wrote:
>clare@snyder.on.ca wrote:
>> On Sat, 21 Nov 2015 07:34:16 -0500, Vaughn Simon
>>
>>> On 11/21/2015 1:57 AM, clare@snyder.on.ca wrote:
>>>> I have a 7200/9000 watt Champion generator with a US Carb motor
>>>> snorkel conversion that is not putting out anywhere near full power
>>>> and is tricky to start. I suspect the pikot ajustment? is not
>>>> correct (the spring adjustment screw under the plug above the fuel
>>>> inlet on the Century zero regulator unit.
>>>> Anyone know the best way to determine the proper adjustment? I know
>>>> they are VERY fussy and turning the screw in makes it go lean. (more
>>>> intake vacuum required to open the valve)
>>>
>>> Hopefully someone will come along with more experience than I. But I
>>> will try to get this conversation started
>>>
>>> You haven't mentioned trying the mixture adjustment, which should be
>>> separate from the adjustment on the zero regulator.
>>>
>>> Very basic, is fuel pressure. You should find the specification with
>>> the conversion kit. It is measured in inches of water. You can
>>> buy a gauge, or make your own manometer from some clear tubing and a
>>> yardstick like I did. You may find that your fuel pressure under
>>> load goes too low. That could be anything from a simple fuel
>>> regulator adjustment, to the need for a larger (or more direct) fuel
>>> supply line. There should
>>> be measurement ports for both the inlet and outlet of your zero
>>> regulator.
>>>
>>> I have had the same zero regulator since my ancient Onan was factory
>>> new, and don't remember ever adjusting it. My mixture adjustment
>>> however, is another matter.
>>>
>>> Vaughn
>> The only "mixture adjustment" is the load block. Full range of
>> adjustment there only made things worse, not better, as far as power
>> output. The natural gas pressure is regulated by the utility - New
>> meter and regulator installed this summer - all to spec. Same problem
>> exists on Propane with regulator supplied by US Carburetor - and 2
>> regulators behave exactly the same.
>>
>> 2 identical generators with the same issue. Run fine on Gasoline. If
>> anything it acts like the generator is running too rich under full
>> load - it loads up and takes time to clear after the load is removed
>> (if I catch it before it dies)
>
>I seem to remember reading that dual fuel generators run on natural gas or
>propane do not produce as much power as on gasoline. That might be a subject to
>research.
>
The magic number is something like 90% for dual/tri fuel systems.
Dedicated Propane/NG can actually produce MORE power if the engine is
specifically tuned and built - particularly with Propane due to it's
high AKI (octane over 100) of 115+
If i was only getting 90%, I'd be happy, I'm getting about 75% of
steady state, with only about 60-62% of peak.
>> On Sat, 21 Nov 2015 07:34:16 -0500, Vaughn Simon
>>
>>> On 11/21/2015 1:57 AM, clare@snyder.on.ca wrote:
>>>> I have a 7200/9000 watt Champion generator with a US Carb motor
>>>> snorkel conversion that is not putting out anywhere near full power
>>>> and is tricky to start. I suspect the pikot ajustment? is not
>>>> correct (the spring adjustment screw under the plug above the fuel
>>>> inlet on the Century zero regulator unit.
>>>> Anyone know the best way to determine the proper adjustment? I know
>>>> they are VERY fussy and turning the screw in makes it go lean. (more
>>>> intake vacuum required to open the valve)
>>>
>>> Hopefully someone will come along with more experience than I. But I
>>> will try to get this conversation started
>>>
>>> You haven't mentioned trying the mixture adjustment, which should be
>>> separate from the adjustment on the zero regulator.
>>>
>>> Very basic, is fuel pressure. You should find the specification with
>>> the conversion kit. It is measured in inches of water. You can
>>> buy a gauge, or make your own manometer from some clear tubing and a
>>> yardstick like I did. You may find that your fuel pressure under
>>> load goes too low. That could be anything from a simple fuel
>>> regulator adjustment, to the need for a larger (or more direct) fuel
>>> supply line. There should
>>> be measurement ports for both the inlet and outlet of your zero
>>> regulator.
>>>
>>> I have had the same zero regulator since my ancient Onan was factory
>>> new, and don't remember ever adjusting it. My mixture adjustment
>>> however, is another matter.
>>>
>>> Vaughn
>> The only "mixture adjustment" is the load block. Full range of
>> adjustment there only made things worse, not better, as far as power
>> output. The natural gas pressure is regulated by the utility - New
>> meter and regulator installed this summer - all to spec. Same problem
>> exists on Propane with regulator supplied by US Carburetor - and 2
>> regulators behave exactly the same.
>>
>> 2 identical generators with the same issue. Run fine on Gasoline. If
>> anything it acts like the generator is running too rich under full
>> load - it loads up and takes time to clear after the load is removed
>> (if I catch it before it dies)
>
>I seem to remember reading that dual fuel generators run on natural gas or
>propane do not produce as much power as on gasoline. That might be a subject to
>research.
>