Used propane generator - worth hassel to fix ??

frugalangler · Jan 10, 2018

I've a lead on a DuroPower DP5000ELP propane 5KW electric start generator that owner claims won't start without starter fluid (Ugh, hate using that stuff) for maybe $100-ish and am wondering if it's worth trying to salvage and make run.

I'm not familiar w/ propane engines, so looking for advice, should I:

Grab it and work on it to try to make it run?
Grab it and look for a replacement ??? fuel engine, salvaging the gen-set head and frame?
Walk away and don't look back?

I'm not afraid to wrench on stuff, done diesels and lots of gas engines, but propane is a new fuel to me for engines.

TheMan419 · Jan 10, 2018

Any idea what it is worth as it sits? Meaning could you buy it for $100 and if it turns out to be too much trouble to fix sell it for more to someone who can fix it or use it with a gas engine?

frugalangler · Jan 10, 2018

From a quick google, new 5KW gen-set heads go for at least $300, so since it's in pretty good condition overall it's likely worth re-powering if all else fails, maybe a HF Predator ?? If it mounts up, a 13HP HF would be $359 on sale for $299

But, maybe some advice on trouble shooting a propane no-start?

square1 · Jan 10, 2018

Gas / propane engine is the same, just carburetion is different. I've heard a lot of problems with propane engines are because of the size of the tank. A small diameter (like 20 lb) tank doesn't have adequate surface area to evaporate enough fuel to run the engine.

blackrams · Jan 10, 2018

frugalangler said:
I've a lead on a DuroPower DP5000ELP propane 5KW electric start generator that owner claims won't start without starter fluid (Ugh, hate using that stuff) for maybe $100-ish and am wondering if it's worth trying to salvage and make run.

Walk away and don't look back?

Definitely walk away and don't look back. Just send me the contact information of the seller.

This is the way I see it. If it runs and produces electricity and parts are still available, grab it for that price. Starting is most likely a fuel air mixture issue. Most likely, a good cleaning will get her to hum. Just my opinion. I don't throw much away, everything has some alternative use. Even politicians and ex-girlfriends.

There may be some truth about the size of the tank or, it could be a regulator issue. One won't know until one starts looking.

Rams :drink:

TractorGuy · Jan 10, 2018

It's most likely a dual fuel unit. Get the seller to send you a photo and see if it has a gas tank. If it runs it's worth 50-75 bucks to play with. Hondas and honda clone engines are real bad about float bowls rusting and clogging up the jet. Aftermarket clone carbs are really cheap. I replaced two different Honda carbs last year and I think the most expensive one was $15. Both engines ran like a dream with the aftermarket carbs.

If it IS dual fuel you have to turn the fuel supply valve off to run it on propane. Propane isn't worth doing with the small 15 lb cylinders. I bought a Duromax 10000 and it burns 6 lb per hour and wouldn't stay running when the tank got down to 3 lbs left.

jaxs · Jan 10, 2018

The model # you posted appears to be the voltage regulator so it's not clear what gen it is so I can't give you specifics. Here's an overview of lp carburation. They are common on rv gennys and warehouse forklifts but very few mechanics take time to educate them selves. They just throw parts at them til it runs or owner refuses to spend any more. ALL come with provisions to draw liquid from tank then vaporize before feeding regulator. NONE are intended to run off a grill bottle,,,,,,but,,,,turn the bottle upside down and it will run just fine. There is nothing that can be fixed with solvents and an air hose. The system works great,,,,unless owner introduce's moisture into tank which will freeze the instant it reaches the regulator(unless owner drain's water separator and/or changes drier).When owner take's it to Billy Bob repair he turn's screws and tinkers until the system is so out of wack,,,,"it will only start on starting fluid." 90% of adjustment can only be done on the bench. The reason LP is common on generators is because it can set idle for 10 years then start and run like it had only been 10 hours (bye bye ethanol gunk and gook). The easy way out is put a gasoline tank and carb on it if you can't solve the LP system.

Larry Caldwell · Jan 11, 2018

My propane generator will not start unless you set the choke. Then it starts right up. I suspect the problem is operator error, or he left the propane disconnected and got some crud into the lines. First try setting the choke. If that doesn't work, a few minutes with an air compressor would probably fix it.

Worst case scenario is daubers got into the exhaust and built a nest on the exhaust valves. Pull the spark plug, put your thumb over the hole, and crank it. If the compression is good, the engine is fine.

GLyford · Jan 11, 2018

You can't run grille bottles upside down to get liquid anymore, now they all have float valves. Mostly so they cut off automatically when filling, but it also serves as a tip-over shutoff.

What are the chances the diaphragm in the demand regulator is shot?

frugalangler · Jan 11, 2018

the model # was taken right off a photo of the unit, so I know that's correct. It's not dual fuel, it's propane only. I've got a offer in for it, I'll know later today if I get it, and will let all know and some photos. I think it will be a simple fix, but we'll see.