Lehr propane outbourds

[bobtigar]

Propane engines are of the 4 stroke variety. Makes me think that a small 2 stroke engine can't be converted. A 4 stroke with crankcase oil is a different animal and easily converted. many cars in Cuba run on both just by changing the carburetor.

2-stroke cant be converted because there would be nothing to lubricate-no oil in the fuel.

The advantages of this engine are that they are greener than 2 or 4 stroke gasoline.
The disadvantages are numerous:
Availability of propane.
Fuel cost-if you're near a home depot or walmat its about the same. If you have to purchase from a ships store, considerably more.
Service work and warranty work? Currently there is not a dealer network.
Initial cost-they are as much, or more than a new 4-stroke-prob not discounted.


A 2 or 4 stroke, even if used rarely, can be easily maintained. Electrical systems are very reliable in engines built after 1995. If it doesnt start, it probably is a fuel problem-clogged filter, clogged carb, loose fuel connection or empty tank. A can of carb cleaner, a spare spark plug, some simple tools and some starting fluid is about all you need. Bob

 

[Bill Roosa]

bobtigar
that is only true of 2-cycle's that mix the oil and gas. A direct injection 2 cycle (has a tank for the oil) inject based on the engine speed and power levels and do not depend on having the gas carry the oil to the cylinders.

 

[Bill Roosa]

Gary H
try using longer oars. Kinda like having a higher gear on your car.

 

[Benny17441]

I think he might intend it for a dinghy so using a 20 lb propane tank might be a little extreme.

 

[thinwater]

I often go marsh exploring, burning through 3-5 pounds of gasoline and keeping a few in reserve. So I'd have to carry 8 one-pound bottles. On a 3-week criuse I might go through 20 pounds of gasoline, so I'd need to carry 30 bottles?

Not practical for me. I guess I get along just fine with e10.

 

[robertsapp]

I often go marsh exploring, burning through 3-5 pounds of gasoline and keeping a few in reserve. So I'd have to carry 8 one-pound bottles. On a 3-week criuse I might go through 20 pounds of gasoline, so I'd need to carry 30 bottles?

Not practical for me. I guess I get along just fine with e10.

Or you could just use one of the composite 5 gallon propane tanks. Rust and maintenance free and they're translucent so that you can see the propane level to see how much you have left. You're probably using a 3.5 gallon gas tank now, and it takes up about the same amount of room, but without the spill potential.

 

[robertsapp]

I don't know what it is BUT it is NOT a Tohatsu

I would like one also BUT none of the propane converted gensets have OEM factory support and they all chosen NOT to build smaller units despite consumer demand

Well, try these people. And they have all the smaller inverter units.

http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/

They say this on their website:
Because we are a true Yamaha dealer, all of our alternative fueled generators come with the full Yamaha three year factory warranty* and nationwide service. An extended warranty is also available.

 

[thinwater]

Or you could just use one of the composite 5 gallon propane tanks. Rust and maintenance free and they're translucent so that you can see the propane level to see how much you have left. You're probably using a 3.5 gallon gas tank now, and it takes up about the same amount of room, but without the spill potential.

Actually, 10 pounds would be closer to the numbers I mentioned. Not too cheap and would need to be secured to protect the valve. No, not as easy to deal with as a 1-gallon tank, which slides easily under the seat.

Hey, I'm not saying you can't use propane. Many forklifts do. But if both were equal in price (and all-in, the propane sounds to be both more expensive to buy and to operate) I would take gasoline every time. The only up-side seems to be e10 and operation, and I'm just not having troubles. I also deal with propane (including propane forklifts) and find it to be more trouble. Storing bottles. Leaking valves. Failed regulators. Getting bottles filled. I've seen 2 people go the the ER; one with serious cold burns, the other with fire burns. Propane engines are neither new nor are the negatives hypothetical. No thanks.

Not a lot of propane cars, huh?