[Exlonghorn]

I just bought a brand new XP13000HXT generator from Duromax. It is easily able to start up on gasoline or propane, but will not start using natural gas. I’ve already checked the gas line pressure and the ability to support the 225,000 BTUs for this generator, and I’m using the correctly sized gas line supplied by Duromax, along with the Duromax fittings. Some pretty exhaustive Google searches have turned up nothing… Apparently nobody has this problem? Here’s one for the problem solvers! I will try contacting Duromax during their normal business hours.

Here’s a video giving all the details so you can see the setup, etc.

Video

 

[GenKnot]

Try setting half choke.

 

[Exlonghorn]

Try setting half choke.

I’ll attempt that. It’s an automatic choke control so that complicates things a bit.

 

[GenKnot]

Okay, I didn't look up the gen because I'm watching football. Anyway, that usually works when they'll start on propane but struggle on natural gas. Maybe your natural gas line needs to be purged a little more.

 

[GenKnot]

The game's over now and I watched your video. After watching it, I'm wondering if you have low natural gas pressure. Hmm..

 

[Exlonghorn]

The game's over now and I watched your video. After watching it, I'm wondering if you have low natural gas pressure. Hmm..

Thanks for taking a look. The gas line is running .3-.4psi and there is adequate CFM to run two furnaces, a 400K BTU pool heater, a fireplace, an oven and a cooktop simultaneously. The generator needs 6-9 in water and 225K BTU so I would be very surprised if gas supply is the problem.

 

[GenKnot]

Yeah, .3-.4 psi should be fine. Have you checked the plug gap?

 

[GenKnot]

Just for reference, gasoline likes .030", propane likes .024", and NG likes .022"

 

[Exlonghorn]

Yeah, .3-.4 psi should be fine. Have you checked the plug gap?

Not yet. I will do that next.

 

[Browse Deweb]

An iridium plug may help since it has a much stronger spark. I installed one in my Honda after converting it for natural gas, gapped at around .025". Runs pretty smooth even on a 1/2" line:

 

[Exlonghorn]

Just for reference, gasoline likes .030", propane likes .024", and NG likes .022"

One other thing. I can hear gas flowing through the meter when the generator is just sitting there, and the sound stops when I disconnect the gas hose. That seems like a problem. I checked every connection on the line and the generator with soapy water and found no leaks.

 

[GenKnot]

These gens usually come with a Torch spark plug which is not the best.
I would recommend a NGK BPR6EIX plug or, if your primary fuel is NG, then go one step colder with BPR7EIX.

 

[GenKnot]

One other thing. I can hear gas flowing through the meter when the generator is just sitting there, and the sound stops when I disconnect the gas hose. That seems like a problem. I checked every connection on the line and the generator with soapy water and found no leaks.

Then the gen may be flooding!

 

[Exlonghorn]

An iridium plug may help since it has a much stronger spark. I installed one in my Honda after converting it for natural gas, gapped at around .025". Runs pretty smooth even on a 1/2" line:

That’s interesting. I’ll try that tomorrow.

 

[Browse Deweb]

One other thing. I can hear gas flowing through the meter when the generator is just sitting there, and the sound stops when I disconnect the gas hose. That seems like a problem. I checked every connection on the line and the generator with soapy water and found no leaks.

Could be a leaky regulator or a bad diaphragm.

 

[Exlonghorn]

Then the gen may be flooding!

I thought that too. But then it starts right up when I switch back to gas or propane.

 

[Pullmarkbird]

Just curious how long is the supplied 3/4" hose

It appears this seems to be issue with this generator, I jut found this video on Youtube. It appears this person was having the same issue, but this guys generator started a few days prior on natural gas, but then it wouldn't start after that. Might want to hit him up on Youtube and see if he figured it out.

Here is the link:
Duromax XP13000HXT real world test

 

[GenKnot]

I thought that too. But then it starts right up when I switch back to gas or propane.

If you are hearing NG flow at the meter, it has to be going somewhere. Do you smell NG at the carb?

 

[OrlyP]

I don't know where I read it from but it seems that not all quick-connect fittings are inter-compatible. I know that the hoses came with the generator but it's still worth looking into.

For instance, the male end of the fitting may not be reaching out far enough to push open the valve on the female end.

 

[GenKnot]

it seems that not all quick-connect fittings are inter-compatible

Worth checking to see if the propane female and the NG female are alike.

But, where is the NG going that the OP is hearing? I think that is at the top of the list right now.