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Can propane generator run on natural gas? Yes, with a conversion kit made for the engine: a propane generator cannot burn natural gas as it sits, because natural gas arrives at a lower pressure and needs a different carburetor and regulator setup. A dual-fuel conversion kit swaps in a carburetor that takes propane or natural gas, and the listings here name kits for Honda, Predator, Champion and Generac engines. The steps below use the figures makers state on their listings.
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Can propane generator run on natural gas: the quick answer
A propane generator can run on natural gas after a conversion kit made for its engine is fitted. The kit is usually a replacement carburetor with a pressure regulator, and the listings state LPG pressure of 2.8 to 3.8 KPA and natural gas pressure of 2.0 to 2.6 KPA. Without the kit, the generator cannot use natural gas: the fuel system is set for propane, and natural gas needs its own feed and pressure. A kit that does not list your engine does not fit, whatever the fuel type.
Step 1: Check that a kit exists for your engine
Conversion kits are engine-specific, so match the engine model before anything else. The Hutch Mountain kit (on Amazon) fits the Honda EU3000is. The SYOWADA kit fits the Honda GX390 188F 190F and the Predator 5500, 6500, 7000 and 8750. The Mliong kit (on Amazon) fits the GX390 188F at 13 to 14HP and the Predator 7250/9000 watt models. The AUTOKAY kit (on Amazon) fits the GX390 188F, the Honda GX420 at 15HP and the GX340 at 11HP, plus Champion models from 7000w to 10000w. The KELKONG kit (on Amazon) fits the GX340, GX390 and GX420 at 11HP, 13HP and 15HP, and Generac models from the GP5000 to the GP8000E. Match the engine model and the wattage before ordering: the listings name engines by model, not by brand alone.
Step 2: Match the fuel pressures
Natural gas and propane run at different pressures, and the kit regulates each. The SYOWADA and Mliong listings state LPG pressure of 2.8 to 3.8 KPA and natural gas pressure of 2.0 to 2.6 KPA, with a regulating valve output of 0.03 to 1.56 KPA on the SYOWADA kit. The gas supply must meet the pressure the kit states: a supply outside that range will not run the engine right. Check the pressure figures on the listing for your kit, and check them again on the manual that comes with it.
Step 3: Check the watts after conversion
Conversion can change the output, so check the watts the kit states for your engine. AUTOKAY states rated output of 5000 watts and max output of 5500 watts for its GX390 kit, and Zreneyfex states max output of 3500 watts and rated output of 2800 watts for its GX200 kit. KELKONG lists Generac figures of 6500W with 8125W, 7500W with 9375W, and 5500W with 6875W. Use the rated figure for the load you plan, not the max figure, and add up the watts of everything you plan to run at the same time.
Step 4: Fit the kit and run it outdoors
The kits arrive as a carburetor with the parts around it. The AUTOKAY kit includes a carburetor, an air filter, a gasoline filter, a spark plug, a heat insulation board and 4 gaskets, and the Zreneyfex kit includes a carburetor, 3 gaskets and a choke lever. The Hutch Mountain kit states basic-tool installation with a photo-based manual, and most owners complete setup in under an hour, with quick cold starts in 1 to 3 pulls. Read the manual that comes with the kit before starting, and keep the old parts until the converted engine runs.
Generators run outdoors only, far from doors and windows, because of carbon monoxide.
Ways to keep the converted generator running well
- Match the kit to the engine model first: the listings name Honda GX390 188F 190F, Predator 5500 to 8750, and Generac GP5000 to GP8000E.
- Check the fuel pressures the kit states: LPG 2.8 to 3.8 KPA and natural gas 2.0 to 2.6 KPA.
- Use the rated watts, not the max watts, for the load you plan.
- Ask the maker when the kit does not list your engine: a kit that does not list the engine does not fit.
- Keep the kit manual with the generator, so the next fuel change follows the same figures.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Can any propane generator run on natural gas?
No. Only a generator with a conversion kit made for its engine can run on natural gas. The kits here list Honda, Predator, Champion and Generac engines by model, so check the listing for your engine before ordering.
Do I need a new carburetor to burn natural gas?
The kits here are replacement carburetors with a pressure regulator: the SYOWADA and Mliong kits state LPG pressure of 2.8 to 3.8 KPA and natural gas pressure of 2.0 to 2.6 KPA. The carburetor and the regulator come in the kit, not separately.
Will the generator make the same watts on natural gas?
Check the watts the kit states. AUTOKAY states rated output of 5000 watts and max output of 5500 watts, and Zreneyfex states max output of 3500 watts and rated output of 2800 watts. Use the rated figure for the load you plan.
How long does a conversion kit take to fit?
Hutch Mountain states most owners complete setup in under an hour with basic tools and a photo-based manual. The other kits state no setup time, so read the manual that comes with the kit.
What warranty does a conversion kit carry?
KELKONG states a 1 year manufacturer warranty. The other listings state no clear warranty term, so check the listing before ordering.
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