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Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:29:39 AM

WinsomeDefiance

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Ok, I came across a great deal on a dryer, and decided what the heck. I have a clothesline and actually like drying my clothes outside (they just seem to SMELL of sunshine!.) However, Michigan isn't known for its mild winters and it isn't so easy to dry clothes outside on the line in winter. With fall approaching, I'm guessing I'll want a dryer sooner than later.

The problem I encountered is this dryer was converted to run on propane and I need it to run on natural gas. There is a kit I can purchase that runs about $20-$30 dollars. No big deal. I only paid $25 for the dryer and even with paying a professional to come out and install the conversion kit, I'm looking at tops, paying $150.00 all total. This dryer brand new (it is just a couple years old) is pretty darn expensive.

Questions:

Has anyone had any success with installing these conversion kits?

I was thinking of buying a propane tank and hooking it up just to make sure the dryer heats up (it turns on, tumbles, runs etc. but without propane I don't know if it will actually heat up) but I'm not sure if I should do this. Even if it doesn't work, I can always use the propane on my BBQ grill. But, is it safe to have in the house, even if just for a short time? I don't mind being out the cost of a propane tank because I can use it, but I hate to spend money on a kit and a professional to install it if I don't know for certain that it will actually work once done. Maybe I should hook the dryer up outside to the propane tank, and see if it works?

If it works just fine on propane how insane would it be to just not bother with converting and use a small propane tank with it?

Yes, I know. I'm nuts for not just going out and buying a brand new dryer without the hassle but, $150 cost as opposed to nearly $800 just seems worth it to me. No way am I spending that much on a dryer when I can just hang the clothes up for free.

PS - I found a washing machine for $50.00 - a front loading washing machine that is only 2 years old and works perfectly, and you know what - the dryer actually matches it and I bought it separately from different people. They both look barely used and almost new. It just seems like I lucked out so spectacularly, even with the minor hassle of converting the dryer.

WinD

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:35:14 AM

mnottertail

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Yes, it is a nozzle size difference, and if it has been converted, you might look inside the gas stuff, get any man who can run a cresent wrench to do it, and see if the nozzle is already there wired onto the line (the one that it was originaly, cuz thats what they normally do).

Unscrew one brass nozzle, teflon tape and screw in the old one and you are drying with gas.

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Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:35:49 AM

MyVision

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If you use a conversion kit, be sure to check all connections with a water/soap solution..to see if there is no leakage.
High caloric gasses give a nice boom.

To test it..I would rent a small bottle and use it outside. No suffication and no risk to burn the house down.

teflon tape << counter clock wise, when you screw it in clockwise

**edit**

is gas used a lot for tumble dryers in the USA?

< Message edited by MyVision -- 8/23/2011 8:39:51 AM >

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:44:58 AM

WinsomeDefiance

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Thanks for the replies!

I"m not planning on doing it myself. I can operate a wrench, but I'd rather pay someone who has experience installing gas lines etc.

I think I will just get a small bottle of propane an test it outside first. I'm not sure if my property insurance will cover me, if I blow the house up by accident like that.

(in reply to MyVision)

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:48:10 AM

mnottertail

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that takes a long long long while. to get up enough concentration to blow up or start a fire unless it is a hissing leak (and by god you will smell leaks of any size immediately (they use the rotten egg smell)) ........ but yeah, you should check to see if the old nozzle is still in there in the business area. save 20 anyhow.

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:57:31 AM

LaTigresse

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I've got an old dryer that was given to me when we lived in town.....on natural gas. We then moved into the country and switched to LP via a kit. Then, 5 years later, bought a house in town, switched back to natural gas with the old parts we had saved. NOW, we are back in the country with that same old dryer on LP, with the parts we had saved from before.

No blewy or anyone dying of inhaling deadly fumes.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to WinsomeDefiance)

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 8:58:07 AM

WinsomeDefiance

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Thanks, I'll definitely do that. In fact, I think I'll go do that now. :)

ETA: as it turns out, it isn't so easy to check as I'd hoped...in fact, no clue how to take the back panel off. Grr...arrgh...

< Message edited by WinsomeDefiance -- 8/23/2011 9:05:44 AM >

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:00:57 AM

MyVision

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true...in normal situation the pressure will be reduced to 20mbar when it comes out of the nozzle or so...but leakage in front of the reducer might speed it up..lol
better safe then sorry

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:01:00 AM

mnottertail

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quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

I've got an old dryer that was given to me when we lived in town.....on natural gas. We then moved into the country and switched to LP via a kit. Then, 5 years later, bought a house in town, switched back to natural gas with the old parts we had saved. NOW, we are back in the country with that same old dryer on LP, with the parts we had saved from before.

