Propane conversion for my Storm Responder 5500-watt generator

hlw49 said:
don't know it is factory settings I know nothing about propane
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Hello hlw49,

Propane is a gaseous fuel, so it does not have to be atomized by a carburetor like gasoline. It also has less BTU's produced during combustion, so it takes a little more volume than gasoline. That is why Propane is not as efficient as gasoline and generator wattage is slightly reduced.

Do you have a multi-meter that will read Hz?

Your generator should read around 60-61.5 Hz (check at one of the 120V outlets) with no load on the generator, running at high idle. If you are in the "ballpark", then I would say it is adjusted correctly.

Next, I recommend you check the spark plug gap to make sure it is set to .025 inch. Propane requires a smaller electrode gap, but gasoline will run fine at this gap also.

I have been running my Propane farm tractors for years and really like them because they burn so clean and do not suffer from carburetor problems caused by stale fuel.
 
StarTech said:
I keep this mind about closing the spark gaps. So far I only work propane powered string trimmer.
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those work well with that cart you drag behind you for the propane canister. Some are even motorized and use AI to follow along. Some top end models even have a small refrigerator for beer and sandwiches, and a hot plate to warm leftovers. :) :) :) I keep tripping on the hose though, worse than the electric cord on 120V ones - although the 3-phase versions are worse. :unsure:
 
StarTech said:
Hopefully that kit allows for high and low Pressure LP along allowing you to maintain the gasoline option.

Just shutting and the engine until it dies does not completely clear the carburetors of all of the fuel thus jets can still clog, just depends on how much is left behind and where the jets are. I have cleaned a lot carbs that this has been the problem.

Fuel shut valves are mainly to prevent the carburetors from the carburetor flooding from a leaky float valve/seat. And Honda small engines are very at leaking past the float needle valve and seats which is why you will see the fuel shut off valves on nearly every one of them.

I thinking that Auto Doc's is just wanting the LP available as it can be stored for a long period without the problems that gasoline has of going bad. Of course a power outage can happen and there is no way to get fuel because all the local stations are down too. And there have been times here where the electric has been out for weeks county wide.

Besides LP can be as fuel for cutting torches and BBQs. I like you to try that with gasoline. Boom comes to mind.
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i have a tiller with a 6hp briggs ohv engine that was last used in 2018 before being used last december. the fuel was run from it completely, as it chugged until the last bit was gone. when restarted in december it cranked after 3rd pull. now this has always been a 'good starting' engine. perhaps its simplicity of design gives an advantage. but if you have a good engine this is not an issue.

also have good success with the mower engine between end of fall usage & spring usage, only the fuel is not run from it. had to grind some leaves late december & was concerned that the battery might be dead since it was a 2022 battery. but it started like a champ. this is a hustler super z with a kohler 30hp.

so to me it has to do with the design of the engines. buy equipment with good engines.
 
hlw49 said:
I have a Firman Dual Fuel Generator. If I run it on gas, it is 9400 watts if on propane 7500 watts so you loose about 2000 watts on propane. Might be something to consider.
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I have the same. Mine is connected to my ng line at the house. I have been pleasantly surprised at how trouble free it it. I test it several times a year and it always fires right up.
 
I went on Ebay and bought duel fuel carburators for agenerator and 2 log splitters in the last 5 years. They have all worked fine.Their were selling for about $25 when I bought the first one but they have gone up to about $50. It's a simple carb replacement. the only extra needed was a propane hose.
 
Had many different backup generation systems over the years. The gas and propane systems while working well always needed maintenance, and when running consumed massive quantities of fuel. Installed a whole house solar system 3 years ago and haven't spent a single cent on electrical energy since. Completely seamless operation. I know it's not right for everyone, but in my case it was one of the best investments we've made.
 
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