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Anybody ever do a propane conversion on a generator?

 
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Location: CT zone 5b
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I just came across this idea for the first time yesterday. I'm assuming folks do this because propane can store longer than gasoline. Have any of you ever done this?

I might be interested in trying it. I wonder if it will run more efficiently as well.
 
pollinator
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I haven't done the conversion, but I have had propane engines in the past. Propane keeps forever, easier to store in large quantities, doesn't gum up a carburetor, and is cheaper per BTU most of the time. It is a pain to move, is harder on engines (intake valves and seats burn up faster), and can be a pain to pull start an engine. It also doesn't work well in the extreme cold (propane loses pressure at -40).

For a backup generator that doesn't move, it works well--especially if you plumb into a big pig (permanent tank). Don't try to run off of BBQ bottles except for the smallest generators and even then you lose all the cost advantage. The 100 lb tanks are the smallest I would use, even for a small genny.
 
pollinator
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R. Scott and Will H. : My experience is all in the past, and was mostly Truck and Diesel engines and we found the heads and intake manifolds were much cooler,

The hunting club I belonged to at the time had an propane fueled Onan Generator that came on when a light was turned on, the package was sold with out of
season secured storage and pre-season tune up and our maintenance costs were cut to a 1/3.

At - 40dF as the pressure drops in the tank from use some vaporization will occur, there is a massive difference in available gas flow depending on
whether your 100 lb. (or bigger) tank is full or empty ! Full you have enough gas for a couple of burners on a stove, near empty will not keep pilot lights lit !
the hunting camp painted their 500 gallon rant black and positioned it in a unstuck and wind protected outdoor location and never had problems !

Hope this was timely and helped ! big AL !
 
R Scott
pollinator
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A FRIEND (NOT ME) once had to help set bonfires beside the 500 gallon pigs because they were getting low and we had a late season cold snap.
 
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