Everything You Need to Know About Natural Gas Generators

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Correcting Generator Setup
3. Running the Generator on Gasoline
4. Running the Generator on Natural Gas
5. Converting the Generator to Run on Natural Gas
6. Switching Between Gasoline and Natural Gas
7. Potential Issues with Natural Gas Engines
8. Dealing with Valve Recession
9. Maintaining the Generator
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome back to Repair Geek! In this episode, we will be revisiting the generator video and addressing the comments and questions that were raised. We will also be correcting any mistakes and making improvements to our setup. If you have been following the comments on the original video or if I have sent you this link in response to your comment, then this video is for you. So, let's dive in and address all your queries in one big blanket video!

Correcting Generator Setup

One of the main reasons I felt the need to make this video is because multiple people pointed out that my setup for the governor regulator was incorrect. In the previous video, I had a female connector sticking straight out, which posed a potential issue. The hose I had plugged into this female connector had male ends on both sides. In case the hose came out of the female connector on the governor regulator, it would dump raw natural gas outside my house. Although the chances of this happening are slim, it made sense to address this concern. To rectify the issue, I have added a ball valve. This ball valve ensures that when I run the generator on gasoline, there will be no engine vacuum leak through the governor regulator and into the atmosphere.

Running the Generator on Gasoline

Many of you have asked what to do if your natural gas supplier stops delivering natural gas. In such a situation, the logical solution would be to switch back to using gasoline. If gasoline is not readily available or if you prefer an alternative, you can consider using propane. However, propane may not be as convenient as gasoline for some people. The advantage of modifying your generator to run on natural gas is that it gives you the flexibility to switch between natural gas, gasoline, and propane, providing you with more options and versatility.

Converting the Generator to Run on Natural Gas

One common question that was raised is why would you go to the time and effort of converting a generator to run on natural gas when you can simply purchase a propane generator? The answer to that question is simple: a propane generator cannot run on gasoline or natural gas. However, by converting your generator, you can ensure that it can operate on all three fuel sources. This added versatility can be beneficial, especially during situations when one fuel source is not available or is less convenient than others.

Switching Between Gasoline and Natural Gas

Another frequently asked question after the conversion is how to switch the generator to run on gasoline. The process is straightforward. Just treat the generator as you would any normal gasoline-powered generator. Fill it with gas, pull the choke, and press the start button. It will start up without any issues. Some viewers mentioned that there might be a partially blocked air bleed on the carburetor that could potentially affect the engine's performance. While it is true that there is a partial blockage as shown in the video, it does not impact the generator's ability to run on gasoline. To demonstrate this, I will take the generator outside and run it for you.

Potential Issues with Natural Gas Engines

One concern with natural gas or propane engines is that they are "dry fuel" engines, meaning there is no liquid going down the intake tract to lubricate the intake valve or cushion the valve seats. Gasoline, on the other hand, performs these functions. Without lubrication and cushioning, an issue called valve recession can occur in the long run. Valve recession happens when the opening and closing of the valve cause it to beat against the valve seat, which can change the valve adjustment and affect the engine's performance. However, it is essential to note that valve recession is a long-term issue and is unlikely to occur after thousands of hours of run time.

Dealing with Valve Recession

To address potential valve recession, one option is to use a natural gas motor oil specially designed for engines running on natural gas. Alternatively, a lubricator can be added to the intake tract to provide lubrication. However, due to the small size of this generator, finding a suitable engine lubricator can be challenging. If valve recession becomes an issue, a possible solution is to have the cylinder head removed and taken to a machine shop for the installation of hardened valves and valve seats. This will eliminate the problem altogether. For more in-depth information on valve recession, I recommend doing some additional research online.

Maintaining the Generator

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your generator. Although I do not store gasoline in the generator, as it tends to go bad over time, it is essential to run the generator periodically and drain the carburetor of any leftover fuel. This prevents fuel spoilage and ensures that the generator will start and run smoothly when you need it to. Additionally, it is crucial to shut off the natural gas supply to the generator before shutting it down. This empties out the hose and prevents any gas buildup in the system.

Conclusion

That concludes our updated video on the generator setup. I hope I was able to address all your questions, but if there's anything I missed, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email. I appreciate your support and engagement. Make sure to like this video if you found it helpful and consider subscribing to the channel for more content. Thank you for watching, and stay tuned for the next Repair Geek episode!

Highlights

• Correcting the generator setup and addressing viewer concerns
• Running the generator on gasoline and switching between fuel sources
• Converting the generator to run on natural gas for added versatility
• Potential issues with natural gas engines and valve recession
• Maintaining the generator for optimal performance and longevity

FAQ

Q: Can the generator run on propane as well? A: No, the generator is designed to run on natural gas, gasoline, or propane.

Q: How easy is it to switch between different fuel sources? A: Switching between fuel sources is simple and can be done in about 30 seconds without the need for any adjustments.

Q: What should I do if my natural gas supplier stops delivering gas? A: In such a case, you can switch to using gasoline or propane, depending on your preference and availability.

Q: Is valve recession a common issue with natural gas engines? A: Valve recession is a long-term issue that may occur after thousands of hours of run time. Proper maintenance and possible valve seat replacement can alleviate this problem.

Q: How often should I run the generator on gasoline? A: It is advisable to run the generator periodically to ensure its proper functioning and to drain the carburetor of any remaining fuel to prevent spoilage.

Q: Can I store gasoline in the generator for extended periods? A: It is not recommended to store gasoline in the generator as it tends to go bad over time.