Recently we purchased a WEN Generator

https://wenproducts.com/collec...t-portable-generator

just to run a few things when the Utility Company Has their PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) during red flag warnings and high winds. It is a dual fuel generator. The generator is a little less efficiency rating when running on propane then gasoline. This would lead me to believe that the gasoline system has a hotter ignition and combustion. Now this is what I don’t understand. It has electric start and the old pull start system. The owner’s manual said it need a battery in it with some voltage to pull start it on gasoline but can be pull started with no battery when running on propane. I would think it would be the other way around?? Any expertise appreciated.

From owners manual: NOTE: When using gasoline to run the generator, the battery must be connected whether using electric or recoil
start. The battery must also be connected for electric start when using LPG, but the battery does not need to be connected for recoil start on LPG.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ontmark,

I could be wrong but I think propane . might be able to ignite on compression alone think diesel.

Tommy

Gasoline has more BTU's (power per gallon) than propane...... I think propane is about 80% of the power of what gas is. From what I'm reading, they both need spark from a spark plug for the engine to run.

The ignition system (spark plug, electronic ignition) would be the same for either gasoline or LPG.

The picture shows the gasoline tank setting above the engine/carburetor, so don't think there is a fuel pump involved. THe only possible explanation I could offer is that the gasoline fuel system may have a fuel shutoff valve which requires battery voltage to open, where the LPG system may not?

I have used gasoline generators which don't require battery voltage for recoil start, so not sure why the requirement.