Propane Log Splitter conversion

5297 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by diamondlfarm, Jun 11, 2009

diamondlfarm

Discussion Starter · Jun 10, 2009

I went out to split some wood last weekend with the log splitter. As I was filling the gas tank I heard an unusual sound. I looked down and there was gas pouring on my feet. While I have been waiting for a new gas tank I bought on Ebay, I decided to play with some propane. Engine is an 8 hp Briggs. Pictures below.

While this looks a little hokie, it worked perfectly. Takes a little extra effort to balance the engine throttle and the gas valve. It has run for at least an hour and I did not run out of gas in the little tank. In the near future I am going to make something more sturdy out of copper or brass.

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mr electrak

· #2 · Jun 10, 2009

A little scary without a gas regulator...:hide: ....But Uncle Rube would be proud !

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Tractor-Holic

· #3 · Jun 11, 2009

Are you using the orifice from the propane torch too,or just a hose slipped over the tube that holds it with it removed?..neat setup,a home brew vaporizer!..I've read how to use propane on Walbro carbs easily on the www.theepicenter.com site before..seems to me I remember Briggs having some LP gas engines factory that used a Flo-Jet carb,modified with a regulator..

Wonder how long it would run on a 20 lb gas grill LP tank and the regulator from one?..

My last eperiment with propane was scary--tried using a propane torch (un-lit!) to help get my old continental 4 banger fired up after sitting too long unused,by putting it in the carb throat ,kinda like starting fluid..it just spun over for a long time,then suddenly a huge WHOOF and BIG flame came out of the exhaust manifold,and my eyebrows were almost history!..decided to call it a day,and try another method to get it to start some other day!..

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1086

· #4 · Jun 11, 2009

diamondlfarm said:
I went out to split some wood last weekend with the log splitter. As I was filling the gas tank I heard an unusual sound. I looked down and there was gas pouring on my feet. While I have been waiting for a new gas tank I bought on Ebay, I decided to play with some propane. Engine is an 8 hp Briggs. Pictures below.

While this looks a little hokie, it worked perfectly. Takes a little extra effort to balance the engine throttle and the gas valve. It has run for at least an hour and I did not run out of gas in the little tank. In the near future I am going to make something more sturdy out of copper or brass.

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Forget the copper or brass. You're plastic intake manifold is right on target with today's manufacturing. But for gosh sake get some duck tape. That piece of lumber isn't electrical.:sidelaugh

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Lone_Wolf

· #5 · Jun 11, 2009

thats cool but another good thing is that with propane you can let it sit for a year and and it will start just like when you put it away

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diamondlfarm

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jun 11, 2009

Tractor-Holic said:
Are you using the orifice from the propane torch too,or just a hose slipped over the tube that holds it with it removed?..neat setup,a home brew vaporizer!..I've read how to use propane on Walbro carbs easily on the www.theepicenter.com site before..seems to me I remember Briggs having some LP gas engines factory that used a Flo-Jet carb,modified with a regulator..

Wonder how long it would run on a 20 lb gas grill LP tank and the regulator from one?..

My last eperiment with propane was scary--tried using a propane torch (un-lit!) to help get my old continental 4 banger fired up after sitting too long unused,by putting it in the carb throat ,kinda like starting fluid..it just spun over for a long time,then suddenly a huge WHOOF and BIG flame came out of the exhaust manifold,and my eyebrows were almost history!..decided to call it a day,and try another method to get it to start some other day!..

I removed the orifice and found a leftover length of fuel line on the shelf in the garage that fit over snugly. I have since tried it on a neighbor's honda walkbehind lawn mower with very similar results - ran perfectly.

I will be switching over to a 20lb tank with a regulator and a more secure mount in the near future.

I did have a one problem with a backfire. I had left the propane on too long between attempts to start. A backfire of flame blew the cap off the horizontal branch. I intentionally left it all unglued. I wish I had video of that.

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Propane Log Splitter conversion

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