B
beertender
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Did it. First disconnected valve wire with engine running and verified
that engine stopped, and then connected valve to 12 volts with engine off and
verified no fuel flow from regulator.
It was fine.
My fuel pressure was about 12" water, I set it down to about 10. Adjusted
the engine leaner, but then had to back off when I found it would not run well
cold. Don't know if it is back in the same place or not. Ran the generator
with a good load and all is fine. I tapped into the carb supply line and, like
you said, it runs a tiny negative pressure, perhaps 1/4"
The bottom line is that I have verified that all of the gas hardware works
and there is no reason to replace it just because of its age. I guess what I
have is just what I have. As you pointed out, it was made for a world where
fuel was cheap. That generator has a huge blower that probably wastes at least
a couple of horsepower just moving air.
I did the math and it will be cheaper to run it on natural gas, so I guess
it is time to dig the trench and connect it up. I will plumb it with two valves
so I have dual fuel available. I am going to build a transistor ignition and
give the 'ole thing a good tune-up before next hurricane season and then hope
for the best.
Thanks for all help.
Vaughn
I agree, it sounds like everything is working properly.
And I'll bet that if you get your generator running properly on natural gas,
you may never go back to propane again. (but being able to is still good)
You'll need to retune for nat gas. Basically just backing out the load block
screws a bit to compensate for the fact that ng is lower btu than propane.
More important is the size and flow capabilites of the gas feed To the
regulator. Don't try to scrimp on the pipe you bury, it will probably need
to be at least 3/4" diameter if it is very far. And best if it comes directly
from your gas meter.
This is actually what I am currently doing for fun and profit. Converting
portable generators for tri-fuel operation. Most importantly nat. gas.
My favorite is the Generac 4000Exl from Home Depot. Did one a couple
weeks ago. Went to HD yesterday to get another. (plan is to document
the whole conversion, with lots of pics, and sell on Ebay)
Well, the bastuhds jumped the price $50 to $779. For the same stack
of generators they've had on their shelves since before Christmas. I'm
hoping it's just temporary, so they can gouge Atlanta ice storm victims,
but more likely it's permanent.
So I'm heading back there now to get one at the new price. dammit.
btw, what is the specific model # Onan unit you have? I have some old
Onan parts manuals in .pdf and I'll check if any match your model.
zero