Generator Question - Central Maine Diesel

[Hogan646]

As I struggle through a week without power from the effects of Hurricane Sandy I am now going to bite the bullet and buy a generator. I found a nice tri-fuel model from Central Main Diesel; it is a Triple-Fuel Honda Powered 8,750 Watt w/ Electric Start - Runs on propane, natural gas and gasoline right out of the box. No mechanical alterations are necessary - simply change your fuel source. I have inserted a link below for more information.

So have some questions, has anyone on the forum dealt with Central Main Diesel? Are there any disadvantages to running a generator on natural gas other than the possibility of a service disruption? Thanks in advance for your input.

http://www.generatorsales.com/order/03369_alt.asp?page=H03369

 

[sometoyotaguy]

Natural gas or propane will burn cleaner,and you don't have to worry about buildup in the carburetor. There is the possibility of disruption, so having some propane tanks or gasoline around would be a good idea.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I'm looking at a unit from them also, while we didn't loose power with this storm here in MI we loose it on average 4-6 times a year.

I like the simplicity of their units, I plan to purchase a larger unit set up for LP / NG only. Saves a little on the carb set up and you can use a 20lb (grill sized cylinder) for portable use of the generator. Nice thing about LP, is the fuel won't go bad if stored for a long time like gasoline will.

 

[Hogan646]

I like the simplicity of their units, I plan to purchase a larger unit set up for LP / NG only. Saves a little on the carb set up and you can use a 20lb (grill sized cylinder) for portable use of the generator. Nice thing about LP, is the fuel won't go bad if stored for a long time like gasoline will.

Thanks, what unit are you looking at?

 

[SuperSocket]

I've talked to them before on much larger units, seemed quite legit and good... however, I found that I could buy a brand name unit with better warranty and assurances for the same price at the end of the day.

 

[Hogan646]

Natural gas or propane will burn cleaner,and you don't have to worry about buildup in the carburetor. There is the possibility of disruption, so having some propane tanks or gasoline around would be a good idea.

Thanks. I love the idea of the natural gas option, I would like to avoid waiting on line with a 5 gallon gas take for 2 hours really does not appeal to me.

 

[Hogan646]

I've talked to them before on much larger units, seemed quite legit and good... however, I found that I could buy a brand name unit with better warranty and assurances for the same price at the end of the day.

Good to know thanks.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Natural gas has a slightly lower BTU count than gasoline, so you might have slightly less power when on NG, but not that much.

 

[NWOhioChevyGuy]

I'm looking at a 12K unit and/or maybe the 15K unit. I know I can get by with a smaller unit but looking at the "worst" case situation I want to have the power needed.

Honda engine is a plus, I have a manual transfer switch/interlock so that I can run any circuits I may need in house, garage or future shop.

 

[Hogan646]

Natural gas has a slightly lower BTU count than gasoline, so you might have slightly less power when on NG, but not that much.

Thanks, do you or anyone know what the smallest size gas meter that will support the use of a NG powered generator?

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Will seriously depend on the generator. A small, bbq grill line can run a little inverter gen, but for a full size motor like a stand by you'll probably need at least a 3/4" line in.

 

[Sticky]

As I struggle through a week without power from the effects of Hurricane Sandy I am now going to bite the bullet and buy a generator. I found a nice tri-fuel model from Central Main Diesel; it is a Triple-Fuel Honda Powered 8,750 Watt w/ Electric Start - Runs on propane, natural gas and gasoline right out of the box. No mechanical alterations are necessary - simply change your fuel source. I have inserted a link below for more information.

So have some questions, has anyone on the forum dealt with Central Main Diesel? Are there any disadvantages to running a generator on natural gas other than the possibility of a service disruption? Thanks in advance for your input.

http://www.generatorsales.com/order/03369_alt.asp?page=H03369

That's a unit I was looking at, but it has an 8 week lead time, so figured it would arrive just after winter

 

[frankzlt1]

When you use natrual gas you will go 1 kw less than its maximum rating. Are you looking for portability or home stand by with automatic transfer switch.

 

[olytdi]

As I struggle through a week without power from the effects of Hurricane Sandy I am now going to bite the bullet and buy a generator. I found a nice tri-fuel model from Central Main Diesel; it is a Triple-Fuel Honda Powered 8,750 Watt w/ Electric Start - Runs on propane, natural gas and gasoline right out of the box. No mechanical alterations are necessary - simply change your fuel source. I have inserted a link below for more information.

So have some questions, has anyone on the forum dealt with Central Main Diesel? Are there any disadvantages to running a generator on natural gas other than the possibility of a service disruption? Thanks in advance for your input.

http://www.generatorsales.com/order/03369_alt.asp?page=H03369

Central Maine Diesel Inc. (“CMD”) is not affiliated with, sponsored by or otherwise associated with American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (“American Honda”). We purchase generators with genuine Honda® engines and modify them with CMD’s Triple Fuel System to operate on LP Gas, Natural Gas and Gasoline. CMD’s Triple Fuel System is not approved by American Honda. Honda® is a registered trademark of American Honda.

Careful: I was just reading on a generator forum that the Honda engines suffer from exhaust valve failure when converted to triple fuel -- note that the above company converts these otherwise stock Hondas. The person who was posting the information on Honda engines is a person from Honda.

