Checking Gas Pressure

[Jim Gorter]

Hello to all. On setting up a Oilfield engine to run on Propane, how do you check the pressure on the inlet valve to make sure you dont flood the engine. are there guages that measure the small pressure needed for proper operation( 8 to 11 oz.) Thanks, Jim.

[RHudson]

i would probably go for a "U" tube manometer. get some cleal "plastic" tubeing, connect to a measureing point. shape the tube into a tall U that is atleast 24 inches tall, put a little water in the tube, let it seek its own level. the pressure will force the water to rise on on side of the tube, the difference in water levels measured in inches will be pressure measured in inches water. sure there are plans and examples on the net.

[Jim Gorter]

RHudson, Thanks for the reply. What diameter of clear hose is best for the manometer? I will search on the internet for instructions. thanks Jim.

[RHudson]

The diameter makes no difference for what you are doing,,,i would just get what ever is easiest and most convienent. try checking grainger supply, they used to sell u tubes for air conditioning people, now they use a gauge made by a company calleg magnihelic or something close to that.

[John Newman, Jr.]

I have a gauge that I never knew what it was for until I started reading about propane fired engines here. It is 2-1/2" dia. and was made by USG. Looks like it would be perfect for setting a regulator for a propane set-up.

[Greg Downard]

Most small fixed regulators are set for under 12 oz. ( Gas Grills, Campers, House regulators) Have your propane dealer check and set yours to 11 oz. If you only have 11 oz coming into your system then you know your engine is not getting more than that. Use a direct hookup (before the regulator) to the tube burner and control it with a needel valve.

[Jim Gorter]

Thanks to all. Will the small regulators I see for BBQ use provide the volume to run a 15 hp Reid? What size of pipe for gas inlet will supply the volume needed? thanks for the help, Jim.

[Greg Downard]

Yes Jim, I know several guys using them. I am using one that Russel Farmer and his brother recomended and that is one off a single tank small camper. A little bigger than a gas grill one. The smaller the regulator the faster they will frost up on hot days. I have run mine for 10 hours straight, 80 degrees outside temp, No problems!

[Jim Gorter]

Thanks Greg, I have a man at the local propane dealer looking for a regulator to do the trick. Thanks Jim.

[Chuck Martin]

A good source for cheap gas regulators is off of old cafeteria equipment.
You can get them for almost nothing, and they are plenty big enough.