Converting 50's Tappan "LP only stove" to NG?

[good-shepherd]

We have a 50's Tappan stove that I would like to convert to NG. However, the ID plate by the oven T-stat states; Approved for use with Liquid Propane only.

I assume the main reason is because it appears to have a copper supply line and copper tubes for the pilots.

Is there a way to safely convert it to NG?

-Thanks

 

[good-shepherd]

Anybody have any advice on this?

From what I've read this stove may not have a regulator so it would just be matter of changing or drilling the burner orifices for natural gas and adjusting the flame.

 

[wayupnorth]

I do know the orfaces must be smaller for propane and a larger opening for NG. I knew of an instance where a new NG stove had the top burners converted and forgot the oven and the oven cavity filled with flames when turned on the first time from the propane. Basically all gas appliances sold today are for NG and have to be converted to propane.

 

[good-shepherd]

must be smaller for propane

Right, I understand orifice sizing differences between LPG and NG. In this case going from LPG to NG the flame size would be very small without modification.

I just need to know if there is something else that needs to be done to safely covert it to NG.

 

[lorainfurniture]

On those older tappan stoves you usually can just unscrew the orifice to allow more gas through. I’ve never seen propane orifices for a tappan and I’ve seen quite a few.

 

[good-shepherd]

I’ve never seen propane orifices for a tappan

The orifices don't appear to be adjustable and the ID plate at the thermostat states approved for use with LPG only, so I'm assuming the stove has fixed LPG orifice spuds hence the instructions for LPG only.

I didn't try wrenching on the orifices yet as I'm nervous something it going to break or snap off. The valves could also use cleaning and greasing but again I'm concerned one of the screws may break.

 

[combo52]

Converting an LP only gas range to natural gas

At a minimum the orifices need to be drilled out to the proper size for natural gas.

If the stove doesn’t have a pressure regulator on the incoming line you need to add one.

There could be other minor surprises depending on the system that the oven uses for ignition the pilot assembly etc. might be different but will probably work on natural gas with the adjustment screws for the pilot size same for the Top burner pilot for the burners on top of the range.

If you’re not sure what you’re doing this is a job for a qualified gas technician.

John L

 

[good-shepherd]

pressure regulator on the incoming line

That was another question.

The stove doesn't have a regulator but has always worked fine on an above ground propane tank where the pressure must vary quite a bit with the weather.

Why would it need a regulator on NG if the orifices are modified to the appropriate sizes?

 

[combo52]

Pressure regulators Are required on all natural gas

Appliances, remember this pressure surge that occurred up in the Boston area that caused many homes to blow up and/or burn.

The additional pressure regulator on the appliance helps ensure safety from having a runaway size flame.

Pressure regulators are cheap and easy to add you can even take one off an old gas stove Maybe even the gas stove you might be replacing.

 

[good-shepherd]

Pressure regulators are cheap

Okay thanks.

Any recommended brand of regulator?