Onan 5500 Generator
Has anyone had any experience converting an Onan 5500 from gas to LP? Can it be done and what are some of the pros and cons?
Forum Discussion
fj12ryder wrote:
If you prefer we can continue this in PM's. But I have a couple questions if you don't mind.
What does the conversion consist of?
Is it reversible?
Approximately how much usage time do you get from a 30# propane bottle?
The reason I'm asking is that I would like to do this if the propane run time is not much, much less than on gasoline. I use my tank infrequently and it would be nice not to have to worry about forgetting to drain the carb and having it gum up. I have space, unused presently, for a third propane tank that I could dedicate to the generator. Would this be a wise way to go about it?
Any info would be appreciated and I can use the PM if you'd prefer, but the 5500 is a popular OEM suppled generator and I thought it might be of interest to people other than me.
The link that I embedded in my reply below is the entire kit. This is the one that I purchased. It comes with a very good installation set of instructions, and the seller is very good at communication and can answer any set of questions you may have. He did for me when I was initially contemplating his system.
It is all bolt on, and removes the lower bowl of the Carb. But you will need to plumb the propane line to the regulator. I also put a 12volt inline switch/valve that is only open when the generator is running. The propane jetting screws directly in but the instructions state that it may be necessary to drill a 17/64 hole to match the SPUD. I did it a couple years age, and don't recall if I drilled or not. but have never desired to go back to gasoline.
As far as usage time, It is less than with gasoline, and I don't have any exact #'s because I use 2 100# tanks in the garage, and have never run the hours. I care more for the cleaner burning exhaust and the better running at elevation, (as I hunt/camp in 7000 elevation, and that is where I use it the most).
I would say not quite an hour/gallon.
An On-Line search can give you estimations. It looks like others see 10-12 hours for a 40# bottle.
Hope this helps your decision. I have never looked back.
Gery
