Converting Propane Burner to Diesel Burner

[John T.]

Is it possible to Convert a Propane Burner to a Diesel Burner?? I have a 12 gpm Diesel Burner thats going to be added onto this flatbed so we can use up 24 GPM for Hot Water Cleaning. Even though Propane Burns so clean and it has minimal parts it would be more beneficial for me to now have all Diesel Burners.

So u Equipment Geniuses can there be a way to Convert over Burners so they can be Diesel?? The coils and the Burners themselves I would like to save if possible instead of buying new Burners. The Diesel Burner thats going to be added onto this truck cost me almost 3 Grand and thats just for the burner and I don't want to spend double that for 2 more burners since I already have these propane burners.

Thanks in advanced

[Russ Johnson]

John, you'd have to go to the heater manufacturer and get the proper head to mount an oil burner on. Then you'd need oil burners, fuel lines, a tank, and wiring for either 120 or 12 volts. Do you know who made the heaters? Call me if you like, I can get most of what you need.

[Bears Pressure Washing_]

Dam that is some serious flow. how many btu's are you running?

[John T.]

The Diesel Burner which I purchased from Envirospec has a btu rating of 660,000 btu and the two propane burners I have on this flatbed are rated at 1,100,000 each. You would think that would be enough heat power but is it ever really enough???

[John T.]

Originally Posted by Russ Johnson

Do you know who made the heaters? Call me if you like, I can get most of what you need.

The burners are assembled by www.semfg.com and there btu rating is about 1,100,000 for each burner. Now the question is why the propane burners don't stay running long enough. This has me scratching my head for answers.

[Russ Johnson]

Originally Posted by John T.

Now the question is why the propane burners don't stay running long enough. This has me scrathing my head for answers.

What do you mean? Running out of fuel? Cutting off before desired temperature is reached? Falling apart?

John, do you have a parts breakdown on your units?

[John T.]

Originally Posted by Russ Johnson

What do you mean? Running out of fuel? Cutting off before desired temperature is reached? Falling apart?

John, do you have a parts breakdown on your units?

Yes I do have the parts breakdown of my burners. I'll try to remember to scan them and put them here. I replaced the electrodes awhile back but I'm guessing I probably have the wrong distance between them. I don't have a gauge to set them with so I did them by trial and error. So one burner goes on but sometimes after awhile it doesn't kick back on when needed to and the other one at times won't even light. This has caused more problems

[Beth n Rod]

I have heard that propane in itself does not burn as hot as other fuels.

Rod!~

[ECS MARK]

John,
Silver Eagle has (SE MFG) burners are different
from most out there, you would need an adapter plate
under neath to mount a Wayne or Beckett burner, in
addition to the items Russ mentioned.

If the burner is shutting off before it reaches temperature
your problem could be:

Thermostat Calibration or faulty.

Propane tank or piping freezing due to undersized tank or lines.
(If the propane tank and or lines are not sized properly they will ice up.)

We have worked on a few of these units.....not my favorite

[Vince Wood]

If the burner is coming on and off then it could be the microswitch in the black box of the unloader. At least that seems to be the problem with mine most of the time with my Silver Eagle Unit.

As far as setting the electrodes, I've had problems with that also. I just take a tape measure and make sure all 3 are set within 1/4 inch of each other.

Rod is right though about the propane not burning as hot as diesel but it still takes the gum off great and gets the job done. My next pressure washer will have a diesel fired burner on it though.

Have you ever replaced the main control module (black box with a bunch of wires coming out of it) that is the brain for the burner and it controls how hot the water gets, when the burner comes on/off and more. If thats the problem it's a $190 dealer only item.

Call me anytime if this doesn't work and maybe I can help you through it.

Vince
562-331-0301
Industry, Ca

[Russ Johnson]

Is that a forced air gas burner as opposed to a natural draft type? If so, the plate to mount the oil burner may already be in place

[John T.]

This is the schematics for the Burners on my truck

[Vince Wood]

Russ, I believe they are forced air burners on these units. If you're using them in a windy area though the flame will blow out.

Have you by chance checked to see the PSI coming out of the propane tank? It should be between 12 - 15 PSI.

One more thing you can check also is the flame on the burner. If it's blue then you're alright. If it has alot of yellow in it then it may mean it's not getting enough propane to it. Also make sure the gas line coming from the 12v solenoid to the burner orifice isn't pinched or leaking anywhere.

Hope this helps

Vince
Industry, Ca
562-331-0301

[Vince Wood]

Hey John,

Did you ever get your machine working right? If so, what was wrong with it? I'm starting to have problems with mine again. The burner isn't lighting off like it should.

Russ Johnson gave me a great price on a brand new machine. Hopefully within the next 6 weeks I'll be ordering a new machine from him then I'm selling the Silver Eagle.

It's got 180 Hours on the Vanguard 18HP engine, the General TS2021 pump has less that 50 hours on it. I'll sell it including the 50 gallon propane tank to the 1st person that PM's me. $1,200 takes it (but not until I get my new machine 1st).

Vince
Industry, Ca
562-331-0301

[Russ Johnson]

Heck, if I were close enough, I'd give you that for the pump and engine and trash the rest...