So, I like to "prep" as much as the next guy and got thinking about hurricanes and whatnot. I have a few BBQ propane tanks and figure they might still be refilled if gasoline is unavailable. At present BJ's wholesale is $9.99 for 20 lbs which I understand to be 4.3 gallons. IDK how many BTU's but may compare favorably pricewise to unleaded too. Ordered this carburetor from this seller for $45 and it showed up three weeks later.
I had intended to use it on a 1500/2250 watt tiny little 4 cycle with approx 2.8 hp motor but the carb stud spacing was too narrow, depsite nearly matching the obfuscated description.
However, this carb has 42mm between the stud center lines and fits my larger generator: 6.5 hp, 2500/3250 watts. All right then!
Man if it isn't a perfect match! The gas only carb even has a little cast spot where the propane hose goes. Thelittle large doohickey hanging off the bottom senses intake vacuum and only allows propane to flow when there's vacuum, for safety. A spring loaded button presumably overrides the diaphragm for easier starting.
Not included were any sort of instructions whatsoever or a hose/ regulator to go to my 20 lb bbq bottle. I snagged a hose/regulator (.5 lb?) from a bbq at the dump in preparation.
I tug and tug and tug and tug and tug about seven times and it finally low idles on half choke. I would have expected propane to vaporize easier! It also backfires/ afterfires a bit on throttle-up.
So I hooked up the gasoline and she started right up like I'd normally expect. Let it warm up for a minute with a hair dryer for load then I "weaned" it off gasoline and back onto propane. Now it carries the load and restarts normally.
The propane regulator doohickey does fit nicely in the frame of my genny:
If I had to do it again (from scratch) I'd get a generator with factory propane option. Don't think they're $45 more than the gas versions. And you'd get instructions, warranty, UL ratings, etc.
Also it appears amazon has the same thing for a little cheaper.
I had intended to use it on a 1500/2250 watt tiny little 4 cycle with approx 2.8 hp motor but the carb stud spacing was too narrow, depsite nearly matching the obfuscated description.
However, this carb has 42mm between the stud center lines and fits my larger generator: 6.5 hp, 2500/3250 watts. All right then!
Man if it isn't a perfect match! The gas only carb even has a little cast spot where the propane hose goes. The
Not included were any sort of instructions whatsoever or a hose/ regulator to go to my 20 lb bbq bottle. I snagged a hose/regulator (.5 lb?) from a bbq at the dump in preparation.
I tug and tug and tug and tug and tug about seven times and it finally low idles on half choke. I would have expected propane to vaporize easier! It also backfires/ afterfires a bit on throttle-up.
So I hooked up the gasoline and she started right up like I'd normally expect. Let it warm up for a minute with a hair dryer for load then I "weaned" it off gasoline and back onto propane. Now it carries the load and restarts normally.
The propane regulator doohickey does fit nicely in the frame of my genny:
If I had to do it again (from scratch) I'd get a generator with factory propane option. Don't think they're $45 more than the gas versions. And you'd get instructions, warranty, UL ratings, etc.