i want to purchase a cummings onan generator which is currently being powered by natural gas. i plan to use this generator outside the country and with diesel. how can i convert it to work with diesel? the model number is XXXXX pls help thanks.
Hello, this generator is not capable of running off diesel fuel. The diesel cycle requires a fuel to air ratio of anywhere from 25:1 to 40:1. That particular generator can only generate about a 10:1 compression ratio, which is similar to a gasoline engine. If I'm not mistaken that generator has the Ford V6. You can buy a carburetor and get it to run on gasoline but diesel is out of the question. Please let me know if you have any other questions and thank you for using Just Answer.
hello thanks for the help. what is the advantage or disadvantage of using diesel over gasoline or vice-versa? And where can i get a carburetor? is this an easy process?
Diesels have a lot of advantages. They do not require an electrical system so if you provide a snorkel they can run submerged in water. They are built heavier to withstand pressures so they last forever as long as you maintain them. The diesel cycle is more efficient from a thermodynamic standpoint so they get better fuel economy. They produce more torque at a lower rpm.
Disadvantage is that they do not produce the same horsepower as a gas engine of the same size. They are also heavier, the exhaust is slightly dirtier, and they are more expensive.
You can find a carburetor at any parts store. If you put that generator in the back of your truck and drive down to autozone, advance auto parts, o'reilly, etc. They will be able to find you a carburetor and adapter plate for your intake manifold. The worst case scenario is that you'll have to replace the intake manifold to one that is designed for gasoline use.
Experience: Mechanical Engineering