Genset conversion to LPG

[AirRowan]

I just bought a kit to make my NH 6.5 Onan generator run on LPG (propane) instead of gasoline. I'm making the change because I am converting the motor home's engine from gas to diesel. After installing a new fuel tank to supply diesel to the engine, I could not fit an additional tank for gas to supply the generator. In addition, a new gas tank and new fuel lines would have been expensive. Plus, I just don't like gas. The motor home's propane tank is adjacent to the generator. So, I went with LPG. The kit is only $250 and comes with all the parts you need.
One of my concerns with installing the kit in the gen compartment was the low pressure that the space has when the squirrel fan is sucking the air out of that space. My solution was to run two oversized vet lines (1/8"pipe to 1/2"hose about 2-1/2') from the regulator to the outside. I then put screen over the ends to prevent mud dobbers from plugging them. I used a separate high-pressure regulator for the gen so that, in winter, when the furnaces are running, the regulator will not freeze.
The kit I went with, "Type C-Plus Kit," is the tri-fuel kit. That means you can run on gasoline, LPG or natural gas. The kit comes with everything you will need: High-pressure reg, low-pressure reg, fuel solenoid, fittings, and all the fuel lines and fittings you will need (Still, I bought some fittings to use two regs and some fittings and hose to extend vent lines from reg).
I'm starting this thread because I found info regarding LPG gen sets in other parts of the forum that I thought was useful and I'd like discussion to continue here. Mike Leary told me about farm LPG that is sustainable fuel and cheaper than at the gas station, for example. I hope this thread continues with more information about winter tuning and places to have work done on them, safety etc.

[Hagrid]

Hey Josh , Nice to see things are coming along. I was wondering how the duramax was going ? Hagrid/Paul

[AirRowan]

Just got back from 3 weeks at sea. I hope to dry fit in the next 2 days:-)

[bryanl]

re: "farm LPG that is sustainable fuel and cheaper than at the gas station"

I know that you can get diesel for farm use - it is colored to mark it - and avoid a lot of the tax road users have to pay.

But I haven't heard anything about such a situation with propane. Usually the farm has to pay a premium to get it delivered.

I am thinking about converting a microlite 2800 to LP on my B-190 because it was not installed properly and its fuel feed just T's off the main engine gas line. I don't see any generator fuel top on the tanks either. That thing uses an under 12hp motor so the conversion demands are a bit simpler but I am still considering the best way to go. (the install also messed up the exhaust air vent and the exhaust pipe location - very puzzling).

[Mike Leary]

Given the amount of time we've run Bess's gen set on propane (1318 hrs), I've replaced the points once (the electronic ignition was a huge failure), period. I use Delo, same as the engine. It gets changed, with a filter, every 100 hrs.

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by bryanl

But I haven't heard anything about such a situation with propane. Usually the farm has to pay a premium to get it delivered.

I don't think it's my quote, propane is not cheap, and we do pay a delivery charge when it's delivered to our camp site. Most propane dealers will not fill coaches from their trucks. It's a clean burning fuel, we love it.

[AirRowan]

Originally Posted by John Haggard

smart Move. and if you purchase from an elevator, or farm service center you can save a Bundle on the cost of propane.

In Ohio Landmark Farm centers is one good source.
At times a good RV center gives a good Price for RV's

Sorry about that Mike It was John

[AirRowan]

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

Given the amount of time we've run Bess's gen set on propane (1318 hrs), I've replaced the points once (the electronic ignition was a huge failure), period. I use Delo, same as the engine. It gets changed, with a filter, every 100 hrs.

So no electronic ignition that was going to be my next thing for the gen why did it not work?

[jshle]

Originally Posted by AirRowan

Sorry about that Mike It was John

yes, and Fortunately, in our area, our area farm service trucks will fill our RVs

they will also stop at local Camp grounds if in the area also.

very reasonable. sometimes 50% less than the truck stop service centers along the Highway.

Landmark Farm Centers and Local RV Centers are at times 20 to 40 % Less.

John Haggard

[Mike Leary]

Originally Posted by AirRowan

So no electronic ignition that was going to be my next thing for the gen why did it not work?

My mechanic, who is Onan certified, simply said, "they are a piece of junk and anyone with points is blessed." I left it at that. Now, that was a few years ago, things might have changed.