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This conversion is NOT a difficult process. Unfortunately, our next-door neighbor who
successfully converted his expensive 1800 rpm 6.5 Kw Onan genset to propane is gone to Florida
for the winter. We are NOT very sympathetic about this! But it does mean that detailed
pictures and instructions for this conversion will not be available until Spring on our
site, unless anyone out there has done this conversion and is willing to share. Please
contact us!
6/20/2001 UPDATE!...he's back from Florida, and we can complete this page!
The conversion is more complicated than we initially reported, but still easy for a do-it-yourselfer.
Please read the new information below CAREFULLY so you don't blow yourself up!
The generator's carbuerator still functions in the normal way with this conversion,
mixing air and fuel into the combustion chamber. You will need some special propane regulation and
safety equipment, available from any generator shop that sells and services large propane
generators (Onan, Kohler, Winco, etc.).
We guarantee that this procedure will void your generator's warranty!
We ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE for any property damage or personal injury resulting from this procedure...we
are simply relaying information to you about how OTHERS have succussfully converted their generators.
If you are stubborn and foolish enough to try the conversion described here on your expensive
generator, you are on your own. Others have done it, and it does work! But if you don't have the
basic knowledge to work with pressurized propane, DON'T EVEN START THIS PROJECT! Are we
clear on this?????
Examine the above photo carefully, and identify the new parts for the conversion!
- First, obtain a Garretson propane regulator (see photo above) for propane generators from your local generator
shop. This regulator will adjust propane flow depending on the load requirements from the genset, via
a vacuum sensor (that is built-in). The Garretson goes between your normal propane regulator and the
genset.
You can make this thing run without the Garretson, but only at constant load...if your load
were to change (such as batteries filling up, a piece of power equipment turning on, etc.) you would
have to immediately adjust your needle valve (as with our previous, rough conversion instructions) or
the generator would stall. This would be very difficult to do, and the Garretson takes care of the problem automatically.
- Next, for safety reasons buy a solenoid propane cutoff valve (see photo above) and install it between the normal
propane regulator and the Garretson. Wire it to the generator's ignition, so that if the ignition
switch is OFF, so is the propane.
- Install an adjustment valve (see photo above) between the Garretson and the carbuerator to make lean/rich
adjustments while the genset is running.
- Buy a diffuser end to stick into the carb venturi...or build your own (see photo below). The homemade
version is simply a piece of copper tubing, crimped off at the end, with holes drilled into it to diffuse
the propane into the venturi. It works, and costs nothing.
Homemade Propane Diffuser
- Many parts can now be removed from your generator. Save them in case the whole deal doesn't work out for you!
The carbuerator float can come out, as it will just rattle around and get in the way. Ditto with the choke
(or just leave it in and keep it all the way open)...the Garretson regulator has a button you can push
that provides full gas pressure during starting, though this is normally needed only during cold weather starts. Adjustments for starting can also be made with the
new gas control valve you installed.
- That's pretty much it...our neighbor has had great success with his converted Onan. If you
have any more information or advice that we could add to this page, please let us know! Propane is an
excellent generator fuel, especially during cold weather...it does not suffer from condensation
and thickening problems like gasoline and diesel.
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