Harbor Freight Predator 3500 Ver.1 - How to Install Grenergy Propane / Natural Gas Conversion Kit

[@jeevespreston]

Really well designed kit, and excellent video showing how to install. Just bought a 3500 and was looking for something like this so I’m not a slave to gasoline. Thanks!!!

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Thanks! I’ve did my best to not miss anything in the video. So far I’ve sold a fair amount with great feedback on the kit. You’ll definitely enjoy our Tri-fuel kit if you do decide to make that purchase. This is probably the only Predator 3500 kit that’s 100% complete, drill free, and runs right out of the box. No need for tedious fuel adjustments.

[@Rigohinojosa15]

As of this afternoon I have successfully converted my Gen 1 predator 3500 into a tri-fuel beast. Got it tested off of a propane tank and everything runs well. Thank you for this video man. It’s really easy to follow. My hat is off to you in figuring this kit out. It’s all wizardry as far as I’m concerned. I do have one question: With gasoline still in the tank, am I able to safely run propane ? I have the knob in the off position while running propane.

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

I'm glad your happy with the kit! A lot of time and effort defiantly went into this kit and I'm a tool guy, if you're going to spend money on something it has to be good or better. To answer your question, if you have purchased the light bar with run down kill switch, you can leave gasoline in the tank while on the "OFF" position and have it run on LP. Feel free to call me if anything.

[@cwakamatsu]

Awesome! I got my kit from you last week and will install this week!

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Awesome! Let me know how she runs!

[@SchClean]

This is a Nice set up. Great build quality and informative tutorial. I run 2 3500s in parallel

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@RogerP.Schneider-n2g]

Can you use the conversion kit after you have run the generator with gasoline before?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Yes you can

[@CarlosDelaoGunEngraver]

AWSOME PRODUCT, MY SECOND, ONE FOR MY SMALL HONDA THE OTHER FOR THIS GENERATOR, WORKS! THANKS FOR A GREAT PRODUCT

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Thanks for your feedback! Glad you like it!

[@jimalbrecht8803]

Great idea and video! I have a question... I previously installed a remote start/stop setup on my now two years old 3500 Predator and it works perfectly. I personally use my generator for camping and hunting deer and elk in the high country for use with my 16ft camper trailer. It's generally dark, cold or raining/snowing in the early mornings where I hunt. Gasoline is a hassle there and I am seriously considering your propane conversion kit. My only question is... will your kit work with my remote start setup? And if need be... can I shut off the propane tank and burn gasoline without a problem? I'm looking to be able to use both fuels, maybe easily switching back and forth, if need be, out in the field. With my remote electric start I always just leave it in the "run" position. It has an automatic choke that kicks in for like one second and then when it immediately starts, the choke turns off. It also has a on/off switch for the remote start. Will your propane conversion kit work with my remote electric start setup? Thanks! Jim.

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi Jim, sorry for the super late reply. Your remote start should work just fine but for long term storage I do suggest shutting the propane off at the bottle. I’ve had customers make their own electric shut off valve and electric prime for the kit.

[@skip9607]

Clean install, but what shuts off the gas flow if the generator stalls, or is just turned off? Every other gas conversion kit has a demand regulator that shuts off the gas flow when engine vacuum stops??

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

That is what the demand regulator does. Stops fuel flow when there is no vacuum signal. You can’t just 100% depend on that when your not using it long term. For safety you should fully shut the fuel off at the source. It’s like telling me you’ve turn the car off but left the keys in the ignition and didn’t lock the car because your in a safe neighborhood. It don’t matter, you need to remove your keys and lock your car regardless.

[@BrandonHall916]

That’s pretty clean install

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Thank you for your feedback 👍

[@fatjackist]

What size is the hose, I was thinking about extending the line, also mine is surging any ideas on what might be causing that?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Please give me a call and I'll help you out with that. But make sure all of the doors are closed on the generator or else it will surge.

[@EddieC5715]

I just completed the installation. It runs great. Since I used your system on my Honda eu2000i, I was familiar with the switch to use for gasoline operation. What is the process on the Predator's system when you want run gasoline?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi Edward, it’s no different than running gasoline as normal before the generator was converted to tri-fuel. Just switch the knob over to choke to start and turn it over to run after it starts. The switch doesn’t change anything other than bypass the “main off” and if you want to do an immediate shut down, just press the button.

[@joselitofernandez2675]

I have seen alot of this video i like your way better but where can we find this kit to install

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi Joselito, please click on our link here to purchase. grenergy-us.com/collections/hf-predator-tri-fuel-conversion-kit/products/hf-3500-propane-natural-gas-gasoline-tri-fuel-conversion-kit-for-predator-generator-inverter

[@crude4u1948]

I really like everything being so clean and well designed, but I have a couple of questions. Your propane QD appears to be the open type which would allow air into the carb if you are not using propane, so that brings me to my first question. does this conversion completely negate using gasoline? I don't see a propane shutoff for using gasoline. Second. What exactly is the purpose of bypassing the factory shutoff switch and installing your own kill switch. Is there some advantage to bypassing the factory shutoff? Nice job all around.

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi Jack. Good question. The QD has a all weather rubber cap for the fitting. This will prevent vacuum leaks and keeps bugs and dirt out of the system. The propane shut off is at the propane tank itself and should be off when not in use. Bypassing the factory shut off keeps the ignition system active. Not only does the factory shut off valve cuts fuel flow it also kills the power going to the ign system.

