Starting a propane generator when cold.
zdial
converting it to propane, I figure a 250 to 500 lb(gallons??) tank will let
me run for quite a while before needing a refill. My question is, if I'm
running propane will the generator be easier to start in the cold? I'm
thinking of mounting it perminantly or at least give it its own home outside
next to my shed, where I planning to put the tank, perhaps in a small wood
or concrete structure. My main concern is if I need to use it and its 10
below, then I might have a hard time getting it going. I know it can be a
bear to get pull start stuff going when the oil is molassus. I'm hoping
that on propane, since the fuel does not have to be forced through a jet by
machanical action, that the engine will sputter a bit but be able to fire
acouple of time to get itself going. Am I off base?????
zdial
ACI6
1. Use synthetic oil - makes for easier cold weather starting.
2. Follow the NFPA 58 guidelines which (I think) require the tank to be AT
LEAST 10 feet from any important structure - meaning any structure that can be
occupied by a person. But, check the distance with someone in the business!
(NFPA will be happy to sell you a copy of the 1998 "LP Gas Code Handbook" for
the sum of only $78 . . . Sheesh!! They really are public spirited!) But, you
can probably get all of the info you need from the local Fire Marshall or LP
gas dealer . . .
Good luck,
Bill
Clare Snyder
Propane engines can be VERY difficult to start when cold. The propane
must be a vapour to be used, and the evaporator requires heat. Most
are heated by the engine coolant when running. Many engines start on
gasoline when cold, and switch to propane to run. I believe there are
electric preheates for the evaporator available - 12 volt of course.
Obviously synthetic oil would also be a good idea.
William P.N. Smith
>I'm getting a Coleman maxa 5000 ex plus generator and am planning on
>converting it to propane, I figure a 250 to 500 lb(gallons??) tank will let
>me run for quite a while before needing a refill. My question is, if I'm
>running propane will the generator be easier to start in the cold? I'm
>thinking of mounting it perminantly or at least give it its own home outside
>next to my shed, where I planning to put the tank, perhaps in a small wood
>or concrete structure. My main concern is if I need to use it and its 10
>below, then I might have a hard time getting it going. I know it can be a
>bear to get pull start stuff going when the oil is molassus. I'm hoping
>that on propane, since the fuel does not have to be forced through a jet by
>machanical action, that the engine will sputter a bit but be able to fire
>acouple of time to get itself going. Am I off base?????
I'm told that pull-starting a propane generator can be difficult in
the best of times, as you need the engine vacuum to open the demand
regulator, and that's difficult to do when pull-starting. My electric
start NG generator cranks for several seconds while starting, but the
fuel hose between the demand regulator and the carb is almost 5 feet
long, so I imagine it's (re)filling with gas during that time.
In low temperatures the propane will have a lower vapor pressure, so
you may need a larger tank to compensate.
Please talk about your needs with an expert, as siting, code issues,
and other safety issues really need some experience.
William Smith wp...@compusmiths.com N1...@amsat.org
ComputerSmiths Consulting, Inc. www.compusmiths.com
ben williams
small button on it for a 'choke'. It sent a puff of propane to the engine
for starting in real cold weather (propane flow is controlled by engine
vacuum, motor has to turn over to produce said vacuum). This gave it juice
to start on easily when the engine oil was cold.
Never had a problem starting it no matter how cold (except the button was
under the hood. they had an adapter to put the button inside the cab but it
wasn't on mine).
ben
zdial <wpflum...@NOSPAMzdial.com> wrote in message
news:5IOT2.98$xY5....@newsfeed.slurp.net...
Nick Hull
cl...@snyder.on.ca (Clare Snyder) wrote:
> On Thu, 22 Apr 1999 19:57:33 -0400, "zdial"
> <wpflum...@NOSPAMzdial.com> wrote:
>
> >I'm getting a Coleman maxa 5000 ex plus generator and am planning on
> >converting it to propane, I figure a 250 to 500 lb(gallons??) tank will let
> >me run for quite a while before needing a refill. My question is, if I'm
> >running propane will the generator be easier to start in the cold? I'm
> >thinking of mounting it perminantly or at least give it its own home outside
> >next to my shed, where I planning to put the tank, perhaps in a small wood
> >or concrete structure. My main concern is if I need to use it and its 10
> >below, then I might have a hard time getting it going. I know it can be a
> >bear to get pull start stuff going when the oil is molassus. I'm hoping
> >that on propane, since the fuel does not have to be forced through a jet by
> >machanical action, that the engine will sputter a bit but be able to fire
> >acouple of time to get itself going. Am I off base?????
> >
> >
> Propane engines can be VERY difficult to start when cold. The propane
> must be a vapour to be used, and the evaporator requires heat. Most
> are heated by the engine coolant when running. Many engines start on
> gasoline when cold, and switch to propane to run. I believe there are
> electric preheates for the evaporator available - 12 volt of course.
>
> Obviously synthetic oil would also be a good idea.
Putting a shot of propane into the input will help a lot. If it is VERY
cold, try a shot of butane.
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