No blewy or anyone dying of inhaling deadly fumes.

yeah, but you're a lesbian now.

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

(in reply to LaTigresse)

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:03:50 AM

LaTigresse

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quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

quote:

ORIGINAL: LaTigresse

I've got an old dryer that was given to me when we lived in town.....on natural gas. We then moved into the country and switched to LP via a kit. Then, 5 years later, bought a house in town, switched back to natural gas with the old parts we had saved. NOW, we are back in the country with that same old dryer on LP, with the parts we had saved from before.

No blewy or anyone dying of inhaling deadly fumes.

yeah, but you're a lesbian now.

Uh oh!!! Dangerous side effect! Look out Winnie.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to mnottertail)

Post #: 10

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:07:08 AM

WinsomeDefiance

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LOL! I"m only an honorary lesbian...does that count?

(in reply to LaTigresse)

Post #: 11

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:11:41 AM

WinsomeDefiance

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Joined: 8/7/2007
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It is actually reassuring to hear that you switched it out back and forth with no worries.

(in reply to WinsomeDefiance)

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:13:14 AM

LaTigresse

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Considering everything NOT happening in my abode........I am not sure I am even at honorary status anymore.

And yeah, it's always been a simple switch, from one to the other.

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to WinsomeDefiance)

Post #: 13

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:14:19 AM

mnottertail

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I forget which one is the smaller nozzle the natural or the propane? I am going with natural....

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

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Post #: 14

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:15:27 AM

LaTigresse

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Whichever has more pressure......I think the natural but I might be wrong. It's been over 10 years since I paid any attention.

I was wrong it seems.........per this link.

http://www.propane101.com/lpgasapplianceconversions.htm

< Message edited by LaTigresse -- 8/23/2011 9:16:45 AM >

_____________________________

My twisted, self deprecating, sense of humour, finds alot to laugh about, in your lack of one!

Just because you are well educated, articulate, and can use big, fancy words, properly........does not mean you are right!

(in reply to mnottertail)

Post #: 15

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:16:39 AM

mnottertail

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Joined: 11/3/2004
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Yeah, natural it is ... prope is only 15# (been thirteen for me)

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

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Post #: 16

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:17:46 AM

FirmhandKY

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quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

I forget which one is the smaller nozzle the natural or the propane? I am going with natural....

I don't know either, but propane has about twice the energy per volume, compared to NG, so I suspect it is the propane one that is smaller.

Firm

_____________________________

Some people are just idiots.

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RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:21:42 AM

FirmhandKY

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quote:

ORIGINAL: FirmhandKY

quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

I forget which one is the smaller nozzle the natural or the propane? I am going with natural....

I don't know either, but propane has about twice the energy per volume, compared to NG, so I suspect it is the propane one that is smaller.

... natural gas orifices are larger than propane orifices strictly because of gas service pressure.

Well, I was right, but for the wrong reasons.

Firm

_____________________________

Some people are just idiots.

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Post #: 18

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:23:51 AM

mnottertail

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Brings up an interesting philosophical question, Firm.

If you are wrong for all the right reasons, is that an equivalence?

Who knew dryer nozzle changing could be so lofty in thought?

BTW, they are officially called orifices, but I didn't want to turn this conversation to filthy talk until she got her dryer changed over safely.

< Message edited by mnottertail -- 8/23/2011 9:27:25 AM >

_____________________________

Have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two? Judges 5:30

(in reply to FirmhandKY)

Post #: 19

RE: Converting dryer from propane to natural gas - 8/23/2011 9:42:02 AM

FirmhandKY

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Joined: 9/21/2004
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quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

Brings up an interesting philosophical question, Firm.

If you are wrong for all the right reasons, is that an equivalence?

I'd say not. Usually, I like to be right for the right reasons ...

quote:

ORIGINAL: mnottertail

Who knew dryer nozzle changing could be so lofty in thought?

BTW, they are officially called orifices, but I didn't want to turn this conversation to filthy talk until she got her dryer changed over safely.

orificies ....mmmmmm ....

Firm

_____________________________

Some people are just idiots.

(in reply to mnottertail)

Post #: 20

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