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Joined: 22 Sep 2011
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Posts: 1067 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Hutch Mountain Propane conversion
    Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 7:55am
Has anyone had any experience converting a Honda 2000 or 2200 generator to propane using the Hutch Mountain conversion kit?
I am thinking about doing this but was hoping that someone here had already done it. I have looked at their site and seen 2 videos about the conversion.  It looks pretty straightforward.  How is the performance of the generator after the conversion?  How much propane does it use ?  any drawbacks that you can see?
Thanks for any info
Vann

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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 9:28am
The only drawback that I know of would be that you get less power output from propane. If your generator struggles to run the AC on gasoline, it likely would not be successful on propane. If you don't use it for AC, you will likely be okay. I purchased a dual-fuel generator rather than convert an existing generator so I can't address the conversion part. I don't know what the cost of the conversion kit is. Probably cheaper than purchasing a dual-fuel generator. However, it would be a compromise. On the dual-fuel generator, there is an electrical connection to the propane regulator that adjusts the amount of propane allowed to flow. I don't know how an aftermarket kit handles changing load demands or if it is just a fixed orifice.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 9:45am
I converted my Honda 2k to propane using the Century Products Tri fuel kit a few years ago. Took about an hour to convert. Thought I might want to use gasoline again someday but never have. I use it around my place as well as for the trailer and keep a propane cylinder handy for that purpose. No stinky gas.

The genny does have less power on propane as expected, but it’s fine running (Not starting, you need an Easystart for that whether on propane or gas) the a/c at least up to about 3500-4000 ft elevation which is as high as I’ve used it. There is an altitude adjustment screw on the demand regulator.

Don’t know anything about the Hutch Mountain one which wasn’t available when I did mine, other than its more expensive. The power reduction will be the same regardless of which kit you get
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 11:01am
The only drawback to some is if you own anything other than a Honda, Century Products is the option.  Everything I have seen shows Hutch only supporting Honda.
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Posts: 2630 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 11:26am
Propane will provide approximately 80% of the power of gasoline. The engine will run cleaner, and produce less soot than gasoline, so it is a little easier on the oil.

Can't comment on the conversion, as this is the first I've heard of that brand.
bp
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Posts: 1067 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 3:03pm
Thanks for all of the comments.
I have a 5kw Honda generator (open frame) that has been converted to propane. I use this for auxiliary power at our house. It has worked fine for over 20 years
There is a demand regulator involved as well as the pressure regulator for the Hutch Mountain conversion kit. All of the necessary parts are included.
Most of the reviews are very good.
Here is the Hutch Mountain website and 2 videos that show the conversion.
If I go ahead with this, I will report back.
I have no affiliation with this product or manufacturer, just interested in perhaps trying it myself.
Vann
https://www.hutchmountain.com/products.html#!/Honda-EU2200i-Propane-Natural-Gas-Gasoline-Tri-Fuel-Conversion-Kit/p/101013131/category=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etOBuzmByvk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBbv0YvbP_Y

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Posts: 41 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2021 at 9:17pm
I picked one up end of season last year for my 2200.
The install was super easy and it runs great.
Did not get to test it with the AC yet but it ran a heater,a fan and a circular saw just fine.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 9:12am
Originally posted by GlueGuy

Propane will provide approximately 80% of the power of gasoline. The engine will run cleaner, and produce less soot than gasoline, so it is a little easier on the oil.
Can't comment on the conversion, as this is the first I've heard of that brand.


No it’s not that much power loss. While the energy content (Btu per gal) or propane is about 80% off gasoline, so the energy produced per gallon will be 80% of what gasoline is. That does not mean that the generator will produce 80% of the power output (power does not equal energy). That’s because the genny will burn more propane per hour than gasoline. So how much less the actual power output is depends on the specific setup of the carb. In my case I lose maybe around 5-10% power tops, which is about what Century Fuels claims. You’d have to ask Hutch Mountain what they’re getting.

That raises the downside of converting to propane, it’s more expensive. The fuel costs more and you’re burning it faster to get the same energy output.
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Posts: 2587 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Feb 2021 at 10:50am
We have a Champion 3500W inverter generator that runs quietly and can use gasoline or LP.  I use LP because it is cleaner, less stinky, and doesn't require pouring gasoline into the tank.  It seems to start the AC just fine, but to be on the safe side, for our post-Covid vaccination trips this summer where we plan on going to the east, I've purchased a Microair Easy Start that I'm going to install next week.  Hopefully, it'll make the AC issue more manageable.  
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