LP Generator vs Diesel Generator
Looking to down size to a Class B+, only ever had was gas generator both on my RV and at home. What are the pros and cons of each? The Diesel gen set is extra money. Unit is on a Sprinter. KC
Forum Discussion
PROPANE. Harder to buy, transport and store. An engine from the ground up should be designed or modified for LPG use. Higher compression, different camshaft bigger valves and ready to deal with lots more generated heat. LPG engines run HOT! They also tend to leak more lube oil through seals and gaskets.
But oil stays crystal clean for months and years. Spark plugs look almost new after a thousand hours of use. Exhaust components last longer than they would of gasoline were used. Diesel exhaust plumbing lasts a long time as well.
Expect to consume 25% more fuel in gallons for a given load than gasoline and more than that if you compare LPG to diesel.
Ready to change diesel lube oil can be almost black and the soot within can permanently stain clothing and other articles. The black stain is difficult to remove from skin. Diesel needs help when the temperature is below freezing. Compression ignition relies on compressed air cylinder temperature to rise high enough to ignite fuel spray from the injectors. Cold diesels need to crank FAST, and perhaps use a glow plug to help bring combustion chamber temperatures up to snuff so the starter motor does not get worn out. Diesel engines are heavier, sometimes much heavier than an air cooled gasoline or LPG engine.
But the cost of fuel, the cost of operation tilts wildly in favor of diesel over LPG.
Regarding CO. LPG engine produce substantially less CO than gasoline engines. That's why you see pots of LPG strapped to warehouse fork lifts. The key word is -less-. CO can easily kill, make no mistake about it.
I have THREE CO alarms in my rig and they get tested. Bedroom, kitchen, and one placed nearest the generator on the inside wall. Not quite ready to shake hands with Saint Peter, yet.
But oil stays crystal clean for months and years. Spark plugs look almost new after a thousand hours of use. Exhaust components last longer than they would of gasoline were used. Diesel exhaust plumbing lasts a long time as well.
Expect to consume 25% more fuel in gallons for a given load than gasoline and more than that if you compare LPG to diesel.
Ready to change diesel lube oil can be almost black and the soot within can permanently stain clothing and other articles. The black stain is difficult to remove from skin. Diesel needs help when the temperature is below freezing. Compression ignition relies on compressed air cylinder temperature to rise high enough to ignite fuel spray from the injectors. Cold diesels need to crank FAST, and perhaps use a glow plug to help bring combustion chamber temperatures up to snuff so the starter motor does not get worn out. Diesel engines are heavier, sometimes much heavier than an air cooled gasoline or LPG engine.
But the cost of fuel, the cost of operation tilts wildly in favor of diesel over LPG.
Regarding CO. LPG engine produce substantially less CO than gasoline engines. That's why you see pots of LPG strapped to warehouse fork lifts. The key word is -less-. CO can easily kill, make no mistake about it.
I have THREE CO alarms in my rig and they get tested. Bedroom, kitchen, and one placed nearest the generator on the inside wall. Not quite ready to shake hands with Saint Peter, yet.
