Convert Generator to run on propane |
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Author | |
WillThrill
Senior Member Joined: 04 Jul 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 298 |
Topic: Convert Generator to run on propane Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 9:54pm |
'Pure' gasoline, as it is more commonly known, can go stale just as easily as the more common E-10. In either case, the biggest enemy of storing gasoline is improperly sealed containers. In a completely sealed container, regular E-10 gasoline will store for at least a year with no problems; I've done it myself. Never, ever vent a gasoline container unless you are actually using the gasoline at that time. Pure gasoline does seem to run better in 2 cycle engines such as those found in most trimmers, chain saws, etc., but it will still go stale. If you happen to have stale gasoline, you can mix it up to 50/50 with fresh gasoline and burn it with no problems. And regarding a propane conversion for a generator, I honestly cannot see much reason to do so in an RV context. A five gallon gas can has more energy for the generator than does a 20# propane tank, and the former is far cheaper and easier to move around. There is also a 10% loss of power when running a gasoline generator on propane, so that 3,100 watt generator would become a 2,790 watt generator.
|
|
"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien
2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
|
jato
Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3227 |
Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 9:00pm |
About stale gas. IF you can find a gas station that sells RV gas, then this does not become an issue, it is the same style gas you used to purchase in the 60's and 70's, no alcohol added. I use it in my chain saw, wood splitter, snow thrower, string trimmer. We have stored RV gas for over a year, it is still good, no need to add Stabil or anything else. The only negative is that it is usually about double the price of regular unleaded. Current price for RV gas in Traverse City is 3.85/gallon, no-lead 87 octane runs about 2.03/gallon.
|
|
God's pod
'11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
|
CharlieM
Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797 |
Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 3:46pm |
+1. I too am interested in how your propane conversion is working. Let us know.
|
|
Charlie
Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
|
meganjoe
Newbie Joined: 28 Jul 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1 |
Posted: 28 Jul 2016 at 1:43pm |
Hi.. Just curious how the install want and how your genny is running..
Joe
|
|
Joseph C Staples
|
|
Pilot
Groupie Joined: 26 Jul 2015 Location: Pinckney, Mi Online Status: Offline Posts: 91 |
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:54am |
An EMP would be another factor to think of.
That's why I keep a hold of my TR-6! |
|
Walt & Lynne
2015 r-pod 177 08 F150 or 2014 Explorer Pinckney,Mi |
|
frogpod
Groupie Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Location: Grand Rapids, M Online Status: Offline Posts: 40 |
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 10:33pm |
Thanks for the replies. I will post back in a week or two after I get the tri-fuel generator conversion done and test it out under load using propane, natural gas and gasoline. |
|
Leo and Tami
with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier 2010 Rpod 171 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD |
|
techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 9:43pm |
I always add Sta-bil which helps prevent carb issues. I also swap out my stored fuel every 6 months. I tried a year and had issues in my generator.
I considered the conversion kits for use on the road, but I did the math and with the power loss I could get more run time from gasoline. It is also much easier to find a gas station than a LP refill station, especially out west.
As for relying on NG for home backup, consider that some emergencies will stop the NG supply, too. Think the 1989 earthquake in Loma Prieta as one worst-case scenario. I have a 500 gallon (400 actual) LP tank connected to my big generator but I also keep 20+ gallons of gasoline for my gas-powered backups (2 of them). Bottom line, have a backup for your backup. |
|
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
|
|
johnmaci
Senior Member Joined: 17 Jun 2014 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 202 |
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 10:26am |
For me the effort of conversion vs. the actual amount of use was a factor so I went with an external fuel tank to add hours of run time without refilling (up to 72 hrs on eco mode)
Additionally, by using an external tank, I can refill it without shutting down the generator. Here is what I went with: http://www.genxdirect.com/ I never have stale fuel since I use it during the summer months in my yard equipment, or put it in my car at the end of fall. |
|
shroomer
Senior Member Joined: 24 Aug 2013 Location: New Haven, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 236 |
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 6:35am |
Stale gasoline vs natural gas seems to be the critical feature here. I follow your reasoning. Using natural gas in a blackout means you never have to find an open gas station to fill up your genset and you won't have to store and refresh gasoline.
|
|
Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6
New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
|
frogpod
Groupie Joined: 17 Aug 2014 Location: Grand Rapids, M Online Status: Offline Posts: 40 |
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 12:53am |
I'll find out. I have four propane tanks and I know I have to refill the gasoline tank after about 8 hours. No extra fuel tank for the gasoline. I suspect a propane tank will last at least a day or two....depending on the load. I only use it to recharge the batteries on the pod. With the current low price of gasoline under $2.00 per gallon, it probably costs less to run it on gasoline right now. Even if it costs a little more, the advantage I see is not carrying gasoline around in a can to use for the small amount we use it while camping. Also, the thing barely runs right now due to the gasoline going stale and not having stabilizer in the tank. Need to clean out the carb by getting some good gasoline in it and run it a while before I convert it. Main reason I got the generator is to keep the freezer running in case of a power failure and I have a natural gas hookup for that use. Lost a freezer full of meat a few years ago......
|
|
Leo and Tami
with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier 2010 Rpod 171 2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD |
|
Post Reply | Page 12> |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |