natural gas heater

[Thomas]

Hello I have bought a hanging natual gas heater for my garage. The unit was built in 1974 but has never been fired. I was wanting to convert this unit to propane. It has a Robert Shaw control. Is there a simple inexpense way to do this? Where do I get parts? I know the orifices will need to be changed or atleast drilled out, but do I need to change the control also. The heater is manf. by Modine. I checked the Modine website but it does not list anything that old. What do you suggest?

Tom

[a46geo]

Tom,

NO .... DON'T DRILL THE ORIFACE!!

If you are converting from natural gas to propane, you will need a SMALLER oriface. Propane is under much greater pressure.

Contact Robert Shaw, the furnace manufacturer or a local heating supply company to get what is called a "conversion kit". 1974 is awfully old, but you should be able to find something.

Better yet Tom, call a professional for this job. It is not that expensive, but CRITICAL that it be done correctly. Even a matter of life or death.

George

[a46geo]

Tom,

One more thing. This unit heater is probably WAY too big for your garage. If you do have a professional install an LP conversion kit, ask them to de-rate it too.

Dropping the firing rate will help it operate much better.

George