Champion 2500 Propane - Ignition Procedure

[CMHM]

Hi all

How do you start your Champion 2,000/2,500 generator on propane ? I am talking about smaller models with manual start.

Mine is attached to the LPG port, I usually let the propane flow for a minute and then slowly pull 3-4 times on choke mode. Then switch to ignition and it would start but lately I can do a rain dance and it just starts many tries later without any consistent method.

Generator is brand new, I did the oil change after 5h and I am on 8,500 ft.

Thank you

[rmkrum]

Make sure the generator is sitting level in both directions. That can cause the oil level sensor to keep you from starting. I usually just pull the choke out and crank it. I’m quick to push the choke in when it catches. At altitude it may just need 1/2 choke to get it going.

[CMHM]

The leveling part could be the issue I am facing, I am always boon docking and right now the surface isn't level at all.

I dont have a choke to pull out unfortunately, I have a choke 'mode' -basically a dial I rotate the knob to- to pull the crank a few times, but then have to rotate the know to the propane or gas setting and then pull again.

[hovr]

I was interested in this generator a while ago and read from somewhere - due to safety regulation, the manufacturer don't want to put the prime push valve on the low pressure demand regulator(pancake) that comes with the generator. In most after-market conversion kits, there is one that let you push and allow propane flow to carburator without pulling.

I am not sure if this is the reason, but the pancake thing isn't very expensive, maybe get one with that push valve.

Originally Posted by CMHM

Hi all

How do you start your Champion 2,000/2,500 generator on propane ? I am talking about smaller models with manual start.

Mine is attached to the LPG port, I usually let the propane flow for a minute and then slowly pull 3-4 times on choke mode. Then switch to ignition and it would start but lately I can do a rain dance and it just starts many tries later without any consistent method.

Generator is brand new, I did the oil change after 5h and I am on 8,500 ft.

Thank you

[ROBERT CROSS]

[QUOTE=CMHM;25267><>><><><><snip QUOTE
Hi al
Generator is brand new, I did the oil change after 5h and I am on 8,500 ft.

Thank you[/QUOTE]

Salient point....8500ft.

Our Honda 2000 Dual use does the same at altitude.
One of the reasons for the 'dual use'.

I will start on petrol, warm up, turn off supply and then when it starts to stumble, un-pinch the LP line.

Bob
🇺🇸

[SilverHouseDreams]

Did you switch to high altitude kit for the carburetor? Perhaps it is running too rich due to the reduced oxygen of the elevation.

[Dexterpix]

Hi CMHM,

I am not sure if this applies to the champion. I have a Honda 2000 with a Genconnex conversion to FULL time propane. The choke is removed as the propane port is on the front side of the choke plate (the air filter side as apposed to the manifold side). If I was to close the choke I would be restricting the flow of propane into the intake manifold. This would be an extreme LEAN condition. The choke is there to create an extreme RICH condition to help a cold engine fire.

Do you know if the champion port for propane induction is in front of the choke plate or behind it? Closing the choke my not be the most effective option. Also do you have an option to purge the propane line? I hold the purge valve open for a count of at least 10 sec before I try to start. Hope this is helpful

Joe D

[CMHM]

So I found the issue:

When I converted the pancake regulator to fit the LPG port (by removing the pressure regulator) I didn’t tighten one fitting enough. I sprayed soapy water on it and I had a tiny leak. Once I fixed that the generator has been starting on the first pull every time (at 9,500ft where I am now).