Converting from LP to gasoline

GBman

Member
Hoping for some leads and advice! I have UTS Special on propane. Would like to convert it over to gasoline. LP is just a pain where I am and my tank has leaky valves which I don't want to contend with. If I can
find an appropriate carb. Hopefully a restored original type not the modern cheap type what other adjustments or adaptations to intake or other do I need to do? I saw a 730 JD recently, originally on LP which
had been converted. They ran higher octane fuel to prevent pinging other than that no change to valves or anything, according to the owner. Is this credible? Lastly, any reason I can't fit a gas tank of original
dimensions in the space where the LP tank sits? It would seem this space would be pretty standard? Can anyone recommend a contact for an original gas tank from a parts tractor or used parts seller? Also
would consider reproduction which I can paint if it is quality made. I know that's a lot but figured it was worth asking.
Thank you all!
GA
 
I'm not an expert, I can only offer up what I would do. I WOULD buy a cheapo carburetor, get a gasoline tank and change the ignition timing to spec, that's it. The LP gas intake manifold is not heated which can make a cold blooded animal out of it but it will eventually warm up enough. As far as fuel octane, I wouldn't get all excited. Chances are the old U isn't up to snuff on compression it originally had; I'd try regular gas and see if it pinged. If it does, move up to higher octane. I suspect the original LP had intake and exhaust valves made of a different material but here again, that may have been important if the tractor was going to be run 10 hours per day, every day of the year. The cheapo carburetor, in my opinion, is worth a shot. If it works - good; if it doesn't, keep looking for a good one. They're cheap enough such that if they don't work, throw it away. You'll need some common parts to support a gasoline tank, shouldn't be hard to find. I have a gasoline tank but I suspect you're far, far from Hudsonville, MI!
Curt
 
I'm thinking you're going to need a hood as well to make it look decent, also a U Special is, in my opinion, worth keeping original, may be less expensive to find a gasoline U and trade, if you are in the NE Illinois area, we can trade
 
Thank you Curt, I sent you a contact email to discuss the gas tank. I really appreciate the response.


GA
 
Thank you Ill John!! I may yet keep it original. But I want to look into what it would take to convert. I'm curious about your trade offer? You have a gas powered UTS Special? Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

GA
 
I would keep as original as possible. 1325 UTS Specials made. 300 were diesels. Remaining 1025 were gas and lp. Serial numbers were not separated. Would guess around 300 lp made. Not a fan of converting as can cause several issues.
 
I have a UTS gasoline, not a Special. just would like to see the special stay original. I have a GB, 2 UTS, ZA, M670, all LP, have no problem here getting fuel, Tractor Supply or Menards fill them for me. Dean Zimngre has all the valves, etc to take care of the leaks. 815-499-8708
 
Just for fun, my UTS LP
cvphoto138434.jpg
 
Great picture!!! I feel like I'm in an intervention! Some subtle and others not so much!! Thanks for sharing Curt. I'll show you mine.
GA

cvphoto138464.jpg


cvphoto138465.jpg
 
Thank you Ill John!! I wish you were nearby! I'm in Massachusetts and everyone is afraid of getting sued (I'm not originally from here). Can't get any help on propane. I ran propane GB's when I was a kid on the farm but never did any mechanic work on the LP system. We plowed and planted with them as well as ground all the feed with them. Hard to even find mechanic's who know anything about them (old propane systems) or will work on them. I do appreciate all the suggestions and information!! I also have an unrestored GB in the roundup out west, picture below.
GA
cvphoto138468.jpg
 
What head casting number do you have? Some will need higher octane fuel. Some will do fine on pump premium . ( 90 to 93). Will also need gas instrument pedestal. Hood will work but will have to be made to conform to the gas tank
 
Back in the 60's I has a single block U row crop that after I had it I found out it had a LP head as that was the plugs I needed. At that time did not know there were different grades of fuel. I had fenders like shown in the rear view picture that covered the entire rear wheels and that platform between fenders. Have never seen fenders on anouther tractor since I had mine. Mine was put on a dyno and they said it tested either 53 or 55 horse, they said they forgot actuasl number Was told it was a 44 model but never could confirm. But don't thing different than the head and founf that out when buying spark plugs. Used same fuell in the Deere and Farmal.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top