Natural gas conversion for generator

[labman]

I have a Coleman Powermate 6250 with a B&S Genporwer 305 10HP engine. It makes the occasional power outages like last week much easier to get through. I keep thinking about converting it to natural gas, easier starting after setting, and unlimited supply, no shutting down to refill. You own gasoline generator is useless if you can't get to a gas station or they don't have electricity.

Anybody done a small engine to NG? Even a large engine? What do I really need to do it?

Any experience with http://www.propanecarbs.com/naturalgaskits.html

 

[jldcol]

Some carb changes, maybe a different plug. Oil for ng is also different I think.

 

[Steve S]

There is not much to it. it is a kit I have worked with propane conversions which seem about the same I would figure out where to run a N.G. line to get N.G and good shutoff valve nd some kind of quick release like on a lpg tank and hose so you can bring the generator in. See about a rebuild kit if there is one and get it as a spare [if there is a diaphragm or something that may go out when you need it most]

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: jldcol
Some carb changes, maybe a different plug. Oil for ng is also different I think.
The different oil for N.G engines is for huge stationary engines . Different application. HDEO oil whether conventional or synthetic are the oils to use.

 

[duaneb9729]

i bought a nice kit for my bbq grill from a holand grill dealer that has a quick connect hose attachment.

it came with the shut off valve and a six foot hose.

perhaps that would work for your generator.

 

[gd9704]

I have heard some complaints on other boards I frequent with U.S. Carbeuration--customer has a problem and the company is near impossible to contact for tech support. However, I have not dealt with the company personally, so this is only "what I read on the net."

In a long-term emergency, the ability to run on natural gas or propane would be excellent.

Consider this a bump of sorts to keep this thread alive. I'd love to hear some more experiences with these conversions.

 

[labman]

Oh, there is http://www.propane-generators.com/a-c_kit_list.htm too.

Since we don't have a big propane tank, I don't see much advantage to propane. I plan to maintain gasoline usability, or at least an easy switch back. Just as easy to go get more gasoline as propane. I can easily transfer gas from my truck to the generator.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: labman
..Anybody done a small engine to NG? Even a large engine? What do I really need to do it?


I know the larger V-twins can blow through quite a volume of NG. Smaller ones, not so much.

Joel

 

[labman]

Originally Posted By: gd9704
....
In a long-term emergency, the ability to run on natural gas or propane would be excellent. ....



Yes they are having a good time in Kentucky I here. We get enough snow here, we are snowed in days at a time.

Originally Posted By: JTK
Originally Posted By: labman
..Anybody done a small engine to NG? Even a large engine? What do I really need to do it?


I know the larger V-twins can blow through quite a volume of NG. Smaller ones, not so much.

Joel


Well a bigger generator would drink up a lot of gasoline too. I was reading on a site today about converting cars to CNG about how much cheaper CNG was. Even at last summer's prices, it would take a long time to pay off a conversion. Much of the expense is the tank which I wouldn't need. I wouldn't be expected to pay road tax either.

My gas line goes in the house about 10' from the electrical hook up for the generator.

 

[gd9704]

For what it is worth, here is the less-than-happy U.S. Carb customer:

Not pleased!

I wish there was more info on the net about these, as a conversion kit for your generator would be gold when you run out of gas!!!!

Keeping this thread alive!