by US Carburetion Inc.

"The National Yamaha Hybrid Fuel Center"

Frequently Asked Question's

See also Fuel Consumption , Generator Sizing and Gas Pipe Sizing Chart

Is there any power loss when operating on alternative fuels?

No, we have never had a single unit show a loss of power on alternate fuel.  Though lower gallon-to-gallon in BTU content, sometimes they perform even better than running on gasoline (see also fuel consumption).  The engine regulator we install has an external fuel mixture adjuster that can be turned with your fingers and can be fine-tuned to your elevation and to the fuel supply connected.  That's why we include the Engine Hour/Tachometer Meter with every generator.  You can watch the engine rpm output while turning the mixture adjuster for peak performance and high efficiency.  This allows full control over the fuel mixture no matter what elevation.  Unlike operating on gasoline where the carburetor is a fixed jet and it can not be adjusted only replaced. This is a big advantage that allows the engine to be reset at anytime.  Engines would not use the same fuel mixture in different areas especially as diverse as say Florida would be to Colorado.   Unlike gasoline, setting the mixture lean on alternative fuel is cool running, clean burning and efficient.

Can I take the generator to any Yamaha Warranty Center for repairs if necessary?

There is no problem with warranty which also includes the extended warranty.  Under Yamaha's warranty program the generator can be taken to any Yamaha Factory Service Center nationwide if repairs are ever needed.  You can have your local dealer or one located in the area that you may be traveling or camping to service your generator.

What is the fuel consumption of the generators on propane or natural gas?

This is the top question.  The simplest answer is that the generators typically use about the same amount of propane(92,000 btu) as they do gasoline; gallon to gallon.  For natural gas one therm (100,000 btu) is about one gallon of gasoline (110,000 btu).  The biggest mistake most "experts" make in opinionating that a propane or natural gas generator will lose power is based solely on these figures and not on any data they personally have.  When figuring power output of any fuel, the size of the engine has to be a significant factor of the equation.  For instance, comparing a vehicle with a V8 engine to a generator with an 11hp generator attached can not be calculated the same.  This topic is covered in detail on the Fuel Consumption page.  Use the link on the left side of the page to access this further information.

How do I swap from one fuel to the other?

To change from gasoline to propane you would simply turn off the gasoline valve on the control panel (or the petcock under the gasoline tank) and then turn on the propane cylinder or valve to the natural gas line.  There would be no parts to change or alter once it is installed.  To go back to gasoline, turn off the propane or natural gas and as the engine is fading out turn on the gasoline valve and the engine will pick back up and run on gasoline.  Of course the process can be preformed by allowing the engine to run out of one fuel and then started later on another.

To switch from propane to natural gas of vice-versa there is a small fine-tuning of the mixture screw that takes less than one minute to adjust.

How do I decide what size generator to invest in?

The number one mistake is guessing.  Do your homework!  Look at the actual equipment label of the items you will be powering up and add up the wattage ( volts x amps = watts).  However, if you just want a basic idea of the size needed Yamaha offers a generator sizing chart that is very helpful and we have added this page to our site.  Use the link on the left side of the page to access the page.

Do I have to pay sales tax?

Many times customers would like to come to the conversion center to pick up their generator.  That is no problem at all but please let us know when you are coming.  Also, please keep in mind that we are required to collect state sales tax of 6% even if you are a resident of another sate.   However, we only collect sales tax for generators delivered to or picked up here in West Virginia.  We are not required to collect state sales tax for any other state.  For more information please consult your accountant about tax liabilities.

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