Propane power

[jaquetarr]

Has anyone with a gas engine PT converted to Propane?

I am looking to convert several small HP engines to propane to reduce maintenance (extend oil drain times). Since the propane is cleaner burning with fewer combustion cruds, I expect it will extend oil drain times.

R'gds,
tim

 

[tommu56]

Tim

I've never done a PT but did my old generator with a Beam kit just tap 2 holes in the carb area hook up hoses to "regulator" and a hose to the tank.

I think it will cost you more to run on propane than gas and the extended maintenance time probably wouldn't even pay for the kit.
I think I had $150.00 in to it with all the pieces and didn't have to fab up a tank mount.

link to the beam ino
http://www.propane-generators.com/PDF-Files/T50-INFO.pdf

Mine had the manual primer to make it easier to pull start.


tom

 

[MossRoad]

I've always read that you will get less horse power with propane than gasoline. You may want to check into that, as I am not a scientist and I did not sleep at a Holiday Inn last night, either!

 

[jaquetarr]

Gents,
From what my research shows, the HP drops a little and the engine temps go up a bit. In fact, for B&S Vanguard engines it will void the warranty and is considered abuse of the engine.

Now, I remember my Uncle ran his Ford tractors on propane in the 50's & early 60's. He saw no problems with using the fuel (it is a "greener" fuel) and the oil always looked like it came out of the can. When he did finally break down the engine all the internals were almost like new....

tim

 

[Marks481]

FWIW, Robin sells a LP/NG version of their 25 HP v-twin.

Looks exactly like the gasoline version (720 cc displacement, 25hp @3600rpm). Switching this over to NG will derate it to 21 hp.

I suspect that the only change that Robin made was to the carburator; the rest of the engine looks the same.

 

[ponytug]

Replacement carburetors are widely available on the web; I found several companies that sell a complete kit, including the necessary LP fuel solenoid. Google it.

All the best,

Peter

 

[tommu56]

one thing with the beam conversion it will be dual fuel if you are out of propane just turn on the valve on the bottom of the gas tank and turn off propane and start her back up.

tom

 

[jaquetarr]

I've seen replacment carbs, carbs that have been drilled out for new jets and one kit that had the propane bottle discharge into the air intake.
The last is most dangerous since the gas flow is not shut down when the engine stops. I would not use this type for regular service, but might use a shot of propane to assist with hard starting.
Both the other types had safety devices that would stop the flow of propane when the engine is stopped. Either by use of a vacuum regulator or by wiring a solnoid stop valve into the engine run circuit.

B rgds,
tim