I just found a generator that is dual fuel (gasoline and propane). The specific one I found is a Duromax XP 4850EH, currently selling for $325, although there appear to several similar ones available, as well as larger ones that also operate on the same fuel combination.
This is my question: Could you (temporarily) convert it to (also) run on LP, because I would prefer an option to run it on piped in gas (LP), which should be cheaper and I wouldn't constantly have to run for fuel.
I'm not sure I fully understand the question but it operates on either liquid propane or gasoline so if you were piping it in I'm not sure why it would be temporary. I mean you either connect a LPG source, be it a portable tank or a large tank or you dump traditional gasoline in the tank. You might reference the manual for a better understanding of the operation
The first item is the fuel jet size. It must be proper for the gas being used. Many people do this and you will find it's reasonable, with a small amount of effort.
You can research this with the manufacturer first and forums that support multifuel generators. Many communities have generators that use LP/NG for emergency purposes. It's very common.
Yes it can be changed. Yes you will have to do a little digging to get the proper changes to make. I would start with the manufacturer to see if they might have all the information with little effort on your part. Then I would use Google to get a start.
Yes! I guess I used the wrong terminology. I believe I know the general differences between them, but apparently I used the wrong term (LP in lieu of NG). I have city gas piped in, which I ASSUME is natural gas. I want to hook the generator to this, but it is currently set up for Propane. When I lived out in the country, I had a 500 gallon Propane tank. That would have worked fine. But I don't live there any longer.
When I used the term "temporarily", what I meant was that I did not want to make any permanent modifications to the system, as I will likely eventually move back into the country where I would be running Propane again.
LP is a contraction of LPG, which stands for liquefied petroleum gas...the most popular of which is propane. Natural gas cannot be liquefied unless refrigerated to minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit. LPG/propane carb jets are one size, gasoline another, and natural gas a third size.
Yes that kind of conversion is easily done and easily reversed. It is simply a matter of changing the orifice in the carburetor. I'm surprised that the manufacturer didn't supply both of them with the generator. They should be able to supply the NG orifice at a reasonable price, and changing it is not a very complicated task. Good Luck, and keep us posted.
That was just the info that I needed. I haven't made the final decision to buy this generator, but the price seems really good, and I LOVE the ability to switch fuel sources (gas/gasoline).
jdeere_man: Thanks for the link to the instructions!
I had a Dodge van that I converted to dual fuel back in the late 70s. It ran very well on LPG, better in fact than on gasoline. It drew liquid LPG from the bottom of the tanks and flashed it to a vapor in a convertor heated by engine coolant. For an engine as small as a 3KW generator you probably won't need a convertor. Just keep your fuel tank warm in the winter.
I'm pretty sure you will also have to change your pressure regulator as natural gas is delivered to the curb at a much lower pressure than LP from a tank.
Whoops! Thanks Big Bird. That was a detail I forgot. I guess I have been retired too long.
A pressure gauge should be available at a heating equipment supplier, or an appliance parts supplier.
Do a quick net search. For about $200 there are several DIY conversion kits. Gasoline to LP or natural gas. And, you can easily switch to use the fuel of your choice as available.
Do a quick net search. For about $200 there are several DIY conversion kits. Gasoline to LP or natural gas. And, you can easily switch to use the fuel of your choice as available.
Thanks, I did that and found one that is interesting. Need to do more investigating, though, before I commit.
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