Thread Number: 45973
How To Convert Propane Dryer to Natural Gas |
[Down to Last] |
|
Post# 672063 , Reply# 1   4/11/2013 at 19:29 (4,031 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
For starters, I think the orifices have to be different. I can't remember how it goes, but the openings are larger for one type (NG?) and smaller on the other (LP?) due to differences in pressure. I don't see why it couldn't be adapted for NG. GE made literally tons of dryers designed for NG hook-ups.
Maybe there's some GE literature in Ephemera that speaks to this. |
Post# 672071 , Reply# 2   4/11/2013 at 20:36 (4,031 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 672084 , Reply# 3   4/11/2013 at 21:15 (4,031 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Okay thanks, where can I get those parts? |
Post# 672101 , Reply# 4   4/11/2013 at 21:41 (4,031 days old) by wayupnorth (On a lake between Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 672105 , Reply# 5   4/11/2013 at 21:57 (4,031 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
The dryer is already converted to propane, I wanted to change it back to NG. Unfortunately after doing an internet search the correct orifice valve seems to be NLA everywhere, crap.. |
Post# 672202 , Reply# 7   4/12/2013 at 12:31 (4,031 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
In my area propane companies are next to useless, they deliver propane and thats about it. I wonder if the orifice is a standard size that may accept a substitute? |
Post# 672223 , Reply# 8   4/12/2013 at 14:06 (4,031 days old) by rp2813 (Sannazay)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 672224 , Reply# 9   4/12/2013 at 14:07 (4,031 days old) by franksdad (Greenville, South Carolina)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 672233 , Reply# 11   4/12/2013 at 14:44 (4,031 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
worst case scenario.....you have to buy a whole new gas valve, their usually already setup for NG......
and for the most part these are usually standard valves and fittings....you could almost interchange between models..... can't believe you could not find one....I was able to change mine back, and mine is a 1985 unit....got the kit off ebay... |
Post# 672236 , Reply# 12   4/12/2013 at 14:55 (4,031 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Thanks for the info. It is a standard older 70's GE dryer with the D shaped opening and 22,000 BTU burner. |
Post# 672327 , Reply# 13   4/12/2013 at 20:34 (4,030 days old) by stevet (West Melbourne, FL)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
a number 42 orifice will do just fine. |
Post# 673845 , Reply# 17   4/19/2013 at 00:41 (4,024 days old) by kb0nes (Burnsville, MN)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
For a dry application it is unlikely you will ever see any problems mixing fittings of these metals. Brass and aluminum aren't that far apart on the Anodic index so as long as you aren't dealing with a wet, or corrosive environment you should be fine.
For safety and ease of future disassembly consider using a something to protect the thread interface. A good pipe thread compound (I like Locktite 565) or Teflon tape would work well if you are dealing with tapered pipe threads. If they are just straight threads,which have less clearance, I'd use a smear of silicone grease. Just filling the threads so that air and moisture is excluded will do the trick. I have come to use some silicone grease on most every threaded plumbing fitting (non pipe thread) that I work on. Years later they unscrew with no drama at all! |
Post# 673895 , Reply# 18   4/19/2013 at 08:03 (4,024 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|
Post# 673980 , Reply# 19   4/19/2013 at 14:42 (4,024 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Right, the cap has a gasket and should be only moderately tight as I understand. |
Post# 675000 , Reply# 21   4/23/2013 at 16:20 (4,019 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
you would have to match your model number to the exact kit needed......
but appliancezone.com has the LP to NG conversion back!..... just changing out two pieces in a matter of minutes....really easy CLICK HERE TO GO TO Yogitunes's LINK |
Post# 676268 , Reply# 23   4/29/2013 at 16:39 (4,013 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
never had to adjust the air mix.....as long as its a blue flame, with some yellow tips, your good to go......give it a few cycles on/off before you decide it needs adjustment.....and you can adjust while in operation, probably best this way you can adjust small increments at a time....
I have seen a 50/50 yellow/blue at the start, and then taper to the 90% blue....even if an adjustment is needed, keep an eye on it for a while.....once set, your good to go.... happy drying! |
Post# 676275 , Reply# 24   4/29/2013 at 17:16 (4,013 days old) by DigAPony ()   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
Will do, thanks. I'll try to post some photos when this is all back together. |
Post# 676297 , Reply# 25   4/29/2013 at 19:17 (4,013 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
1    
The cap for Natural Gas is called a leak limiter because it has a very small hole drilled through it, this is necessary so the diafram in the pressure regulator can flex and work [ the back side must be at atmospheric pressure ]. The very small hole in the cap will allow a very small amount of gas to leak if the regular diafram leaks, but this would be too little gas to ever cause a fire or explosion. Generally the main burner air-shutter needs to be open completely for either nat or LP gas. There is a BIG difference between orange flame and yellowish flame, orange is caused by dust and dirt being burned, yellow flame on the tips is usually caused by too little primary air [ air shutter adjustment ]. If you know what you are looking at there is no need to wait for several burner cycles, the air shutter adjustment can be made immediately. |
Post# 676465 , Reply# 27   4/30/2013 at 15:26 (4,012 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)   |   | |
Checkrate/Likes
 
     
|