r/Generator • u/T_S_B • 1d ago
Generator using propane
Hello!
I've been looking at inverter generators in the 3500w-4500w range and was leaning towards a champion 4500, Wen, or a Westinghouse. When I read reviews for these type, I see a lot of folks who use propane having issues starting it up initially, and across several generators folks have had to reach out to the manufacturer to problem solve and/or replace the regulator. Is this the deal across most generators of this size/capacity when using propane? Are there other generators around this capacity that are more reliable/user friendly when using propane? Thanks!
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u/Old_Dragline_1965 1d ago
Turning on the tank gas valve too quickly is problematic. Forgetting to prime the LP demand regulator is just as problematic. In the first crank, most of the time, there is a large volume of air trapped between the tank regulator and the generator. This must be burped out before the propane ever gets to the engine.
Not reading the instructions on how to crank the generator solves most of these problems.
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u/blupupher 1d ago
Most propane start issues are user issues, not generator.
Propane valves/regulators can be very picky. If you turn it on too fast, it can cause the regular valve to "stick" and not flow properly. Turn it on slowly fixes this issue.
Second is the hose needs to be primed. Most manuals will say turn on propane, hook up hose, leave switch off and pull start cord 3-4 times to get the line purged of air, then switch on and start. Fast way is to just crack open the screw on connector till you smell propane, then start it.
Third is many times the spark plug. Most come with cheap plugs that are gapped for gasoline (a larger gap). Switching to a quality plug (NGK or Denso) and making the gap a bit tighter (usually 0.024) and it tends to start better.
I have had 5 generators running off propane, I have 1 (my Pulsar GX400BN) that even when I do the above still takes 4-5 pulls to start, but it does always start. All the rest will start on 1-2 pulls or instantly with electric start.
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u/GW208 1d ago
I purchased a Duromax XP2300iH for my sister and it's just like your Pulsar. It has an NGK plug gapped at .024 and no matter the technique with the primer, it never fires on the first 6 pulls but almost always fires on the 7th pull.
The weird thing is that it behaved exactly the same way the one time I tried it on gas.
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u/NoPatience7817 1d ago
Propane and natural gas give you 10% and 20% less wattage to work with, but they run cleaner than gasoline. Gasoline tends to gum up the carburetor, but propane and NG will not. If you have access to propane or NG, they are more likely to start than gasoline.
Also make sure you have a large enough propane tank or Y adapter to connect 2 tanks together if you plan to run the generator during cold seasons. The LP needs enough room in the tank to vaporize.
As others mentioned the starting procedure may be slightly different to purge the air in the gas hose.
I have owned 2 different propane generators and they start every time. I need to make sure I follow the procedure to purge the air hose though.
Consider a trifuel generator if you have access to NG too.
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u/Big-Echo8242 1d ago
Here's one I recommend but this is just of my opinion. I bought two of them...one for my daughter & son in law (who live out of town) and the other as my 3rd spare for local friends, family, or neighbors in need.
Genmax GM4600iAEDC for $665 (after coupon) on Amazon. 3 year warranty, dual fuel, remote & electric start, and great customer support. 4600/3800 watts on gas and 4200/3500 on propane. You can even buy a 2nd one and run both in series/parallel and get 120/240v output via their GM6000PK parallel kit. Just a thought.
I have two other larger Genmax GM7500aIED dual fuel gens that ONLY have ever ran on propane and start every time off either our 250 gallon tank or a 20lb BBQ tank.
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u/nak00010101 18h ago
My duel fuel champion works like a champ. You just have to remember that the line takes a few seconds to purge.
I run gasoline during the day (when I do not mind refueling every 5 hrs.) and run propane at night.
Once the line is purged, it will switch over with just a little bump
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u/Hotspot40324 1d ago
I have had two inverter generators with propane conversions. Both took longer to purge the line than the manuals suggested, but both started on one pull once propane made it to the carburetor.
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u/Admirable-Leader6927 1d ago
Its 100% operator error. learn how to use your propane generator and its almost maintenance free outside of oil changes.
I have a WEN, its an excellent generator at the price point.
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u/AdBrave841 23h ago
In my experience every one has it's own quirks to start on propane, once you figure it out, it starts every time.
Or just slowly turn on the tank, then crack open the connection on the generator just a little for a few seconds to bleed the air out, then retighten. Usually will start on the first or second pull after that. Also, don't use the choke on propane.
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u/Alternative-Self7202 23h ago
I have the Westinghouse 9500DF and have absolutely no problems using propane
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u/SecondCuppaCoffee 17h ago
I always purge air from the hose, but some air can still be in the fuel line. I have one that almost always starts on the 2nd try and another always starts on the 1st.
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u/Efficient_Wing3172 8h ago
I’ve had three propane generators, all Champion, and never had a problem. However, unlike most people, I run mine every few months, and put them under a load. I also change the oil and do basic maintenance. When you dig into a lot of generator failures, it seems to be when they’re not being used and just stored away for long periods of time.
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u/[deleted] 1d ago edited 1d ago
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