Ryobi Propane Conversion Carburetor

thingiverse

A simple propane conversion carburetor I made for my old Ryobi 960r weedeater to keep it usable while waiting for my carb rebuild kit to show up. Will probably work with other small 4-cycle engines that use a Walbro brand carburetor. Not perfected yet, but worked well enough that I was able to get the yard done. Keep in mind that my goal on this project was to use what I had on hand around the house instead of going to the store and buying more junk. Instructions 4-CYCLE ENGINES ONLY! Trying this with a 2-cycle will burn it out from lack of lubrication. Derivatives/improvements encouraged. Happy hacking! Instructions Print in ABS or Nylon only. Do NOT print in PLA as it can't withstand engine operating temperatures! In my setup, I used ABS. Find a suitable propane valve. In my case, I used the master valve off of my 2-burner camp stove. Smaller valves, such as for a lantern, may not release enough propane to run the motor. Get a length of tubing to connect the valve to the carburetor. In my setup, I used 3/8" O.D. 1/4" I.D. clear PVC tubing (which is also what the nipple on the carb is intended to fit). (Optional) Install a flow regulator in the hose as close as possible to the carb. This should help it run smoother. Issues (with my setup) Difficult starting. This is caused by propane flooding the carb in the time between opening the valve on the tank and pulling the starter cord. My remedy is to remove the air filter cover for starting. Sometimes blowing into the carb just before pulling the starter cord helps too. Does not run smoothly. This is most likely due to the fact that I'm not using a flow regulator in my setup. I didn't use one as I was trying to do this hack using only what I had on hand instead of going to the store and buying more junk.