Generator Tri-Fuel Conversion ???

[JhuntsAlot]

I have a Briggs & Stratton 030325 generator. It is a 8550 starting and 5550 running.

Wanted to see if anyone on here has converted a portable generator to a "Tri-Fuel" setup?

Any suggestions on websites to order from? I have found a couple, but one looks a little sketchy and of course its the cheaper option.

Did the generator perform as good after converting?



J

[huntandfishguy6]

In for an answer also.

[mavrick]

Not sure of the tri fuel part. But you can find a carb. Like this https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Carburetor-Conversion-Predator-4-5KW-6-5KW/dp/B0CKHQZLKN/ref=sr_1_9?crid=56LXWCRR5SO4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Rxfb a14NWJS4NrUS_36Tmr2HMxT09Aa8uSX_KQOAQ4twFi4AirszSo F2YfpDi8UuddH7H_tpD6REItTtzuEMZByetOj3NXlOrkUku0M5 xW-5OO1pZkZUhE5pZJGBaL7foPGlJU188VMhX58ByzjiW-W1i-3WfmvNydoIlGxXKhfMs2aDboDsOAckjhY-8pXDqfUkIqGezG4PRDrvb2jeQFQXEwzVz6_33jM3P6xavW4.6e EGO-CnglVMmxFCX2dGexbq2Ztk4n-liu5ajX_qlhs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Briggs+%26+Stratt on+030325+generator+Propane+conversion&qid=1718232 292&sprefix=briggs+%26+stratton+030325+generator+p ropane+conversion+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-9 for your. This will allow you to convert to propane

You can also use a regulator like this one and keep your carb. https://www.amazon.com/Propane-Natur...s%2C142&sr=8-3

[Stolle]

I converted my dual fuel duromax 13000 to tri fuel. I tried the snorkel type adapter and it did not work. I ended up buying a venturi style and it works great. The most popular kits are from US carburation or Nash Fuel.

https://www.uscarburetion.com/

http://www.nashfuel.com/

[Javelin]

LOL, I have the exact same generator and have been looking into doing the same thing. wanting to go with the cheaper ones on amazon that are like 50 bucks, I just have not found one that listed that exact generator to know if it will fit.

[TXBRASS]

Not sure of the tri fuel part. But you can find a carb. Like this https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Carburetor-Conversion-Predator-4-5KW-6-5KW/dp/B0CKHQZLKN/ref=sr_1_9?crid=56LXWCRR5SO4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Rxfb a14NWJS4NrUS_36Tmr2HMxT09Aa8uSX_KQOAQ4twFi4AirszSo F2YfpDi8UuddH7H_tpD6REItTtzuEMZByetOj3NXlOrkUku0M5 xW-5OO1pZkZUhE5pZJGBaL7foPGlJU188VMhX58ByzjiW-W1i-3WfmvNydoIlGxXKhfMs2aDboDsOAckjhY-8pXDqfUkIqGezG4PRDrvb2jeQFQXEwzVz6_33jM3P6xavW4.6e EGO-CnglVMmxFCX2dGexbq2Ztk4n-liu5ajX_qlhs&dib_tag=se&keywords=Briggs+%26+Stratt on+030325+generator+Propane+conversion&qid=1718232 292&sprefix=briggs+%26+stratton+030325+generator+p ropane+conversion+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-9 for your. This will allow you to convert to propane

You can also use a regulator like this one and keep your carb. https://www.amazon.com/Propane-Natur...s%2C142&sr=8-3

Now this has got me interested.
Question: my generator can run about 12 hours on a 5 gallon tank of fuel. Any idea how long it would run on a standard cylinder of propane with this carb?

[Stolle]

You also have to remember that your generator is rated for gasoline. When you switch to propane it will drop the wattage and will drop even more if you are running NG.

[tps7742]

I don’t have any recommendations but I do rember reading on tbh where someone converted to trifuel I think. If I remember they had carburetor issues on different fuels and had to adjust it accordingly.

[mavrick]

Run time should be comparable. The small 20 pound bottles will start to freeze up on a long run. There should be no carb adjustments needed. The second regulator posted would be piped in behind the carb, the regulator on releases gas when the generator is running. It also has a primer for starts. I have both systems, the carb change is the best but the other one works great also.

Best thing to do is get as big of a bottle as you can and never put any gas in the generator.

[Mudslinger]

Now this has got me interested.
Question: my generator can run about 12 hours on a 5 gallon tank of fuel. Any idea how long it would run on a standard cylinder of propane with this carb?

