3000W Chinese Gensets Info.

racefan1965 wrote:
I'd love to try and join in to the prototype process you mention. I am on a tightly fixed budget so as long as the modifications aren't too expensive you can count me in. I'm not the most mechanically inclined but can hold my own against most amateur tinkerers like myself. I'm not even close to being in the same league as you and several others on here though. I would need instructions on the propane conversion. My only worry is that a 2.5 gallon gas can is about 15 bucks filled if you count can and gas and easier to fill and transport in the back of the truck. Propane cylinders are three or four times more expensive and harder to transport and fill. Plus from my understanding you get less power from propane. My 5er is small and old (1984 24foot) and only has two 5gal propane tanks on it so for more than a couple days of use I would need either extra cylinders or a close place to refill. Not always possible so I wonder if converting would be smart for myself. It's too bad it's not possible to insulate between the gas tank and genset to avoid allowing the tank to act as a sound resonator. It would allow us gas users to continue running with gas while still obtaining the sound reduction.
Thanks,
Rick

The propane info provided in numerous previous postings is great. Information of that type certainly adds to the process.

Now, to address some commentsw and questions:

I do not plan on camping at zero degrees. If I did, my concerns would not be propane freezing, but rather my water system. My main need for a generator is air conditioning. Another BTU burner that will not come into play as the temps drop.

I see no reason why you cannot build an enclosure below the gas tank. You would need to elevate the gas tank a few inches which would require some hacksaw work and re-welding on the upper frame.

My genset engine puts out a rated 6.5 HP on 87 octane gasoline. US Carburation claims that you will not loose HP with a propane conversion - the engine will take the fuel it needs to sustain the power level. I tend to agree knowing my other conversions, as well as the current one, run the same load appliances as they did on gas.

Champion has a 4.5 HP, 2,200 watt LPG model that uses a 200 cc engine (same size as the 6.5 gas engine). But, the design of the cylinder head, valve size and ignition timing is vastly different. I have been told that the LPG model is a "lean burn" system to meet standards set by EPA and CARB. Since propane is a cleaner fuel than gasoline, this one leaves me wondering.:h

Locally, a 5 gallon "exchange" cylinder of propane is between $14.75 and $18.00. If I take my cylinder to my RV dealer, propane is $2.35 a gallon - cheaper than gasoline which is currently about $2.65 a gallon here.

Please keep in mind I selected LPG to meet MY particular needs. I am not advocating that anyone else needs to use propane unless it meets their needs better than gas.

I'll try and make some photos and develop a "white paper" for propane conversion on the Chinese gensets sometime this week. I will post the info for those interested.