Generator Tri-Fuel Conversion ???

[mavrick]

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.



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

Either of the two listed will keep the gasoline option. I do not know if you can use natural gas. I have never tried that.

[kmitchl]

I converted mine to tri-fuel. I made some of the parts myself to get fuel to the gasoline carb. I do have to adjust the mixture when I change fuels. I have never done any testing to confirm the power output is degraded on propane or NG. Fortunately, I have never needed to run it for an extended time. The benefit of converting is you can store propane without it degrading like gasoline. Also, when we get a weather event the gasoline pumps are also out of power. NG is seldom interrupted.

[CaptainDave]

I have a Firman Tri-fuel generator purchased from Costco. I can't vouch for the accuracy in the drop in wattage, however, the quoted running watts straight from the user manual are -
7,500 for gasoline
6,750 for LPG
5,500 for Natural Gas

I purchased a tri-fuel as I'm in the city and have NG service. I had a connection installed at my meter, so if the power goes out, I can just roll the generator out, connect and run. As mentioned in this thread, storing gasoline is not feasible on the long-term, which leads you to be in a mad rush to get some when needed.

[JhuntsAlot]

Well, I got my order for the Motor Snorkel I made from post #12. Got it installed yesterday afternoon and was able to test it using NG.

After some initial adjustments on the regulator, the motor ran very strong. As good or better than on gasoline, at least it seemed like it to me. I did not put gasoline in it to compare.

I am hoping it runs as good with a load on it and really looking forward to not having to deal with getting gasoline during an outage.





J

[Texas Grown]

I bought a dual fuel Westinghouse 4500 as soon as they were available after the big freeze (4 months). And just need the NG kit for propane conversion. I've got NG for heat should the electric ever go out, as it has in the past. Also have a few 20lb bottles on propane.

[JhuntsAlot]

Just wanted to give an update on this and the Motor Snorkel I installed.

We were out of power for 8 days and this thing worked perfectly after Beryl came through. I do have to say that it did seem to have a little impact on the wattage, but I am not sure if that is actually the generator getting weak. It is around 20 years old.

It was awesome not having to deal with the gas stations and the increased blood pressure that comes with that. We would run it all night with a couple window air conditioners and didn't have to worry about it running out of fuel. Couldn't be happier with how it did.

Highly recommended.




J

[Greenheadless]

Awesome, thanks for the follow up.

[txtimetravler]

How big of a bottle did you have it hooked to? Or we’re you running NG?

[JhuntsAlot]

How big of a bottle did you have it hooked to? Or we’re you running NG?

Yes sir, using NG.

Also forgot to mention that with the two air conditioners, also had two refrigerators, deep freezer, ceiling fans and other small things going. Made for comfortable evenings and nights.



J

[txtimetravler]

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

2 hours!! Yikes.
I know 13k is a big genny but I would have guessed 4 hours.

[Pedernal]

Just wanted to give an update on this and the Motor Snorkel I installed.

We were out of power for 8 days and this thing worked perfectly after Beryl came through. I do have to say that it did seem to have a little impact on the wattage, but I am not sure if that is actually the generator getting weak. It is around 20 years old.

It was awesome not having to deal with the gas stations and the increased blood pressure that comes with that. We would run it all night with a couple window air conditioners and didn't have to worry about it running out of fuel. Couldn't be happier with how it did.

Highly recommended.




J

It’s awesome that it kept you folks comfortable during the outage caused by the hurricane. Have you received the NG bill? If so, did you noticed a large surge in the amount of fuel used as compared to previous months??

[JhuntsAlot]

It’s awesome that it kept you folks comfortable during the outage caused by the hurricane. Have you received the NG bill? If so, did you noticed a large surge in the amount of fuel used as compared to previous months??

We have not got a new bill yet, but I am interested in this as well. The wife and I have a small bet on what it will be. Haha.

Will try to remember to update here after we get the bill. Should be soon I believe.



J

[scott1022]

We have not got a new bill yet, but I am interested in this as well. The wife and I have a small bet on what it will be. Haha.

Will try to remember to update here after we get the bill. Should be soon I believe.

J

For 8 days, I'm going to guess $763.52 higher than your bill from the previous month. :-)

[JhuntsAlot]

Well, we got our NG bill/payment over the weekend. It was $141 in total and about $100 over the usual bill. So here is a comparison of NG and gasoline. Typically, we would get about 10 hours of run time of a full tank (7 gallons) of gasoline. We would use two tanks in a 24-hour period. Was out of power for 8 days.

Breakdown-

Gasoline = 14gal per day x $2.90 x 8 days = $325 total for gasoline. Not sure how to add a cost to searching for gas stations, waiting in line, dealing with people, etc.

NG = $100. $307, if we want to include the $207 I paid for the conversion kit and tachometer/hour meter.


Will say it again, couldn't be happier with doing the conversion. One of the best things I have done in a while.



J

[JhuntsAlot]

For 8 days, I'm going to guess $763.52 higher than your bill from the previous month. :-)

Haha, I was a little worried it would have been something like that.

Just never know until it happens.


J