[@danieldave5972]

Could it be installed on my low pressure house system… and RV low pressure?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Yes you can, please contact me at [e-mail] if you need a custom hose setup for this.

[@dougharlow6037]

The only concern I have is the vented door. Harbor Freight and many others on KZbin state this generator is supposed suck fresh air from the bottom "only". And wouldn’t the air cleaner housing rubbing against the cover make noise and eventually put wear on both? And if I’m running just propane do, I still need that light bar kill switch assembly? Great video. Thanks

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

People park these generators on tall grass, which blocks airflow from the bottom. And these generators still run fine. These “people” on KZbin are not the manufacturers or engineers. If they want to back their theory, they need to do so with temp sensors all around the generator and do comparisons. If you really want answers for all other questions please head to my website and find my contact.

[@dougharlow6037]

@@GrenergyTriFuel Thanks for reply. Most claim it runs rough when venting?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Just read the reviews on my kit in this comment section. No where have I’ve seen “many” with issues you’ve mentioned.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

How long to you think the generator will run on a 20lb propane tank?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

The generator should run about 15-18hrs under 25% load.

[@mikeo.750]

Will the conversion void the warranty on this generator and other brands? Thanks

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi Mike, I had a customer mention to me about the no drill kits helping him avoid major modifications to their genset, which allowed them to talk to customer support without issues with warranty. If you have to turn in your generator for service or warranty. Just uninstall the kit and place everything back to stock. According to the manufacture, any added equipment or alterations other than factory WILL cancel your warranty. But from my experience from feedbacks, I have not had these concerns with our customers. But be aware generator manufactures do not like this.

[@mikeo.750]

@@GrenergyTriFuel Thanks for the come back. Do you know why Harbor Freight doesn't have dual fuel generators? Thanks

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

@@mikeo.750 Probably the same way Generac doesn't sell dual fuel generators anymore. Back in the early 2000's Generac sold plenty of them but the quality and issues were so poor on these generators customers started to think negatively on the brand. Second reason would probably be training the support staff on how to help customers diagnose issues with dual fuel generators. All of these cheap Chinese parts are not built for longevity, only for cost and having to warranty every single generator with dual fuel issues will cut into the companies bottom line. Which is the reason why duel fuel generators cost more, the parts not extremely expensive, but the emissions certifications, customer support and warranty all adds into the cost.

[@ThePlayer5237]

will it work with a remote start ?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

You will need to add a prime solenoid to the demand regulator. I had customers do that and it worked, but don’t ask me how to do it. I’m just building and selling kits, I have no experience with remote starts and I really don’t want to take on another project since it’s already super busy at the shop.

[@terrybarney5279]

Any chance of making a kit for a Predator 4550 Watt Inverter Generator?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi Terry, Yes we hope to have a kit in a few months. Please email me at [e-mail] to be on our waiting list.

[@randombiker8002]

This kit looks great. Oil change panel could be improved though. The original design does not have vents and has noise dampening pad behind it. So it sounds like your kit will affect how air flows into the generator which may or may not be a problem (I don't know), but for sure will increase noise level.

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Noise doesn’t come from the side of the generator where the door is. All of the noise comes from the exhaust side of the generator when it’s under load. Have someone plug in an appliance and stand behind the generator where the exhaust exits and hear how loud the exhaust gets when the generator ramps up. It’s no different than standing behind a car while asking someone to rev their engine.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I didn't see a pipe clamp on the other end of the fuel line?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi, thank you for noticing. All of our hose fittings have clamps on each end of every line. The pipe clamps your thinking of is not what we use, the one's we are using are low profile clamps and they use a special tool to install.

[@georgegould667]

Don’t you need a regulator to run on natural gas ?

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

You will need the demand regulator, but not the pressure regulator.

[@jonathonbrown216]

What about the new version 3

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

The newer Predator 3500 is the same but with Carbon Monoxide sensor.

[@pl747]

What if I wanted to use 100# tanks? I have two of them and that first regulator will not screw into it. And the hose would be much too short.

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi, we have an extended hose kit that would allow you to connect to taller propane tanks as well as to your Natural Gas outlet. Please contact us for further details.

[@JAMESYBOY.]

I feel like the wires could of been tucked in behind the face board instead of the knob hole

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hi James, It’s not possible without pinching the wires when tightening the screw for the panel or having to drill access hole. There’s really no other way to go about it.

[@cwakamatsu]

Here is a video my Predator's first start... It is honestly and truly the FIRST start and it was flawless! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2rMm6Cgg5ecmc0

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

Hey Charlie, looks like she's running great! Thanks for posting the video! I'm working on getting the user guide, and once it's done I'll email it to ya. Also I forgot to mention you can stick the blue dust cap under the demand regulator to help prop it up. This will allow the regulator to sit more upright. The diaphragm inside the unit is sensitive and you will have better engine response when its placed in its operating position. Also at any moment she's idling a bit funny, you may need to swap out the Chinese plug and replace it with a colder NGK plug part number BPR6ES. If not you can also gap the factory plug to .024"-.026" I'll reach back out to you to check in!

[@cwakamatsu]

@@GrenergyTriFuel Thank you for the dust cap under the regulator tip! I changed the spart plug to an NGK.

[@GrenergyTriFuel]

@@cwakamatsu Your very welcome!

[@djd8058]

How does the fuel consumption compare between Propane and gasoline. I know that the specs for gas are 11 hours at 25% load. Any idea how long it will run on propane at 25% load?