Champion 2500 on Propane

[englewoodfl]

Despite the best efforts of Champion support I was unable to get a new 2500W (1850 run) 201122 to start on propane. Didn't try gasoline as that's going to be only for a full-on emergency.


Did find out that they have a special tool to remove the spark plug but it's not in stock.


Have you recently bought a little guy and tried to only used propane? What was your experience?


If you bought two and used the 30amp adapter what was your experience on propane?

[jeffmc306]

englewoodfl, I have a 2500 and 3400 Champion dual-fuel and run them both on propane. The only time I ran the 2500 on gas was during break-in.

A couple of tips:
If you’re running it off a 20# tank, make sure to slowly open the valve. Opening it too fast can cause it to not flow gas. Found that out on our Weber gas grill.

Make sure to use the choke even on propane to start. You can try starting on gas to rule out the propane system. Contact Champion if none of the above work.

I used the 3400 until I installed a Victron MultiPlus II inverter and Battle Born GC3 battery. Now I can use the 2500 running on propane and let the Victron “assist” to make up the difference in demand. The 2500 does run our 15K AC with a soft start installed on propane.

Our two Champion units have been great. I converted both to run on the Airstream low pressure port.

Good luck!

[Boxite]

Starting many internal combustion engines on propane can be troublesome …IF…the start-fuel is too lean. The induction system is full of AIR…and must be purged prior to attemping start.

SOME propane-fueled engines have an “enrich” feature to be used during the start. OTHERS can sometimes be “tricked”… by inserting a paper-clip into the regulator vent-hole and pressing it against the internal diaphragm in order to begin the flow of propane…which “purges” the air out of the system.

I got so tired of 3 different propane-fueled engines…especially when trying to start them in cold weather or higher elevations…..they now sit in the corner of the shed never again to be used….. went back to gasoline.

(I should ship them anonymously to my ex-wifes boyfriend as a gift…. not only to “mess” with him…but also to give him yet One-More-Thing in his life that doesn’t Work besides Her.)

[Life is a Highway]

Boxite is correct. And I feel the X factor PAIN!

In the early 90's I was involved in developing training and testing for municipalities schools and techs. This is when the Fed's said ok let's mandate to make CNG and propane a vehicle fuel, which after $$$$ and 3 years was one day canceled. Its still in fleet operations.

Propane Natural Gas and CNG all are a clean abundant fuel but not efficient for MPG or power with over the road use. And while I learned a lot in that project I also learned to save my propane for cooking and heat and use gasoline in a generator. Gasoline has more British Thermal Units ( BTU's ) and it also provides lubrication to valves. Gens work hard and Propane is very harsh on a internal combustion engine unless specifically designed for that propane.


I'm a Honda Boy but for your Champion, Start your gen on gas and break in in as Jeff did. Then follow his instructions on starting on Propane while your new gen is still warmed up. See if that works.

Drain you carb after each gasoline use. DO NOT LET GAS get stale and sit in a generator tank or carb.

Originally Posted by Boxite

Starting many internal combustion engines on propane can be troublesome …IF…the start-fuel is too lean. The induction system is full of AIR…and must be purged prior to attemping start.

SOME propane-fueled engines have an “enrich” feature to be used during the start. OTHERS can sometimes be “tricked”… by inserting a paper-clip into the regulator vent-hole and pressing it against the internal diaphragm in order to begin the flow of propane…which “purges” the air out of the system.

I got so tired of 3 different propane-fueled engines…especially when trying to start them in cold weather or higher elevations…..they now sit in the corner of the shed never again to be used….. went back to gasoline.

(I should ship them anonymously to my ex-wifes boyfriend as a gift…. not only to “mess” with him…but also to give him yet One-More-Thing in his life that doesn’t Work besides Her.)

[englewoodfl]

I have a good understanding of gasoline engines - I've rebuilt carburetors, have a PC based scope for spark plug analysis, lived on a farm, you name it. Even Champion tier 2 support gave up after 2 regulators and 2 tanks. I greatly prefer to never put any gasoline in it although I could subsequently purge all the gasoline out.


Might actually be a good idea to break it in with gasoline so that I know that the carb works in case we get flooded again (victims of Ian) - but there wasn't any gas to be had for awhile.


What is the "convert"?


OH - might go to Austin as one of the grand kids is graduating from UT Austin and then staying there for law school.

[LMAlmo]

We just bought two of the same models. We had no issues with either or connecting the two. We did have to read instructions and watch a video for success. ☺️ But we did not have to do anything with the spark plug.

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

Despite the best efforts of Champion support I was unable to get a new 2500W (1850 run) 201122 to start on propane. Didn't try gasoline as that's going to be only for a full-on emergency.


