Best LPG Conversion Kit for Generators: A Practical Guide for Home and Workshop Use
Choosing the right LPG conversion kit for a generator depends on your generator model, fuel needs, and how you plan to use the unit. This article highlights five reliable options tailored for common 2–5 kW to around 459 cc engines, explaining who each kit is best for and why. Whether you’re preparing for emergencies or seeking quieter, cleaner operation, these kits convert gasoline generators to run on propane, natural gas, or a dual-fuel setup. A quick summary table follows to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| YAMAKATO 389cc/420cc Tri Dual Fuel Kit | Large displacement generators, OEM-style install | Wide compatibility, dual or tri-fuel operation |
| YAMAKATO Dual Tri Fuel Carburetor Kit | Mid-range generators, easy swap | Tri-fuel capability, OEM quality |
| Grenergy EU2200i Tri-Fuel Kit | Honda EU series and similar inverter gens | Out-of-box propane readiness, no carb mod |
| KELKONG GX390 LPG/NG Kit | Predator Honda GX390-based engines | Clear safety design, multiple OEM matchups |
| AUTOKAY Dual Fuel Carburetor Kit | GX390 4.5–5.5 kW class | Gasoline-to-gas alternate fuel, reliable output |
YAMAKATO 389cc/420cc Tri Dual Fuel Kit
Reference features: A Tri fuel or dual fuel manual carb kit designed for Huayi P27-3DL Honda clones and GX270/340/390-class engines, with displacement options from 301 cc to 459 cc. It supports gasoline conversion to natural gas LPG, LNG, or CNG and includes non-asbestos mounting gaskets. The kit is positioned as OEM-standard for multiple Generac, Firman, Champion, and other popular generator models.
Best for: Generators in the 301–459 cc range that need reliable, OEM-style conversion with broad compatibility. This kit is suitable for owners who want flexibility to switch between gasoline and gas fuels without major carburetor modifications.
Why selected: It offers extensive compatibility with a wide array of engine families and reputable brands, making it a versatile option for varied projects. A potential limitation is the complexity of installation on some OEMs; ensure engine displacement and mounting compatibility before purchase.
Caution/limitation: Confirm the kit includes the specific mounting gaskets for your generator model to avoid gasket mismatches during installation.
YAMAKATO Dual Tri Fuel Carburetor Kit for Predator and Honda GX
Reference features: A carb kit designed for Honda GX160/ GX200 displacements and larger clones (196–224 cc) with tri-fuel capability. This kit is also listed for various Generac, Ai Power, Ironton, and Champion models, including 3000–4000+ series. The kit includes non-asbestos mounting gaskets and is described as OEM quality for reliable conversion to LPG-CNG or gasoline.
Best for: Smaller to mid-size inverter and portable generators that use Honda or GX-series engines, needing a straightforward tri-fuel conversion. This option is well-suited for users who want to preserve original carburetor behavior while enabling gas use.
Why selected: It provides a practical path for owners of common Honda/GX engines to switch to gas fuels without major mechanical changes. A caution is that some models listed are older or clone engines; verify exact model compatibility before buying.
Caution/limitation: Only select this kit if your generator model appears in the supported list; otherwise, installation may require additional adaptations.
Grenergy EU2200i Propane, Natural Gas & Gasoline Kit
Reference features: A 100% complete tri-fuel kit designed for Honda EU2200i inverter generators. The kit comes preset to run on propane out of the box, with no need to modify the factory carburetor. It supports alternative fuel use during emergencies and claims to make long-term storage easier by avoiding carburetor gumming.
Best for: Honda EU2200i and similar inverter generators where users want an easy, ready-to-use propane option with minimal carburetor intervention.
Why selected: It emphasizes convenience and reliability, key for emergency prep and long-term storage. A limitation is that the kit is optimized for specific inverter models, so confirm compatibility with your exact generator before purchasing.
Caution/limitation: If you own a non-EU2200i model, ensure the kit is compatible with your generator’s carburetor and mounting points.