 

[Sticky]

Central Maine Diesel Inc. (“CMD”) is not affiliated with, sponsored by or otherwise associated with American Honda Motor Company, Inc. (“American Honda”). We purchase generators with genuine Honda® engines and modify them with CMD’s Triple Fuel System to operate on LP Gas, Natural Gas and Gasoline. CMD’s Triple Fuel System is not approved by American Honda. Honda® is a registered trademark of American Honda.

Careful: I was just reading on a generator forum that the Honda engines suffer from exhaust valve failure when converted to triple fuel -- note that the above company converts these otherwise stock Hondas. The person who was posting the information on Honda engines is a person from Honda.

Would you mind posting a link? Thanks

 

[Hogan646]

Would you mind posting a link? Thanks

Yes, a link would be very helpful. Thanks.

 

[olytdi]

**** -- I'll try to find it....

 

[olytdi]

Okay:

Here

http://www.powerequipmentforum.com/forum/9-generator-forum/502-howdy-all-question-re-es6800-honda-propane.html

and Here

http://www.powerequipmentforum.com/forum/9-generator-forum/533-natural-gas-conversion.html


I remember reading posts that were more difinitive with the verdict of burning valves but these posts mention the possibility....

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I found THIS DISCUSSION on an Airstream forum about using propane conversions, and basically the fist of the thing about valve problems is something the dealer invented (that is what I get out of it, they don't say that, but its the "dealers" telling people that you will have valve problems) Engines have been run for years on propane and NG and I don't know of any problems. With either one, esp NG, you just about never need to change the oil or spark plugs. Alot of city buses run on CNG (they recharge the tanks at night) and have no maintenance problems. I have a friend with a '53 8N Ford tractor that belonged to his wife's father. He bought the tractor new and had the conversion done when it was new. Always run on propane, and never a problem.

Charles

 

[lessersivad]

I'm looking at a unit from them also, while we didn't loose power with this storm here in MI we loose it on average 4-6 times a year.

I like the simplicity of their units, I plan to purchase a larger unit set up for LP / NG only. Saves a little on the carb set up and you can use a 20lb (grill sized cylinder) for portable use of the generator. Nice thing about LP, is the fuel won't go bad if stored for a long time like gasoline will.

I agree with you about the propane and storage. My "home brewed", semi-portable 15 kw unit is propane fueled and I have stored the fuel for a couple of years and no problems.

 

[lessersivad]

Okay:

Here

http://www.powerequipmentforum.com/forum/9-generator-forum/502-howdy-all-question-re-es6800-honda-propane.html

and Here

http://www.powerequipmentforum.com/forum/9-generator-forum/533-natural-gas-conversion.html




I remember reading posts that were more difinitive with the verdict of burning valves but these posts mention the possibility....

Umm, yea...I have to call "BS" on the burnt valves because "propane burns hotter" statements...LOL.

http://www.afdc.energy.gov/pdfs/afv_info.pdf

According to the above link propane has approx. 77% of the btu's of gasoline.

Now I'm no expert but I do know when I worked for a local propane company back in the 1980's we converted a lot of vehicles to run on propane or dual fuel gasoline/propane.

On the straight propane conversions standard procedure involved 2 steps colder on the plugs and advancing the timing an additional 4°-8°.

Maybe the reason the "Honda expert" THINKS propane burns hotter is because the valves had evidence of heat damage due to the fact the propane was still burning during the exhaust stroke.

Propane burns SLOWER than gasoline and without advancing the timing the flame could possibly still be burning while on the exhaust stroke.

Golly, maybe I should go check my exhaust valves on my "home brewed" generator! I hope the warranty isn't void and null.

The Ford Ranger the propane carbed 2.3 liter came out of only had 134,*** miles on it when I built the genny set soon after the east coast blackout of 2003 which also effected Michigan.

 

[commishmi]

I purchased a Honda EU6500is tri-fuel generator from Central Maine Diesel. The directions were minimal. I was sold an hour meter; when I received the unit, I learned that it was totally unnecessary, as the unit has a built in hour meter.

I have been unable to get the unit to start up consistently on propane. I have talked to the staff, checked the propane pressure, re-adjusted the load block 100+ times. The unit will start perfectly fine; then the next morning, it will not start. Still talking to Central Maine techies for support.

For the rather significant cost of the Honda, I am not at all satisfied.

 

[cj8lvr]

Hogan646...did you buy that generator for CMD?
Reason I ask, I saw that same unit (sans the tri-fuel kit) at my local Sam's club. Bought it, mailed CMD my carb and got it back modified with their kit to bolt back on to my Sam's Club generator. Probably saved about $300 off of their price for the whole thing. Haven't hooked it all up yet as I just got my natural gas line plumbed to my shed today and still have power to run back into the house. Just found this thread and found it interesting you were looking at the same unit as I was.

 

[txst]

Be careful with generators converted by a third party. I agree with everyone saying just because you run an engine on either natural gas or propane doesn't mean you will have valve problems, but if it is running lean, you will.

From the information provided, Central main Diesel has no affiliation with Honda. What that means is that they take a product that has been tuned by the largest engine company in the world with a reputation for reliability, and they change it. That doesn't mean that it is junk, just that it didn't go through the same product design validation that Honda conducts. You will take your chances on it. Manufacturers of small engines have some pretty strict emissions testing requirements (including degradation testing and periodic Product Life Testing that must be submitted to the EPA), along with some sophisticated labs. These 3rd party companies do not necessarily follow the same processes.

Anyone can put a regulator on a gasoline engine and make it run on LP or natural gas - they are hydrocarbons just like gasoline. How well it starts, the power it produces and the reliability depends on how well it was tuned.