LP fuel question

pat sublett · Oct 7, 2016

I am looking at an Onan-cummins generator equiped for Liquid LP. Anyone know how to convert it to natural gas (not compressed)

old-9 · Oct 7, 2016

I don't, but ask why? If LP you control the supply, your own tank. Natural gas can, but not often be interuped . I worked on a nursing home upgrading and switching a diesel genset to Natural gas. I could not see why. I would rather have control. I remember many years ago when an explosion shut down our whole town's natural gas supply. It was winter and house got cold and could not cook. Went to Grandmas house because she had oil heat. Took several days to restore gas service as each house had to be checked out by service men, check for leaks and light pilot lites , etc, I like control. joe

pat sublett · Oct 7, 2016

Because natural gas is plentiful and doesn't cost a third of what LP gas cost where I live plus I don't have to buy a tank.

Texasmark1 · Oct 7, 2016

Around here the difference between an LP and NG appliance is an orifice. NG is larger.

coonie minnie · Oct 7, 2016

I get it. Once you have natural gas, you will NEVER want LP back. Anyway, I would try to contact the manufacturer, they may have some advice for you. I'm guessing you are going to be eliminating the vaporizer, and either installing a different carb orafice or drilling the current one larger. The manufacture should know how large to drill it. Usually going from LP to natural involves removing parts, which is better than adding them.

Good luck.

Tim/NC · Oct 7, 2016

Change pressure regulator and adjust fuel mixture .No parts changes needed.

Jon Hagen · Oct 7, 2016

I believe it is a little more involved than just jetting, as I believe it also takes different regulators. Good advice to contact the manufacturer for lp to NG conversion.

JD Seller · Oct 7, 2016

I have a Onan/Cummins generator and it came with the directions/parts to run on either Propane or Natural gas. So get the model number and look up a operator or service manual for it. I seem to be lucky in that my Local Cummins dealer seems to be pretty good on generators. I hear many complaining that they get poor service.

I have mine setup on propane at the farm. I would never like going back to a tractor drive PTO generator. It is nice to just wait a minute or so after the line power goes down for the generator to start up and have electric again.

JMOR · Oct 7, 2016

(quoted from post at 19:03:59 10/07/16) I am looking at an Onan-cummins generator equiped for Liquid LP. Anyone know how to convert it to natural gas (not compressed)

rass greener on other side of fence. Always wanting something different aren't we? I have an Onan that runs either gasoline or natural gas and wish I could run on propane. Ain't life something?

coonie minnie · Oct 8, 2016

You are probably correct- although in my experience with a NG engine, the gas provider installed the regulator, adjusted to the specs for the engine.

coonie minnie · Oct 8, 2016

One other thing I didn't mention below- Onan, at least in the past, has been very good with service help. I purchased a used Onan generator set (200kw) from a private party about 10-11 years ago. I had called Onan with a wiring question, and surprisingly they asked the serial number and told me the previous owners of the gen set (several!). I was amazed at their record keeping on an older unit. Don't be afraid to contact them- it will be helpful.

Leroy · Oct 8, 2016

I am with old-9 on this.

LP fuel question

pat sublett

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old-9

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pat sublett

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Texasmark1

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coonie minnie

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Tim/NC

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Jon Hagen

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JD Seller

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JMOR

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