To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Propane genny and corrosion

B

bluedog225

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Messages
3,303
Location
Texas
I was noodling around on the Internet sometime last week and I ran across a comment that said something like “I’m well aware of the corrosion issues using propane. I change the oil frequently.”

That got me thinking. I’ve got no idea what they were talking about.

Is there some issue with propane and generators and corrosion?

Please read me in.

Thanks
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
W

WildBill

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Aug 20, 2021
Messages
2,027
Location
PNW
I've never seen or heard of an issue but know it can form nitric acid in the exhaust and in theory corrode the muffler faster. Maybe that can also get in the oil and cause internal corrosion. But oil stays much cleaner looking and so do the plugs, valves, etc. on my propane equipment compared to gasoline.
 
D

djbmw

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
1,161
Location
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
bluedog225 said:
I was noodling around on the Internet sometime last week and I ran across a comment that said something like “I’m well aware of the corrosion issues using propane. I change the oil frequently.”

That got me thinking. I’ve got no idea what they were talking about.

Is there some issue with propane and generators and corrosion?

Please read me in.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Sounds like that guy had no idea what he was talking about... or was sniffing too much propane
 
W

Wrench97

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Messages
12,145
Location
Southeastern Pa
I worked on propane forklifts for many years, the oil will actually get thicker with use since their is no fuel dilution if the change interval is let to go too long, that said it still a longer interval then if you used gas or diesel.
Propane does produce more water vapor then NG, Gas or Diesel in the exhaust.
 
R

rlitman

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 18, 2010
Messages
24,649
Location
Long Island
The Cobbler said:
propane burns very clean, so oil should actually last longer. I do think the exhaust is more corrosive than with natural gas tho.
Click to expand...
Is propane worse than NG? I would think propane makes less water and probably less NOx too. Propane certainly makes more power than NG.

The only issue I'm aware of with carburated tri-fuel gasoline engines being switched off of gasoline is intake valve sticking, due to lack of gasoline aerosol available to clean and lubricate them. The reduced carbon in the combustion output keeps the oil cleaner and reduces wear quite a bit.
 
OP
B

bluedog225

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Messages
3,303
Location
Texas
I’m a little troubled by the idea that someone might’ve posted something on the Internet that was incorrect. 😂

Thanks all. I’ll put this on the list of things. I don’t have to worry about.
 
O

olytdi

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2011
Messages
2,202
Location
Olympia, Washington
I run propane in my Honda EU6500is and change the oil every 100 hrs. The oil is unusually clean when I do. Probably could double the interval...I've noticed no corrosion anywhere including at the input plumbing and exhaust/spark arrestor.
 
F

Firebrick43

Well-known member
Joined
May 12, 2015
Messages
14,154
Location
West central Indiana
So the generators are the same if they run on NG or propane. The only change is some jets and regulator adjustments.

Propane is much cleaner than NG and not corrosive at all compared to NG.

***SOME*** NG is mildly corrosive which is why copper is typically forbidden in NG systems where there is 0.3 grains of hydrogen sulfide per 100 cuft of gas or more.

I am guessing that is the issues that you have seen commented about and someone mistakenly referred to NG as propane.

The main issue with propane in engines is valve seat erosion with cast iron seats.

Hardened seats have been in common use for 50 plus years now. I can’t recall a recent engine that didn’t have them.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
R

rockinacummins

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Messages
1,707
Location
Wapanucka, OK
Never heard of propane being corrosive. I have tanks from the 40's that are still being used with no issue.
I currently have 3 propane vehicles (lots more at the family ranch) with my oldest being a 1962 John Deere 4010. It's never ran on anything but propane and doesn't have any corrosion on the intake or exhaust components. I've heard "mechanics" say that propane will "dry out" internal engine components, specifically seals, but I'd say my 62 year old tractor is evidence to the contrary.
 
W

Wrench97

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Messages
12,145
Location
Southeastern Pa
rockinacummins said:
Never heard of propane being corrosive. I have tanks from the 40's that are still being used with no issue.
I currently have 3 propane vehicles (lots more at the family ranch) with my oldest being a 1962 John Deere 4010. It's never ran on anything but propane and doesn't have any corrosion on the intake or exhaust components. I've heard "mechanics" say that propane will "dry out" internal engine components, specifically seals, but I'd say my 62 year old tractor is evidence to the contrary.
Click to expand...

The exhaust after burning is corrosive because of the moisture created in the combustion process.
 
S

Sturgeon

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 9, 2021
Messages
274
Location
W. Mt.
Interesting read, just purchased gas/propane generator. Keep reading how oil stays so clean with propane being used. That in it self speaks volumes to me.
 
R

rockinacummins

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 27, 2013
Messages
1,707
Location
Wapanucka, OK
Wrench97 said:
The exhaust after burning is corrosive because of the moisture created in the combustion process.
Click to expand...
I can’t imagine it’s any worse than any other fuel, diesel is certainly pretty corrosive (I assume because of the nitrates). But none of my propane vehicles have any rusted out exhaust components
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom