Anyone convert Gas to Propane Gen?

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I have a Generac 6500XL Gas Genset. I ordered a propane conversion kit from U.S. Carb. Has anyone else made this conversion? Any caveats? How did it work out? I have thumbed through the inst. booklet but need to study it a little more closely to decide if I want to attempt it myself. Apreciate any input/thoughts

-- Larry (rampon@cyberramp.net), November 10, 1999

Answers

Larry, What you will be doing is simple if you are mechanically inclined.

I was an RV tech and did some changes like you are attempting. Basically you will only exchange the carb and fuel lines, make sure you have a lp gas regulator and have it set for the correct lp gas pressure going into the carb.

Should you know of an RV tech ,they will be happy to help you if it's on the side. If your not sure get a pro to help just to make sure it's right.... Furie...

-- Furie (furieart@dnet.net), November 11, 1999.


Thanks Furie,

You know, the first swing-set I put up took me all day. The second took only a few hours. There is an RV Dealer w/shop very close to me....wonder what they would charge to put this kit on for me if I just set it on the trailer and took it over there? I can't afford to make a mistake at this late date and, although I am somewhat mechanically inclined, I know that Murphy's Law is at its finest when it comes to something like this. I think I would rather pay someone for a few hours time and know that the job has been done right than to spend all day trying to figure it out.

Appreciate your input.

-- Larry (Rampon@cyberramp.net), November 11, 1999.


Larry: Like I said, go to the RV dealer,and walk around and ask who does the generator changes or repaires. Then ask that tech if he does side work ....otherwise you will pay the shop rate, possibly 52.00 hr.. .it could take about 4 hrs . And have the tech do a load test on the gen to make sure it's capeable of a live load... Good luck, my email is correct, do let me know if I can be of additional help. Furie...

-- Furie (furieart@dnet.net), November 11, 1999.

I have one of those conversion kits, the directions were a little bit fuzzy, but after some study it was pretty clear.

The best way to install the conversion is to buy a spare carburator and perform the conversion on the spare. That way you can still run the genset on gasoline if you want. Most carbs. are attached by just 2 bolts, so switching is a snap.(All mods are done to the carb only)

An added plus is if you are totally confused, all you need to take to your "RV Guru" is a carb and a little box of parts.

The kit ends up with just two hoses connected to the carb. One is a vacuum "sense" line to turn the regulator on and off, and the second hose (the big one) is the supply line to the propane "jet" you install in the carb.

When you first start the genset on propane, let the engine warm up for about 10 min or so, it seems to take longer for the engine to stabilize when running on propane. After that, it will run just fine.

Leak check all connections with a solution of water and dish detergent -- no bubbles allowed.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

-- Justtryntohelp (beenthere@donethat.com), November 11, 1999.


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