Any propane guys here?

lpaz

Member
A buddy recently purchased a 770 propane tractor. he put a new fill valve in the propane tank and I believe he said he put in new or at least different regulator.

The tractor sat for about 8 years before he purchased it, and he's having problems getting it to start. He said its getting fire.

Someone mentioned something about a filter that appears to be under the tank. Would that cause it not to start?

He said something about he was going to try to take it off and clean it or replace if necessary.

Is there any tricks to getting these propane tractors to fire up?

Also, does anyone know if there was a separate service manual or supplement for the propane tractors. I think he said something about finding a Zenith carb in the manual, but he said his doesn't have the Zenith system.
 
I've not been around Olivers, but have been around a lot of LP tractors, natural gas stationary engines, and LP pickups.

The filter is almost certainly not the problem, unless something drastic happened (like a kid pouring dirt in the open line or something). Wouldn't hurt to check it, but I've never found one plugged up with more than just a bit of powdwery dust or rust...

Can you hear the LP gas flowing?? Is there a button in the center of the regulator?? Does that cause the gas to flow enough to hear it??

Can you take the feed line loose from the carb and try to start it and then feed in increasing amounts of gas to see if that helps??

We've had several engines over the years that needed "hand feeding", but once they started, they ran fine...

If you are getting fire, then the problem is most likely either flooding or starving of gas...


Howard
 
Ok. Thanks.
I'll let him know and see if it helps.

I'm not exactly clear on what you mean by taking the feed line loose and then feeding in increasing amounts of gas? Are you referring to the LP, or trying to feed in gas to start it?
 
Be sure to have the oil bath air cleaner hooked up because the vacuum it creates is important for gas flowing into the carb.
The convertor takes high pressure gas and makes low pressure gas to feed the carb. The vacuum at the carb pulls open the tiny valve inside the convertor to flow the gas.

My Ford service manual shows complete service for their LP system and I think they used a Zenith carb. The John Deere service manuals have service for Century convertors and Marvel Shembler LP carbs.
 
Yes, he is referring to the LP supply line to the carb. Loosen the line and if you can without breaking/kinking the line, pull it free. Then crack open the supply valve to see if you are getting LP from the tank. Just be careful as the escaping gas can burn your skin if it makes contact, freeze burn if you will.

I have a 770 LP as well, I can't be of much help with the carb as mine has an aftermarket Century regulator on mine. My owner's manual has a section regarding the LP system, and I believe it was Oliver Heritage that had a couple articles regarding LP systems. I'll leave my email open, feel free to email me and I can see if I can get you copies of what I have that may help your friend.
 
Also, you may ask on the tractor talk or Minneapolis Moline forums, more people with experience with LP that can assist you and your friend.
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll give him what was stated here, and if he has any further problems, I'll post it in the other section.
 

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