Portable generators are designed to meet dimensional needs as innovation grows in the industry. They are now fueled through various means. Whereas the kind of fuel a generator uses dictates its efficiency per time when powering some essentials in the house.
Moreover, the type of fuel a portable generator uses could either be liquid or gas; it depends on what one buys. Meanwhile, the propriety fuel ought not to be substituted for any other kind of fuel. Failure to abide by this fundamental instruction could incur severe damage to the engine.
However, variable contingencies often warrant the need for switching fuels. Such emergent needs could result from fuel scarcity, high cost of maintenance, or out of self-volition. Whatever the reason, one can be prescient towards them by buying a multiple fuel option generator or fuel conversion kit.
Definitely, these two means are what you’d be considering when you’re keen on converting your portable generator from its primary fueling source to the use of natural gas.
Therefore, if you’re not using a multi-fuel option generator that directly accepts the inlet of natural gas, then you might definitely need to learn How to Convert Portable Generator to Natural Gas to execute a specific job. So, let’s get down to the expository thoughts below to scoop the know-hows.
How to Convert Portable Generator to Natural Gas – 4 Steps
Ensuring Apt Evaluations
Take time to read the manual and check every part of the generator to understand its mechanism. Generators that use natural gas with another fuel type consist of a switchover toggle at the panel. Most generators do make a pictorial depiction of how to switch between/among the multi-fuel options.
Peradventure the valve and the fuel regulator for the absolute use of natural gas fuel are situated on the generator, then follow the instructions stated on the manual to connect the convert from the other source line to the natural gas fueling line.
Ensure that the connection and conversion protocols are lucid and distinct before using the generator’s alternative fuel option. However, implement the other directions if you intend to use natural gas for your non-natural gas generator.
Upgrading to a Natural Gas Carburetor
A carburetor is a component that predicates the type of fuel a generator uses. So, if you’re obsessed with using natural gas for your generator, buy a suitable natural gas carburetor for your engine cylinder.
Carburetors could be of different types and shapes. However, it supplies the engine with the necessary fuel and air to carry out its combustion.
You might need the assistance of a mechanic to change the carburetor of the generator to the one made ready for natural gas. Learn about the connection format of the generator from the manual and disassemble the carb for its replacement.
Installation of a Conversion Kit
The conversion kits come in different forms of regulators. However, disassemble every component from the carburetor and clean them up. Remove the needle and float steel to start with before removing the float pin. The jet hole plate cover would need removal also.
Most conversion kits come with a new need to control the RPM of the engine’s motor. In fact, remove everything replaceable and clean the nooks and crannies of the carb body with a Dremel tool if you’ve got one.
Drill the venture port of the carburetor and use the ATV black silicone to ease the sealing of the opening parts. There is a need to test the coupled carburetor before installing it back into the engine’s cylinder. Be sure that the rate of airflow is conformable with the function of the regulator.
Final Approach
Assemble the carburetor and fix it back to the engine. Run the connection from a natural gas source to the inlet valve of the carburetor so that the natural gas can enter the generator as fuel.
Use the wrench to seal nuts and bolts to avoid the gas isn’t flaring by any means. Turn on the regulator to enable the inflow of gas fuel at its measurable rate into the engine.
Try powering the generator afterward and see if it comes on, which would definitely come on, though.
Can Any Generator be Converted into Natural Gas?
Apparently, yes, as long as the generator uses liquid fuel. Meanwhile, there is a need for an inquiry. Make out time for findings so that you’d be able to get the appropriate conversion kit for the generator. Inquiries would extend your technical know-how, which may eventually help you along the way.
Natural Gas Conversion Kit for Portable Generator:
- Natural gas carburetor.
- Silicone glue.
- Air filter.
- Pressure-regulating valve etc.
- It sometimes comes already packaged and has to come on orders at times.
How to Convert Portable Generator to Natural Gas Properly?
You can choose to use the carburetor of the generator or go on with the purchase of a new one. The difference is that airtight carburetor designated for natural gas fuel is more vehement than those using liquid fuel.
So, if you’re continuing to use your carburetor for natural gas, you’d still need to remove the carburetor and dismantle its components to get access to its crevices for cleaning. Those that require sealing would have to be done credibly before refitting the carburetor to the engine cylinder. This time, the fitting has to be fixed with a gasket.
How Much Does it Cost to Convert to Natural Gas?
This is doable by anyone regardless of one’s level of exposure to mechanical knowledge. There is no compulsory format for converting one’s generator to natural gas. And that’s because generators are in different designs.
Nevertheless, checking out the running of the wires and the pipes in and out of the carburetor would enable you to perform the task efficiently. It could be very costly when converting from oil to gas on standby generators. While it costs less than $550 on portable generators, it would cost close to $7,800 for standby generators.
Is it Worth Converting to Natural Gas?
Yea, it does. Even after converting from liquid to gas, you can fuel the generator vice visa. This would aid you in giving your generator multiple fueling options. This would definitely enable you to move beyond impediments in any condition that your generator may face regarding fuel availability at any point in time.
Safety Tips:
- Take a proper evaluation of the carburetor before bolting it onto your generator. Ensure that the components’ drilling, sealing, and fixing are explicit.
- Make sure that neither the hose nor the carburetor vents too much air. Be cynical in ensuring that you use the wrench to perfectly tighten the bolts and nuts.
- Don’t be in a hurry to ignite the power of your generator. Ask a licensed electrician to check the setup for you awesomely.
- Do the conversion outdoor in a place that’s not exposed to fire.
- The generator’s pressure regulator should be closed whenever the gas finishes from the gas tank.
Final Words
Converting your primary fuel to natural gas fuel is challenging, but you can rely on the instructions to implement the task. Nevertheless, you won’t go wrong adhering to the information we’ve said here. Be discreet with the approach of the whole format. Buy a decent regulator to ensure that no natural fuel flows into the engine when the ignition is still off.