TreasureCave Dual Fuel Kit For Petrol Generators
Reference features: A dual fuel conversion kit designed for petrol generators with 2–5 kW output. The kit enables propane/LPG or CNG methane alongside gasoline without altering the original system beyond the conversion components. It includes a zero-pressure regulator and a gas carburetor for stable gas pressure and safe operation. Generator output remains essentially unchanged, dependent on overall unit quality.
Best for: Lightly powered generators where users want flexible fuel options and a straightforward installation that minimizes changes to the engine’s behavior.
Why selected: The zero-pressure regulator adds a safety and stability benefit for fluid gas supply. A caution is that performance depends on the generator’s baseline condition and the quality of the donor components.
Caution/limitation: Check the regulator’s compatibility with your gas line and ensure safe shutoff when the unit stops to avoid gas leakage.
KELKONG GX390 LPG/NG Kit
Reference features: A dual-fuel carburetor kit for Honda GX390/ GX340/ GX270-engine displacements and for a range of Generac and other large gens. It emphasizes a robust structural design to maintain safety during operation and includes compatibility with several popular generator families, including XT-series and WH-series.
Best for: Generators in the GX390 class and related engine families, especially when a safe, well-structured carburetor solution is desired for LPG/NG use.
Why selected: The kit’s broad engine compatibility improves chances of a successful retrofit for many models. A caution is to verify that your exact generator model is listed in the supported range before purchase.
Caution/limitation: Ensure correct mounting alignment and gaskets to avoid air leaks or fuel supply issues after conversion.
AUTOKAY Dual Fuel Carburetor Kit For GX390
Reference features: A dual fuel carburetor kit for 4.5–5.5 kW class GX390 engines, featuring a 188F carburetor, air filter, and spacer insulator. Rated outputs indicate suitability for mid-range portable generators. The kit translates to practical dual-fuel use while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency.
Best for: GX390-powered portable generators where a balanced approach to dual-fuel operation is desired, with a focus on maintaining similar output under gas fueling.
Why selected: Provides a straightforward install path for users with GX390 engines who want to switch between gasoline and LPG/CNG. A caution is that output claims depend on generator health and the gas quality used.
Caution/limitation: Confirm the kit includes the necessary air filter and spacer components for your exact model to avoid installation gaps.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For LPG Conversion Kits
- Engine compatibility: Check displacement (cc), ignition type, and whether the kit supports clone engines or only original manufacturer engines.
- Fuel options: Decide between propane (LPG), natural gas (CNG), or a true dual/tri-fuel setup based on availability and storage needs at your location.
- Carburetor modifications: Determine if the kit requires carburetor replacement or simply an external gas kit; consider ease of installation and whether professional help is advisable.
- Safety features: Look for pressure regulators, shutoff mechanisms, and clear instructions for safe operation and storage of gas.
- Gasket and mounting compatibility: Ensure the kit includes correct gaskets and mounting hardware for your generator model to prevent leaks and misalignment.
- Long-term maintenance: Consider gumming prevention, ease of carburetor cleaning, and how the gas supply affects long-term storage of the generator.
- Installation scope: Assess whether the kit supports your desired fuel type across all generator operating modes or requires partial substitutions.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main benefit of a tri-fuel kit? Answer: It enables operation on multiple fuels (gasoline, LPG, and CNG), providing flexibility during fuel shortages or emergencies.
- Can I install a dual-fuel kit on any generator? Answer: Not always; verify engine displacement, mounting points, and carburetor compatibility with your model.
- Do these kits require professional installation? Answer: It depends on your mechanical skills and the generator model; some kits are designed for DIY installs, others benefit from professional assistance.
- Is propane storage safe for generator use? Answer: Propane is generally easy to store and stable, but follow all safety guidelines for gas storage and ventilation when operating the generator.
- Will a gas conversion affect generator output? Answer: In many cases, fuel type does not significantly change output if the conversion is properly matched to the engine and maintained.
- What maintenance is needed after conversion? Answer: Regular checks for gas pressure stability, carburetor cleanliness, and seals; replace worn gaskets as needed.