Propane Conversion

john in la · Jan 18, 2021

Give me the good; bad; and ugly on converting a portable generator over to propane.

I been thinking about it for a while but just do not want to shell out the $250.
I see they make one kit that goes between the carb and air cleaner with extended bolts.
Looks like the better kit.
They also make a kit with some kind of tube stuck in the carb for less money.

The generator will sit for years but I have also been without electricity for over a month when a big hurricane comes in.

David G · Jan 18, 2021

Propane never goes stale.

RCP · Jan 18, 2021

Most propane units are about a 10% reduction in power when running propane versus gasoline.

Mike Fitz · Jan 18, 2021

I put a conversion in my 4Kw Winpower gen with a 9 hp briggs engine several years ago. It was the type you take out the main jet needle then drill out the passage and put in a tube for the gas,, the kit had a demand regulator and some hose, it seemed crude but has worked very well over the last fifteen years, including a solid week this summer after the Duratio wind storm. The dual fuel kit would be nice, but I don't have a need for it. Nice thing was I had fuel where my neighbors had to drive 50 miles to find a working gas station.
Mike

DoubleO7 · Jan 18, 2021

Are those "magic carb kits" so it starts and runs on only propane?
Or to add a bit of propane to the air that the carb is pulling in?

DoubleO7 · Jan 18, 2021

(quoted from post at 18:14:07 01/18/21)
Are those "magic carb kits" so it starts and runs on only propane?
Or to add a bit of propane to the air that the carb is pulling in?

And gasoline is still the primary fuel?

Mike Fitz · Jan 18, 2021

Here are some pictures.

Hobo,NC · Jan 18, 2021

There is not much to the conversion I got a propane/NG carb from a member here then brought a regulator & load block. Regulator was $68, 1/2" load block $18.00 I did not need the load block I got it just incase I did...

I do not see anything wrong with the other conversions that add a fuel feed between the carb and manifold.

I got my parts from US Carburetion Inc. 304-872-7098 call'em they will walk you thru it...

Correct me if I am wrong the regulator has a PRIMER button to get it going then engine vacuum opens up the regulator for fuel flow, the regulator has a PRIMER button to get it going. The load block is for adjustment of the fuel.

Even if you do not use it its there for ya I test ran mine on a grill propane bottle...

https://forums.yesterdaystractors.com/viewtopic.php?t=1388956&highlight=generator

Goose · Jan 18, 2021

This has me interested.

I have a 10kw Generac unit that sits between my house propane tank and the meter pole where it plugs into anyway.

I wonder if a propane kit is available for that unit. It would simplify things since it sits next to the propane tank anyway.

And spare me the horror stories about Genrac. This unit has always done everything I wanted it to.

Goose · Jan 18, 2021

I answered my own question.

I Googled it and there appears to be kits readily available.

I won't mess with it this winter anymore, but I may think about doing a conversion over the summer.

rockcreek4630 · Jan 18, 2021

Don't get the kit with the spacer. The extra weight and length they break the studs and eventually take the threads out of the block. We had three different generators set up that way to run a water well so been there done that.

john in la · Jan 18, 2021

The kit I was looking at can be used to start and run
on propane but leaves the gas system intact so it
can also start and run on gasoline.

Hobo,NC · Jan 18, 2021

I took several junk HVAC units and made a cover for mine it set permanent next to house.

jm. · Jan 18, 2021

I am like you have a 8 year old Generac that was propane new and it has been absolutely flawless and has ran one 125 hr outage steady for half the house. It is a 20 KW and probably would just about do the whole house but we installed two 200 am boxes and split it to essential and non essential and when the current goes out it kicks in automatically. Thing about propane is it does not age like gas.

buickanddeere · Jan 18, 2021

Home Despair and other retailers carry factory built dual fuel generators with warranty from $250.

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Generators/Dual-Fuel/N-5yc1vZbx8lZ1z1cr39?storeSelection=

Gene Davis (Ga.) · Jan 18, 2021

I have a ES-20 Onan that was originally set up for propane and I changed it over to run on Natural Gas, very easy change over. It just involved turning the regulator over and reinstalling the spring back in it. Factory propane engines are usually fitted with higher compression pistons and heads giving a higher compression ratio than the gas burners that are converted.
My ES-20 Onan was factory set for LP and rated for the full Kw rating on propane. It produces about 85% of it's rated amount on Natural Gas and I don't have to scurry around to find gasoline when the power is off here and most likely at the gasoline station at the same time. I will gladly give up a little capacity for the convenience of not having to refuel in the rain or storm. With the reduced output I am just missing a little electricity, when the gasoline runs out you are missing all the electricity.
Dry fuel engines run much cleaner and the oil doesn't soot up when it is set up correctly plus it never gets stale.

Billy Shafer · Jan 18, 2021

Those kits are very common. Just get one that can supply your KW needs. You will lose a little power. But I don't think it is enough to worry about.

buickanddeere · Jan 19, 2021

Probably better
To loose a little power . Most
Of those gen sets are best not operated with the engine making all the power it can . A gen set
Rated at 5Kw should not be loaded over 4Kw continuously . Particularly in hot weather .
The de-rating from LP of natural gas is not a bad thing .

buickanddeere · Jan 19, 2021

Probably better
To loose a little power . Most
Of those gen sets are best not operated with the engine making all the power it can . A gen set
Rated at 5Kw should not be loaded over 4Kw continuously . Particularly in hot weather .
The de-rating from LP or natural gas is not a bad thing .

Propane Conversion

john in la

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David G

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RCP

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Mike Fitz

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DoubleO7

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DoubleO7

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Mike Fitz

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Hobo,NC

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Goose

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Goose

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rockcreek4630

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john in la

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Hobo,NC

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jm.

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buickanddeere

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Gene Davis (Ga.)

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Billy Shafer

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buickanddeere

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buickanddeere

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