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?

Generally propane makes less power then gas (the propane displaces air in the cylinder). Propane generators are also known for consuming more fuel then gas.

I have a 40' 5th wheel toybox and I did it using this system I found thru eBAY (link below).It may use more propane than gas, but does not have the high elevation issues that the gas did.I carry additional 100lb tanks in the garage, and now the on board gas station is used for just the toys.No regrets, and works perfect.http://www.ebay.com/itm/IMPCO-PROPANE-CONVERSION-KIT-ONAN-MARQUIS-GOLD-5500-GENERATOR-5-5-HP-LP-GAS-5500-/170922881061?hash=item27cbcc3025:g:t~AAAMXQTghRK8wp&vxp=mtr

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.

christopherglenn wrote:Generally propane makes less power then gas (the propane displaces air in the cylinder). Propane generators are also known for consuming more fuel then gas.That's right:1) It'll consume more fuel.2) It'll make less power.Perhaps:1) Less tendency to overheat the fuel pump and stall.2) No **** in the carb.

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

Onan 5500 Generator | Good Sam Community

12 Replies

gery_L
Explorer
May 09, 2016
I have a 40' 5th wheel toybox and I did it using this system I found thru eBAY (link below).
It may use more propane than gas, but does not have the high elevation issues that the gas did.
I carry additional 100lb tanks in the garage, and now the on board gas station is used for just the toys.
No regrets, and works perfect.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IMPCO-PROPANE-CONVERSION-KIT-ONAN-MARQUIS-GOLD-5500-GENERATOR-5-5-HP-LP-GAS-5500-/170922881061?hash=item27cbcc3025:g:t~AAAMXQTghRK8wp&vxp=mtr
christopherglen
Explorer
May 09, 2016
Generally propane makes less power then gas (the propane displaces air in the cylinder). Propane generators are also known for consuming more fuel then gas.

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Onan 5500 Generator

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