The 25# propane bottles will run about 2 hours on my Duromax 13,000.

[JhuntsAlot]

I converted my dual fuel duromax 13000 to tri fuel. I tried the snorkel type adapter and it did not work. I ended up buying a venturi style and it works great. The most popular kits are from US carburation or Nash Fuel.

https://www.uscarburetion.com/

http://www.nashfuel.com/

Thank you for the info.

Well, this has me a little worried. After researching the last few days, I ended up purchasing a kit from the US Carburetion place and it is the snorkel type. Also, the website I purchased from is different than what you provided. Ugh, I hope it works.

They had the other style, with the venturi, so if it does not work hopefully they can send me one.




J

[JhuntsAlot]

Not sure of the tri fuel part. But you can find a carb. Like this

I looked into some of those as well, but I really like the ability to keep the gasoline option. Rather than only being able to use LP or NG.

LOL, I have the exact same generator and have been looking into doing the same thing. wanting to go with the cheaper ones on amazon that are like 50 bucks, I just have not found one that listed that exact generator to know if it will fit.

I actually had this problem as well. I have become very leery about getting stuff from Amazon that doesnt specifically say it works with what I have.

This is the one I ended up buying. I will get it installed and report back on how it does.

MSK3000 – MOTOR SNORKEL TRI-FUEL (Natural Gas, Propane, and Gasoline) Conversion Kit – Motorsnorkel by US Carburetion




J

[JhuntsAlot]

I don’t have any recommendations but I do rember reading on tbh where someone converted to trifuel I think. If I remember they had carburetor issues on different fuels and had to adjust it accordingly.

I did a search and did find a thread on a "DIY" conversion, but didnt see the final outcome of it.




J

[JhuntsAlot]

Now this has got me interested.
Question: my generator can run about 12 hours on a 5 gallon tank of fuel. Any idea how long it would run on a standard cylinder of propane with this carb?

Run time should be comparable. The small 20 pound bottles will start to freeze up on a long run. There should be no carb adjustments needed. The second regulator posted would be piped in behind the carb, the regulator on releases gas when the generator is running. It also has a primer for starts. I have both systems, the carb change is the best but the other one works great also.

Best thing to do is get as big of a bottle as you can and never put any gas in the generator.

The 25# propane bottles will run about 2 hours on my Duromax 13,000.

I was curious about the difference in fuel efficiency as well. This is from the FAQ's from the website I purchased from.

"
What is the fuel consumption of the generators on propane or natural gas?
This is the top question. The simplest answer is that the generators typically use about the same amount of propane(92,000 btu) as they do gasoline; gallon to gallon. For natural gas one therm (100,000 btu) is about one gallon of gasoline (110,000 btu). The biggest mistake most "experts" make in opinionating that a propane or natural gas generator will lose power is based solely on these figures and not on any data they personally have. When figuring power output of any fuel, the size of the engine has to be a significant factor of the equation. For instance, comparing a vehicle with a V8 engine to a generator with an 11hp generator attached can not be calculated the same. This topic is covered in detail on the Fuel Consumption page. Use the link on the left side of the page to access this further information.
"

But I have also seen some websites that people have had similar experiences as Mudslinger.



J

[JhuntsAlot]

You also have to remember that your generator is rated for gasoline. When you switch to propane it will drop the wattage and will drop even more if you are running NG.

I have read this as well, in several different places. I am hoping it is not enough drop to see a difference.

This is from the FAQ's on the website I purchased from.

"
Is there any power loss when operating on alternative fuels?

No, we have never had a single unit show a loss of power on alternate fuel. Though lower gallon-to-gallon in BTU content, sometimes they perform even better than running on gasoline (see also fuel consumption). The engine regulator we install has an external fuel mixture adjuster that can be turned with your fingers and can be fine-tuned to your elevation and to the fuel supply connected. That's why we include the Engine Hour/Tachometer Meter with every generator. You can watch the engine rpm output while turning the mixture adjuster for peak performance and high efficiency. This allows full control over the fuel mixture no matter what elevation. Unlike operating on gasoline where the carburetor is a fixed jet and it can not be adjusted only replaced. This is a big advantage that allows the engine to be reset at anytime. Engines would not use the same fuel mixture in different areas especially as diverse as say Florida would be to Colorado. Unlike gasoline, setting the mixture lean on alternative fuel is cool running, clean burning and efficient.
"

I will believe it when I see it I suppose.



J