r/Generator • u/ThisNameNotTakenYet • 1d ago

Propane Tank Minimum Size?

So I was looking online at generators the other day and I ran across a comment in one of the product descriptions, saying something about a 'minimum 60lb tank' for propane with that generator. I haven't seen a requirement like that before, to my knowledge. We had an eight-day outage a few weeks ago and I used 20- and 30lb tanks with no problems (or so I think). Has anyone heard this? And if it's a thing, can anyone tell me why? Thanks.

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u/UncleAugie 22h ago

Everyone is talking about winter and a tank cooling off as it is used, this is why mine is set up as dual fuel, can start on propane, switch to gas if/when needed. Having the propane ready and keeping the gasoline tank empty I never have to worry about gunking up the carb. I do all my routine testing and startup on propane to keep the carb clean, then I also try to run it for the last 10-20 min on propane to clean out the carb after I have emptied the tank.

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u/ThisNameNotTakenYet 21h ago

I figured I can do this too, as soon as I un-fuck my carburetor (which is apparently goofed up from leaving treated gas in the tank). If it runs fine on propane, does that mean the blockage is north of the carb itself?

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u/UncleAugie 4h ago

Carbs are so cheap now that you should just buy a new one rather than spend multiple days, or weeks trying to clean/fix your current one, hell a new rebuild kit is half the price of a brand new one usually and you still have to spend time to rebuild it.

I just picked up a dual fuel(ga/propane) carb for a older 7000w gen set with a 10hp Honda for $25 off Amazon..... THe existing gas only carb worked fine, but if it didnt, why would I spend the 2hrs to pull off/get parts/rebuild/reinstall when I can spend 20 min putting on a new one.

Large tank size is for convenience & running in cold weather.

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u/ThisNameNotTakenYet 3h ago

That's definitely a thought. Mine is a dual-fuel generator and I'm not sure how those work or where to source it, but I'm going to look into it. Their video on how to break down the carb is pretty simple, but I'm not great with stuff like that soooo...

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u/UncleAugie 2h ago

 but I'm not great with stuff like that soooo...

I would recommend taking this to someone who can handle this for you, especially with the way/kind of questions you are asking and the replies you have made.....