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Topic: Propane limiter for Generator? (Read 842 times) previous topic - next topic

Propane limiter for Generator?

In January we went south. Had to use the propane fired Genny to keep warm. It shut off when Monitor system said we still had a half tank. Is there some kind of limiting device that shuts of the genny at some set point? I know there is one for gas and diesel, but find nothing in my manuals describing this. Of course, there also was nothing in the manuals telling me to turn off the valve behind the ice maker so we would get heat up front either!!
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane limiter for Generator?

Reply #1 –
No, there is no shut off device on the propane generator. It will run until you are out of propane (assuming no generator issues).

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Propane limiter for Generator?

Reply #2 –
Thanks Brett,

Then, that begs the question: "Why did the Genny shut off when I still had a half tank?" I have started it up and used it since then with no problems. It has 468 hours on it since a rebuild. Initially, right after we got the coach, the Genny would "lope" for awhile, but now runs steady.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Propane limiter for Generator?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
Thanks Brett,

Then, that begs the question: "Why did the Genny shut off when I still had a half tank?" I have started it up and used it since then with no problems. It has 468 hours on it since a rebuild. Initially, right after we got the coach, the Genny would "lope" for awhile, but now runs steady.

My bet is that it heard one too many of your jokes!!!
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Propane limiter for Generator?

Reply #4 –
Lopping, hard start and dying are all symptoms of a clogged on-generator propane regulator on a liquid LP generator.

They can be overhauled (using proper high-temp gasket set) or replaced.  Many of us have converted to high pressure VAPOR to eliminate the problem with long hydrocarbon chain "contaminants".

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Propane limiter for Generator?

Reply #5 –
Brett,

Tell us more about the high pressure VAPOR you have installed.  Where does one get it and how difficult is it to install?
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP
 

Re: Propane limiter for Generator?

Reply #6 –
Our propane tank has two ports-- a liquid port that goes to the liquid LP generator and the vapor port that goes through the regulator and then supplies the "house".

After discovering a contaminated on-generator regulator-- filled with a light viscosity grease-like substance, I consulted the engineers at Marshall Gas who make the house regulators.  They are located in San Marcos, TX.  Their suggestion, which I also ran by an engineer at Onan was to convert to high pressure vapor.  The only possible negative would be in extremely cold weather where the flow rate could cause the valve area of the tank to freeze.  Since our tank is large, and we don't camp in way below freezing temperatures, this has never been an issue for us.

To convert from liquid to high pressure vapor for your generator, turn off the liquid LP port at the tank.  Run the generator until out of fuel.  Disconnect the line from the liquid port and install a permanent cap.

"T" into the vapor side between tank and present regulator.  I installed a ball valve and then fitting to allow the original line to the generator to be connected to it. 

Cost under $20.  Now, no more long hydrocarbon comtaminants to clog the on-generator regulator.  Note:  if the regulator is already contaminated, it will need to be overhauled (be sure to use the high temp gasket set) or replaced.


Been running mine like this for many years.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020