Generac 8k generator switching to natural gas

[ruSSrt]

My little Generac XT8000E put some good honest work in the last week. It is gasoline unit.
I've done some reading online and found the correct kit to switch it to natural gas. Looking at all the new generators that are trying fuel or dual fuel they have different ratings. Assuming that propane and natural gas do not produce as much HP as gasoline. On my 8k generator what should I expect for power drop on natural gas? I use 15W-40 HD diesel oil in all my small engines. Should I look in into different oil since I'll be switching to natural gas or same oil is okay?

Thank you everyone

 

[earlyre]

there's even a difference from Propane to NG... our Generac is rated at 20kw on Propane, only 17kw on NG...

and as for the Gasoline to Propane to NG... what i've been able to find quickly is...
"You would lose around 10% with Propane and up to 20% with NAT. NAT can vary in gas composition."

 

[georgemiller]

NG will cut approximately 1600 watts from your 8000 unit but NG is the way to go. Stick with 15 w 40.

 

[ruSSrt]

NG will cut approximately 1600 watts from your 8000 unit but NG is the way to go. Stick with 15 w 40.

We were lucky because I fueled everything in my house. All my lawnmowers, vehicles, cans and tools were full. So even if we were not able to get any fuel for a while I had reserve I could siphon. But for the future NG is definitely "more reliable".

 

[fantastic]

My little Generac XT8000E put some good honest work in the last week. It is gasoline unit.
I've done some reading online and found the correct kit to switch it to natural gas. Looking at all the new generators that are trying fuel or dual fuel they have different ratings. Assuming that propane and natural gas do not produce as much HP as gasoline. On my 8k generator what should I expect for power drop on natural gas? I use 15W-40 HD diesel oil in all my small engines. Should I look in into different oil since I'll be switching to natural gas or same oil is okay?

Thank you everyone

There are a few companies that claim natural gas oil. Valvoline & others offer them. Burning that type of fuel creates more acidic reactions that affect the oil so these types of oils should do well but I think that most premium full synthetic oils should work good too.

 

[factorytuned2012]

Natural gas will cut peak and starting watts a good bit conservatively I’d say in the ballpark starting 6000 peak 6500 watts. Stick to a full synthetic you’ll be fine

 

[riff1006]

I have an 11000 watt generator. The peak start/run values are:
Gasoline: 11000/8500
Propane: 8500/7000
NG: 8400/6800

It's a significant drop, but with a soft start on our 4 ton air conditioner, we're able to run everything on propane and not have to worry about running out of gasoline in an emergency, and your engine will run much cleaner than on gasoline. I have propane if I need it, but it's very expensive to run @ $3.59/gal.

 

[factorytuned2012]

I have a champion 4000/3500 watt generator I thought about purchasing the carburetor for running LP/Natural gas they're cheap enough off Amazon but my generator just doesn't get enough use to be bothered doing so. I have a 2 ton ac, heat is natural gas, stove/range is natural gas, clothes dryer is electric but who is worried about drying laundry during storm/power outages. with that being said i'd prefer to not knockdown the output rating of the generator by running off LP/Natural gas. whenever a storm is in the forecast I just pick up 10 gallons of 87 and treat it with stabil whatever doesn't get used goes in the autos. I don't go overboard worrying what oil to use gets 10W-30 last oil change I think was O'Reilly conventional.

 

[ruSSrt]

4k generator able to pull 2 to AC.... Wow!

 

[factorytuned2012]

 

[RAVL]

We just had a Kohler 20kw NG whole house installed so I learned a few things during that process. 15w40 is great for this application, 15w50 would be fine too. Starting power is rated lower on NG but once the motor is on there is no real loss of power v propane, at least on this unit. You might call or ask General for a definitive view, or look at the manual. Glad our friends in the south are getting back online. Terrible two weeks of weather. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected.

 

[factorytuned2012]

We just had a Kohler 20kw NG whole house installed so I learned a few things during that process. 15w40 is great for this application, 15w50 would be fine too. Starting power is rated lower on NG but once the motor is on there is no real loss of power v propane, at least on this unit. You might call or ask General for a definitive view, or look at the manual. Glad our friends in the south are getting back online. Terrible two weeks of weather. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected.

What does kohler recommend for oil

 

[RAVL]

Machine is under warranty so will use what is spec’d — 5w30 or 10w30. Use 15w40 in the Honda air cooled.

 

[factorytuned2012]

5 or 10w 30 will do you right