A friend wants to convert his Seaward three burner natural gas stove to propane. Does anyone know a source for replacement jets or what the jet hole diameter is for propane?
Converting from Natural Gas to Propane
- Thread starter Dick Dixon
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Make sure...
you have the model #, 3132 gimbal or 3332 built in, and the serial # that is on the left I believe under the stovetop and call the factory at 562-699-7997. They sell a kit that will have all the pieces you need for approx. $120. Your local appliance guy won't have a clue!
you have the model #, 3132 gimbal or 3332 built in, and the serial # that is on the left I believe under the stovetop and call the factory at 562-699-7997. They sell a kit that will have all the pieces you need for approx. $120. Your local appliance guy won't have a clue!
How much!!!!?
That's a lot of change for some jets. I just installed a standby home generator. The change over was included. One jet. Like on a Holley carb. About a buck. Nothing to it. If it's plumbed for NG, a simple jet change will do it. I changed my house appliances 10 years ago when we built. Everything comes setup for NG. Just change the jets to LP and you're good to go. Did I mention easy and cheap?
That's a lot of change for some jets. I just installed a standby home generator. The change over was included. One jet. Like on a Holley carb. About a buck. Nothing to it. If it's plumbed for NG, a simple jet change will do it. I changed my house appliances 10 years ago when we built. Everything comes setup for NG. Just change the jets to LP and you're good to go. Did I mention easy and cheap?
The Difference Is...
that you're not dealing with NG you're dealing with CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Natural Gas runs at about 4 inches of WC which is less than a pound of pressure and CNG runs more than 100 PSI!. The CNG runs significantly higher pressure than does LP which is approx 11 inches WC. You not only need to change the jets but the regulator / thermocouple. It's a fairly easy change but the ONLY place that has the right parts is Seaward. There's a big difference between CNG and NG so don't attempt this without the right parts. I did it four years ago and I think the kit was somwhere around $100.00....
that you're not dealing with NG you're dealing with CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). Natural Gas runs at about 4 inches of WC which is less than a pound of pressure and CNG runs more than 100 PSI!. The CNG runs significantly higher pressure than does LP which is approx 11 inches WC. You not only need to change the jets but the regulator / thermocouple. It's a fairly easy change but the ONLY place that has the right parts is Seaward. There's a big difference between CNG and NG so don't attempt this without the right parts. I did it four years ago and I think the kit was somwhere around $100.00....
Just a question
don't the CNG systems have a pressure reducer/regulator at the tank? There by making the appliances the same or similuar to household units (as far as gas pressures). Wouldn't it be silly to run high pressure gas though the boat? Don't shoot me I'm just asking. Dwain
don't the CNG systems have a pressure reducer/regulator at the tank? There by making the appliances the same or similuar to household units (as far as gas pressures). Wouldn't it be silly to run high pressure gas though the boat? Don't shoot me I'm just asking. Dwain
Yes!!! Nobody in his right
mind would bring high pressure gas to an appliance. In an earlier post I said to go to an appliance store and talk to the parts man, he'll fix you right up. Of course you have to change the regulator, among other things the tank connections are different. But the jets are all standardized and a parts man can supply the right size jets for converting from natural gas to LPG or back. Most kitchen stoves are sold with two sets of jets for Natural gas and Propane and the installer matches the jets to the fuel. The pipes that bring the fuel to the stove from the source don't care what kind of gas you use. Propane contains more heat per unit volume than natural gas so the orifice is smaller in a LPG burner than in a Natural Gas burner.
mind would bring high pressure gas to an appliance. In an earlier post I said to go to an appliance store and talk to the parts man, he'll fix you right up. Of course you have to change the regulator, among other things the tank connections are different. But the jets are all standardized and a parts man can supply the right size jets for converting from natural gas to LPG or back. Most kitchen stoves are sold with two sets of jets for Natural gas and Propane and the installer matches the jets to the fuel. The pipes that bring the fuel to the stove from the source don't care what kind of gas you use. Propane contains more heat per unit volume than natural gas so the orifice is smaller in a LPG burner than in a Natural Gas burner.
Yes The Fuel In The Hose Is Low Pressure..
and I tried to go to my local appliance store for the right orifice and pilot jet but the guy would not touch it with a ten foot pole! He said he would have no way of knowing the proper jet/orifice for my stove. The picture below shows the part that is needed on top of the jets/ & pilot orifice. Some of the newer Sewards have the switch that will go from NAT to LP but mine (circa 1987) did not so I had to buy the $100.00 kit.
and I tried to go to my local appliance store for the right orifice and pilot jet but the guy would not touch it with a ten foot pole! He said he would have no way of knowing the proper jet/orifice for my stove. The picture below shows the part that is needed on top of the jets/ & pilot orifice. Some of the newer Sewards have the switch that will go from NAT to LP but mine (circa 1987) did not so I had to buy the $100.00 kit.
CNG/LPG
Seaward will have the info needed. Keep in mind that there are certain MINIMUM standards for LPG in boats and these are different from those for CNG. The reason being LPG is heavier than air and will accumulate in the bilge if there is aleak while CNG will rise if there is a leak. Get the ABYC standard for LPG installations. Tell your friend do not try to install LPG tanks in the same place as the CNG tank as these are likely in the cabin somewhere. If he does put LPG in the cabin tell him to have preplanned funeral arrqangements in place.
Seaward will have the info needed. Keep in mind that there are certain MINIMUM standards for LPG in boats and these are different from those for CNG. The reason being LPG is heavier than air and will accumulate in the bilge if there is aleak while CNG will rise if there is a leak. Get the ABYC standard for LPG installations. Tell your friend do not try to install LPG tanks in the same place as the CNG tank as these are likely in the cabin somewhere. If he does put LPG in the cabin tell him to have preplanned funeral arrqangements in place.
How many tanks of CNG does he go through a year?
Depending on how many, it just may be easier + safer to just stay with CNG. Or, buy a second tank.
Depending on how many, it just may be easier + safer to just stay with CNG. Or, buy a second tank.
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