Converting Honda generator to propane

All of the conversion kits require some type of bulky external regulator. You need to decide where you are going to mount this.

Also decided how you are going to connect into your existing propane line.

No, I didn't, but just watched this the other day. He makes it look easy.
https://youtu.be/rAqX26a5Ukc

Yes just did this on a Honda 2200 w Hutch Mountains kit. I run off a propane tank so mounting and the bulky regulator is not an issue. You must have access to the regulator to prime the genny before starting.

It works well and I can do direct to my natural gas supply at home to keep the freezer running in event of a power outage.

cptqueeg wrote:
Yes just did this on a Honda 2200 w Hutch Mountains kit. I run off a propane tank so mounting and the bulky regulator is not an issue. You must have access to the regulator to prime the genny before starting.

It works well and I can do direct to my natural gas supply at home to keep the freezer running in event of a power outage.

hutch mountain kit is first class, easy to do, I have my 2000 and 2200 converted for gas, propane, or NG. Works great, many options on where the regulator goes.

don't really need access to the regulator to start. just need to push the button on it a couple of times, then walk over and start the generator.

My system is set up to run both generators off one propane tank or the NG quick connect for the BBQ in case we loose power at home.

cptqueeg wrote:
It works well and I can do direct to my natural gas supply at home to keep the freezer running in event of a power outage.

Yes, assuming you have a conversion kit that also accommodates natural gas.

US Carburetion's "Motor Snorkel" kits include a fuel mixture block that only requires a few turns of the mixture screw to change from propane to NG or back again - no need to change jets or orifices.

cons propane is more expensive than gasoline.

generator is some what thirsty for propane

output wattage is some what lowered.

pros

no worries about varnish build up in carburetor

oil changes less frequently

spark plugs last a lot longer.

I'd get a trifuel one--so that natural gas could be used.

Just have fun!

Skibane wrote:

cptqueeg wrote:
It works well and I can do direct to my natural gas supply at home to keep the freezer running in event of a power outage.

Yes, assuming you have a conversion kit that also accommodates natural gas.

US Carburetion's "Motor Snorkel" kits include a fuel mixture block that only requires a few turns of the mixture screw to change from propane to NG or back again - no need to change jets or orifices.

hutch mountain has a tri fuel option. It does use a different orifice for NG vs. propane, about a 30 second changeover.

pianotuna wrote:
cons propane is more expensive than gasoline.

generator is some what thirsty for propane

output wattage is some what lowered.

pros

no worries about varnish build up in carburetor

oil changes less frequently

spark plugs last a lot longer.

I'd get a trifuel one--so that natural gas could be used.

Just have fun!

good list. we just use ours on gasoline when camping, the propane/ng option is for use if we loose power at home. No need to stock up for a supply of gasoline and/or a external tank in an emergency that way, just hook up to the NG quick connect for the BBQ.

ktmrfs wrote:
hutch mountain has a tri fuel option. It does use a different orifice for NG vs. propane, about a 30 second changeover.

That's not a bad approach either, because you're instantly "dialed in" to the proper fuel mixture as soon as you change orifices.

With the Motor Snorkel kit, you have to remember how many turns to twist the fuel mixture screw for each fuel. (After I got the settings for both fuels just right, I wrote those numbers on a sticker on the generator to help me remember).

pianotuna wrote:
cons propane is more expensive than gasoline.

generator is some what thirsty for propane

output wattage is some what lowered.

pros

no worries about varnish build up in carburetor

oil changes less frequently

spark plugs last a lot longer.

Also, the engine exhaust is quite a bit cleaner on propane or NG - Less objectionable odors, and less carbon monoxide produced.

One major advantage of propane is that a 20 pound tank of it usually runs the generator considerably longer than a full tank of gasoline in the generator would - and if you're using an automatic changeover between a pair of propane tanks, the difference in run-time is even greater.

Of course, if you're hooked up to a residential natural gas supply, your generator run-time is unlimited.

pianotuna wrote:
cons propane is more expensive than gasoline.

generator is some what thirsty for propane

output wattage is some what lowered.

pros

no worries about varnish build up in carburetor

oil changes less frequently

spark plugs last a lot longer.

I'd get a trifuel one--so that natural gas could be used.

Just have fun!

I like the propane option but:
- At least locally, the cost difference is negligible.
- The bigger challenge is obtaining and carrying enough propane if you will be using the generator for any length of time. I don't want to use the house tanks.

If you are just using it for an hour or two for battery charging not a big deal but if you are running it for 8-10hr per day, it starts becoming an issue.

What I can't believe is honda hasn't started putting it out as a factory option.