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#68272 - 06/27/06 01:51 AM Propane powered generator
311 Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 03/12/06
Posts: 285
Loc: NY USA
Does anyone know anything about converting a small gasoline generator to propane ? It seems that gasoline is difficult to store for any length of time. I have read about the lighter components evaporating, varnish forming, adding Stabil etc. I'm thinking that propane in the 20lb tank would last longer & be more convenient. How long would a 4400 watt gen run on 20 lbs. of propane?

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#68273 - 06/27/06 12:55 PM Re: Propane powered generator
Nomad Offline
Addict

Registered: 05/04/02
Posts: 493
Loc: Just wandering around.
Propane is a much better fuel than gas for a stand-by generator. I have seen generators that sat for several years (back-ups for radio equipment in Maine) that started with a push of a button. Propane does not degrade and cause problems like Gas. Also the oil in the engine stays cleaner. The down side is it does not have as much "energy" per liquid gallon. Takes a slight bit more Propane than Gas to run. Not enough to make any big difference though. The popular small Honda and Kipor gensets have a propane option.

nomad
_________________________
...........From Nomad.........Been "on the road" since '97

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#68274 - 06/27/06 03:51 PM Re: Propane powered generator
williamlatham Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 01/12/04
Posts: 265
Loc: Stafford, VA, USA

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#68275 - 06/27/06 08:42 PM Re: Propane powered generator
Fallshirmjager Offline
Newbie

Registered: 02/09/04
Posts: 42
It is simpler to purchase a separate propane carburetor, so that you can switch back and forth between fuels as needs dictate.

My newest chart shows a 3600RPM 4-5Kw Genset at full power should run around 3.5-4 hours on 20 lbs. That's only 4.8 gallons of fuel, you understand, and a 20 lb. cylinder never really contains 20 lbs of fuel.

Reduce the load on the Genset, and extend the fuel run time.
4Kw is a LOT of electricity.

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#68276 - 06/28/06 04:57 AM Re: Propane powered generator
311 Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 03/12/06
Posts: 285
Loc: NY USA
Thanks for the info. I used the link to the epicenter. Also, the suggestion to get a propane specific carburetor is a good one. That could eliminate the screwing around doing the conversion if I could find one already set up for propane. Storage of gasoline is a real pain. You have to guess how much to have on hand & will you use it before it goes bad?

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