Propane Regulator Ensign Model R on a Super W6 McCormick

anniengord · Sep 26, 2015

I have an Ensign Model R regulator on my McCormick Super W 6 and I can't get the proper pressure. Do you know what pressure the regulator should be set at?
Thanks

Hugh McKinney · Sep 27, 2015

I'm pretty familiar with the Ensign propane systems on IH tractors, but I am not familiar with the model R. Normally the pressure is not adjustable, it is pre-set at about 4 pounds per square inch. Can you describe what it is doing? I'll try to help. Hugh

anniengord · Sep 27, 2015

Thanks
The tractor sat for 20 years and I found a kit for this regulator. I took it to a auto propane mechanic and he put the kit on so I attached it, timed the tractor and made sure it had a spark but could not get it started although it turned over very well. I took the regulator back to him and he said there was some adjustment on it but he did not know what pressure it should be. You are suggesting 4 pounds per sq. inch, so I can take it to him and have him test it and try and set it at that pressure. He also something about negative and positive pressure but it was way over my head. Any info you give me would be appreciated.

Hugh McKinney · Sep 27, 2015

I'm glad I can help. As for negative and positive pressure, well, positive pressure as opposed to negative pressure just means "pressure " versus "vacuum ". You've got the full input pressure which is the same as tank pressure. Then you've got output pressure, which I think is supposed to be in the neighborhood of 4 psi. But negative pressure or vacuum? As a safety feature, these regulators have a check valve that prevents the release of any propane without the vacuum pulses from the engine intake. This means that if you have too many vacuum leaks on the path from engine intake valves to low pressure side of the regulator, the regulator won't give up any propane. That's why it is crucial that the spring on the low pressure diaphragm not be too strong. My email is open if you want to write back and forth. Good luck. Hugh

Owen Aaland · Sep 27, 2015

It is a two stage regulator so there are two different pressure specs. Four lbs would be for the first stage. That would be the pressure inside the regulator. The second stage opens with a slight vacuum. On non computer controlled systems this secondary pressure is usually either 1/2" Water Column or 1 1/2" W.C. This is the amount of vacuum necessary to open the secondary valve to allow fuel to flow to the mixer (carburetor). If I recall correctly the Ensign converters usually use 1/2" while the IMPCO systems generally run with 1 1/2" W.C.

avant 1735 · Oct 1, 2015

You may try putting a little ATF in each cylinder, if the tractor has been setting so long you may have poor compression. This happened to me and my tractor only sat for about 3 months, it would not start and I tried everything except check the commpression, Finally talked to a mechanic who suggesed a little ATF in each cylinder, tried it and it worked!!

Propane Regulator Ensign Model R on a Super W6 McCormick

anniengord

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