebuilt. You can also test this using carbon monoxide readings.

*If you have an electric lockoff in your lift truck, you will also have a vacuum safety or an oil pressure switch. It is against regulations for these to be disconnected (see NFPA Pamphlet 58).

Step 2: Prime

Push the primer button while the engine is running on the Model J vaporizer-regulator. IMPCO no longer manufacturers a model J with a primer button. However, primer buttons are available on Impco model J generic units which we offer. The engine should stall or completely shut off while pushing the button and start back up to idle as soon as you release. If this doesn’t happen or pushing the button causes the engine to speed up, adjustments are needed with the air-fuel mixture in the mixer. To watch how a Impco model J is rebuilt, check out this video here. A video on how to rebuild an Impco VFF30 can be found here.

Step 3: Air-Fuel Ratio Adjustments

Turn the idle mixture screw (on the mixer) counterclockwise as far as possible. The emissions reading should decrease in carbon monoxide.

Step 4: Air Filter

Take out the air filter and inspect it. Replace the filter if there is an increase or decrease in emissions after the air filter is removed.

Step 5: Mixer

If you haven’t had any problems with anything in steps 1-4 and CO levels are still too high, the mixer must be replaced. Usually, you can replace your Impco Model 50 carburetor/mixer with a new Impco Model 100 or 125 with minimal adaptations. If this is not the case for you, go with a Model 55.

Step 6: Air Valve

There are 4 screws holding the Impco Model CA100/125 mixer cover that need to be removed in order to check out the air valve. (It should be part AV1-14-4; if not, replace with the correct part.) Make sure the metering cone is clean on the inside and there are no signs of wear. If you see marks implying the valve is rubbing, either sand the guide gently or replace the air valve. A lean air shim or 2 may be installed at this point if the fuel mixture still isn’t right. Install the first shim on the metering cone lip and check the emission levels; if only a minor improvement, add the second shim.

*Clean the air valve with a solvent solution. Do not wash the diaphragm or use an abrasive cleaner on any parts. Make sure the gas valve cone is tight in the body housing.

Step 7: Power Mixture Setting

Emissions should be at an acceptable level when the truck is idling. Set the power mixture and load the mast by tilting completely back or forward. If you have a rich condition based on the exhaust analyzer, turn the power valve, or gate valve as its also known, to the “L” position.

Post by Intella Parts Company, LLC

Tagged fix impco systems, forklift, forklift carburetor, forklift emissions, forklift fuel systems, forklift parts, forklift parts manuals, impco, impco carburetor/mixer, impco system, intella parts, VFF-30

Impco | Forklift Fuel System Parts & Components

November 30, 2014

Impco is a manufacturer of fuel system components for alternative fuels like LPG/propane gas. You’ll find Impco in a variety of forklift brands like Hyster, Clark, Yale, Cat, and many others.

The most popular Impco regulator is a model J. Here’s a picture of it below.

We offer a few different versions of the model J

Model JB The B stands for blue spring. This is by far the most common model J regulator. The blue spring offers negative 0.37 kPa (1.5 inches w.c.) The Impco model JB diaphragm is made of hydrin and is suitable for most applications.

Model JB-2 is similiar to the JB–only difference is that the diaphragm is made of silicone and is suitable for cold climates.

We offer a generic model JB which has a primer button. Some old models of forklifts still have a primer button on the LP regulator and we’re one of the few online that offer this version.

REBUILDING MODEL J REGULATORS:

You can repair and rebuild model J regulators using repair kits made of hydrin or silicone. There’s no limit to how many times you can rebuild a model J regulator.

COBRA

Impco developed the next version of regulator after the model J and called it the model K. Impco but quickly changed the name to COBRA after learning that the US trademark office would not trademark an alphabetic letter. The COBRA will work perfectly in place of a model J. COBRA will work for a model J application but model J should not be used for a COBRA application.

We offer COBRA repair kits and yes you can rebuild COBRA units as many times as you wish.

COMMON QUESTION: My forklift came with a model JO. Can I use a model JB or JB-2? Yes–as long as you understand the difference between hydrin and silicone there’s no problem.

Post by Intella Parts Company, LLC

Tagged forklift propane, impco, impco fuel systems, impco lpg, model j

Replace or Rebuild?

How the Part Numbers are Designated

Rebuilding the Model J

How to Repair and Rebuild Your Impco Model J Regulator:

Full Replacements:

Repair Kits:

If you need parts, Intella can help. We have thousands of parts available at great prices and would be happy to help you find what you’re looking for. Click here for more information! Also you can check out Intella’s YouTube channel for how-to videos and product demos.

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