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Converting Honda generator to propane

dave54
Nomad
Nomad
Anyone do it?
Pros and cons?
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So many campsites, so little time...
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40 REPLIES 40

Skibane
Explorer II
Explorer II
valhalla360 wrote:
The bigger challenge is obtaining and carrying enough propane if you will be using the generator for any length of time.


Is that really any worse than carrying enough gasoline to do the same thing?

valhalla360
Nomad III
Nomad III
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.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
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Skibane
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.

ktmrfs
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!

ktmrfs
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!

pianotuna
Nomad III
Nomad III
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!
Regards, Don
My ride is a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp-hours of Telcom jars, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.

Skibane
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.

ktmrfs
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
2011 Keystone Outback 295RE
2004 14' bikehauler with full living quarters
2015.5 Denali 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison
2004.5 Silverado 4x4 CC/SB Duramax/Allison passed on to our Son!

cptqueeg
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
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JKJavelin
Explorer III
Explorer III
No, I didn't, but just watched this the other day. He makes it look easy.
https://youtu.be/rAqX26a5Ukc
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theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.