Did find out that they have a special tool to remove the spark plug but it's not in stock.


Have you recently bought a little guy and tried to only used propane? What was your experience?


If you bought two and used the 30amp adapter what was your experience on propane?

[Life is a Highway]

Let’s see if it runs first then deal with the propane test don’t guess. if your a farm boy like me grandpa taught me spark compression fuel. If you taught the four strokes then it’s the logo over the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. Suck Squeeze Bang Blow or intake compression power and exhaust.

Please keep us posted on the actual cause

[jeffmc306]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

What is the "convert"?

You can split the two regulator components, leaving the diaphragm portion and use an extension hose to connect directly to the Airstream's low pressure port behind the A-frame.

It takes some muscle to get them apart (must be thread lock on the fittings). I added a quick disconnect and male fitting so I can pop them together and still use a 20# bottle. Really handy when traveling!

[DaveG]

I have a 2500 and it starts fine on propane. Propane is the only fuel it has ever used. Champion should replace your generator if new.

[Jay22]

Are you trying to start using the low pressure outlet on the trailer? It will not start when connected directly to that port. You need only the low pressure part of the regulator combo there as Jeffmc306 described. Will it start on a propane bottle? If not and you are following the manual closely, you probably have a generator problem of some type.

[RosenBob]

Very good thread. I’m interested in getting a generator (possibly the Champion) to on propane using the port on our FC. Following this thread closely.

[SouthForkAS]

I bought the lil dual fuel. After unpacking, the propane we wouldn't go. I called customer support and had a new propane hose the next day.
Sometimes it's just too simple.

[englewoodfl]

I was using a full 20 lb tank refilled by our local propane dealer. I also took it back over to have them test it - they used two different adapters to test it and they said it was fine. As part of the T/S also took the 20 tank off our BBQ and that was a failure. And I was using the replacement regulator that they sent.


I believe it's likely something to do with the quick connect. It had felt tip marks inside the valve which I thought was really strange. They have dealers nearby but they didn't want me to go there - for this problem they wanted a company location. Probably a cost thing.


I will order a spark plug tool on the next go around.

[englewoodfl]

Could you post more info and pics on this? It's my first try using propane other than our BBQ.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

Despite the best efforts of Champion support I was unable to get a new 2500W (1850 run) 201122 to start on propane. Didn't try gasoline as that's going to be only for a full-on emergency.


Did find out that they have a special tool to remove the spark plug but it's not in stock.


Have you recently bought a little guy and tried to only used propane? What was your experience?


If you bought two and used the 30amp adapter what was your experience on propane?

You said it is new. I totally respect your choice to work on the 2500 but I am curious why. They will replace it if you request. The service places Champion uses are famously poor. Two of them told me they usually only confirm an issue exists, not repair.

[TitusNW]

englewoodfl (OP)


I also have a Champion 2500 (Model 200961) and use it on gas and propane. The item that stuck in my head was your note on the "special tool" to remove the sparkplug. Looks like a normal cap over a regular plug to me but ordered a replacement TORCH E6RTC.

Steve

[Downsized]

We have a 2 KW propane champion for the trailer and a 3400 for home backup. We have never run them on gas. (Never had gas in the tank). They both start and run fine on propane. Hope you get it sorted out.

[englewoodfl]

The current 2500 generator has a quick connect. The engine needs air, fuel and spark to run. Couldn't check the spark to rule that out but that's not likely the source. Guessing the problem was on the fuel side - but they're back at HD.



When we get back from the trip I'll cycle back to this.

[DaveG]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

The current 2500 generator has a quick connect. The engine needs air, fuel and spark to run. Couldn't check the spark to rule that out but that's not likely the source. Guessing the problem was on the fuel side - but they're back at HD.



When we get back from the trip I'll cycle back to this.

Assuming this generator is brand new and has never been started (from your OP). Several points in the generator exist which could cause it to not start. Identified in other posts are fuel and spark. More specifically there is a low oil sensor and on some models something Champion calls a "C0 Shield". The low oil and shield can cause the ignition circuit to not allow spark. I would do a quick check for a spark.
Thanks for staying with the thread!
Happy travels! Looking forward to hearing how you solve this one.

Once you get it up and running some other things to consider: ~ Adding an hour meter. Easy and inexpensive. ~ Breaking in is more to do with the inverter than the engine although both benefit from doing a ramp up in the first five hours of operation. Provided instructions on load are good. ~ Another item some have purchased is an aftermarket dipstick which has a magnetic tip.

[englewoodfl]

We went thru the sensors as part of the TS. Even had me put in a few more ounces of oil until it overflowed. Interestingly they had me drop it about 6" twice (I presume that was to shake loose something that gets stuck).