Gas Driven Generator (1 Viewer)

Madjaxy

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Hi boffins, is there anyone in Moho land that runs a gas generator from a Gaslo
Rig? Any comments will be welcome .
Madjaxy
 

icantremember

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We have a lpg converted Honda generator that we can run from the underslung tank via an external gas point but it will work with any lpg supply..... what's your question?

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Mel

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If you do use one
Make sure its LPG do not use calor gas.
There is no automotive addative in that and its too dry for 4 stroke engines.

Mel
 

scotjimland

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If you do use one
Make sure its LPG do not use calor gas.
There is no automotive addative in that and its too dry for 4 stroke engines.

Mel

you are saying that Autogas has an lubrication additive that is not present in bottled propane ?

I've never heard of it and worked in the petro-chemical refining industry for many years.. but
I left the industry in 2000, .. and things change..
I'd be interested to know where that information comes from...

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icantremember

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http://www.sgs-engineering.com/se27...pg-generator?gclid=CI2K-OOctMUCFUTJtAodXSAAyQ

@icantremember How efficient is it? The one in the link is 2.2kW and says it will use 2 litres of lpg per hour at 75% load.

How does that compare to petrol ones?

Also at those figures it wouldn't take long to empty the OPs gaslow bottles and you're only getting about 6 amps at 75% load.

EDIT: The bloody thing weighs 44kG as well :Eeek:
I haven't got a clue on the efficiency ... Our one is only 1Kw and I didn't want to carry petrol in the m/h with the associated risks and smells. We only carry it in winter if we are going to be off grid for a few days 'just in case' but seldom have used it.
 

Mel

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I understand that is why its best to fit filters on LPG bottles.
I understand there is a lubricant in the LPG .
No idea where the information is but will try to find it.
 

scotjimland

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From Honda, re converting to LPG

Due to the dry combustion characteristics and the higher combustion temperature the possibility of premature wear to the valve seats and piston rings is dramatically increased. Therefore any combustion chamber related failure that is attributed to an LPG conversion will not be covered under warranty. Honda (UK) will not cover any costs or consequential costs that relate to a failure caused in any part by a gas conversion.

and more generally

Broken Link Removed

Is there a risk that running on autogas could damage my engine?


Most engines run very well on autogas, but there are a small number which suffer valve seat recession. We have a list of affected vehicles, and in these cases we can install a valvecare product which pumps an additive into the inlet manifold which protects the valves in the same way as additives in unleaded petrol. Apart from these cases, many LPG users report that their engines run more smoothly and last longer running on autogas.

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Madjaxy

Madjaxy

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Hi thanks for your input, I have just bought a dual fuel generator to be run primarily from the Gaslow installation rather than carrying petrol. I was enquiring if anyone else had this set up, and what they thought of it.
 

Steve

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Being a user of lpg for petrol engines (spark ignition) for many years the fuel works well and in modern sequential injection setups there is next to no power lose. In the induction/vacuum setup you will find that on small engines there can be a 20% loss of power so be aware of that when making your choice. The engines will run quieter on LPG. Valve seat erosion can be a problem but normally after many hrs of work. On larger engines a very basic additive system can slow this down. Never found this a problem with generators as have never run for extended periods. Larger engines will take liquid from the tank thru an evaporator to the manifold whereas smaller ones will use a gas take off from the tank thru a regulator. A different type of tank is required i.e. one have liquid and the other gas draw offs. As for lpg consumption if you know what the petrol us is then the lpg will be similar, remember that lpg is approx. 1/2 the weight of petrol. So approx. one litre of petrol will weigh 1Kg and approx. two litres of LPG will weigh 1Kg. Remember that you may not have that much LPG on-board to run heating, hot water, cooking and a genny for very long.
I hope some of this info is of use.
Steve
 

scotjimland

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Might be worthwhile reading through this article by a chap in Suffolk who specialises in generators. It gives some useful advice on running generators on LPG.
http://www.petepower.co.uk/LPG-gas-conversion.html

saw that one while Googling Phillip

note the warning

Fitting a gas conversion to a new Honda generator voids the Honda worldwide warranty. Seems harsh but look at it from the point of view of Honda.

also

Petrol contains additives that help to improve the lubrication of this exposed portion, LPG does not. For this reason, LPG machines tend to wear the exhaust valve stem and it's guide more quickly than petrol machines. In Honda engines the lubrication delivered to the valve gear is very generous and the wear negligable.

this is what I said earlier.. as far as I am aware Autogas does not have any additives to reduce valve erosion
 

JeanLuc

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For Honda genny owners (I have an EU10i) it's also worth taking note of Pete's comments as follows:
  • In fact all models in the EU range are trickier to convert than a conventional generator. The complicating factor is the ECO throttle feature which varies the engine speed to suit the load. This requires the gas controller and associated jetting to function over a wider range of conditions than in a fixed speed generator. For EU models I have found that most off the shelf dual fuel conversions fail to produce 100% perfect running in all scenarios. Often there is a forced compromise between running too lean at full power and running too rich at idle.
  • The Honda EU10i will convert readily to LPG but, given the lightweight nature of the machine and its unlined GXH50 engine, it strikes me as unwise to place further stress on a machine of already limited durability.
His comments on 'limited durability' of the EU10i should be seen in the context of his expectation that a generator may run frequently for extensive periods of time. For most motorhomers, I suspect usage is comparatively minimal. Anyway, I know of one used by a local flower stall that runs all day.

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