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Generac propane conversion using the motorsnorkel

I have a Generac 4000XL that we use as a backup generator I purchased around Y2K time.  I decided that I wanted to convert the generator from gasoline to propane due to the shelf life of gasoline in the tanks and the impact of stored gas in the generator. Our normal process is to buy fresh gas before a weather event.  We then run the generator dry after the event and burn the gas in the lawn mower or my motorcycle.  A company http://www.motorsnorkel.com/ makes a simple propane conversion kit.  It consists of a replacement carburetor gasket with a propane snorkel and a low pressure regulator.   The hardest part of the kit installation is finding the right place to put it.  

I wanted the regulator and hose away from the oil fill port, the oil change port, the exhaust, the pull cord and any common service panels. 

Routing Issues


The snorkel goes between the airbox and the carburetor.  You can see my airbox here with the tip of the snorkel hanging out after installation. 

The regulator must be mounted vertically.  This precludes mounting the regulator to the top of the generator.


I tried to find a simple place to put the regulator that would reach with the hose and would be out of the way when moving the generator around or storing it. I really didn't like this exposed position.   Notice the mounting holes on the regulator and where the regulator would be after bolting to the crossbar.

The snorkel can only be mounted in one orientation. This means the propane line probably needs to be routed under the pull cord assembly in a way that doesn't block manual start.


The side mount didn't really look that good either when taking into account the bolt locations.  The stuck over the top of the unit. I tend to cover the generator with a piece of plywood and stack things on it when not using it so that was out also..  

This side location was also bad because it blocked the oil fill port.













Final Layout

I used a a piece of metal left over from a keyboard tray project.  More proof that I don't have a hoarding problem.  I just save stuff until I need it. This let me mount it inside the wheel with everything below the top cross braces.

The original hose didn't reach so I purchased some water pump hose at the auto shop.  


The longer hose runs from the snorkel tube inside the frame to the regulator.


Testing

The generator fired up the first time when I connected one of my BBQ tanks to it. I really like the setup.

I wish the kit had more dummy proof instructions. I spent a fair amount of time trying to understand where the pieces went.  It was confusing which connections had to be wrapped in teflon tape and which ones shouldn't.  I wish there was  a better quick release way to connect the regulator hose to the tank.  The regulator connection is cumbersome to the tank hose is time consuming. Folks with real power issues will probably leave it connected all the time. I only use my generator once every couple years now that Pepco has upgraded their system so I leave it off.


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