Ok guys and gals, What happened to the god ol days when you could change an orifice kit and brag to your friends that you just converted your NG thingy to an LP thingy? Did one of these gasses change in someway? The thingy in this case is a Vermont Castings Pyromaster heating stove that I was so proud of doing my research on, that I bought this weekend. I found that just the logs for this were 5 times more than I paid for the complete unit. (red flag?) Duh. Oh, I knew it was natural gas but conversion kits are out there a dime a dozen. Wrong. As I live out in the Boonies there is no Nat. gas available so propane was my answer. After I got it home, set it up on my newly set rock paradise, I opened a side door and read "This unit is not convertable to any other gasses". Whoops! After I said bad words, (good golly gosh darn) and stuff similar I hit the internet for that magic answer that never came! So I have just paid for a good lesson. There is a question in all this heart breaking whine somewhere. Oh you, Why can't I change it? I realize (most)(some) differences between Nat and Lp, but what else has changed?

I would kill for a gas stove; alternative is a propane outlet, have gas furnace, so I get it all plumbed over to my kitchen which I can get, so yes, I guess you have a problem, so by my answering, you may get some answers here. Oh Yes, what would be cheaper for me, propane at the back door, having it plumbed to my kitchen which will be torn apart in the next year or so. Sorry, getting off topic but I know you have a point and there is an answer here, if only you can wait. We are all volunteers, so be patient. Tick

Its all about liability. Some manufacturers don't sell conversion kits so there is no chance someone can install it wrong and blow themselves up, or merely damage the unit. I have yet to see a gas applience that wasn't convertible, other than water heaters, but I have by no means seen them all, so if it says its not convertible, I would contact the manufacturer and see if there is indeed a conversion kit. Im betting there is, but it will most likely cost a pretty penny. Conversion from ng to lp usually consist of changing the regulator, main oriface, and pilot oriface, and sometimes adjusting an air shutter near the oriface (if so equipt), and sometimes one or more springs in the gas valve on certain units.
If the unit is brand new, I would take it back and tell them you need a propane unit. If you bought it used, or second hand, contact the manufacturer, find out about conversion straight from them (the label may just be a deterent) and if they say it can't be converted under any circumstances, time to sell it and get another one. An incorrectly converted appliance will not only ruin the unit, but could also be life threatening. Good luck, and please let us know what you find out from the manufacturer.

As MGD77 says, it's not just the orifice as gas pressures are very different. Look at your parts list, it may show a propane regulator. I have a propane gas stove that was NG and it took me 10 minutes to convert as it is a dual fuel unit. The manufacturers don't want you messing around and blowing something up and suing them.

I do maintenance for a food manufacturer and the appliances usually come set up for natural gas. We only use propane because the heat output is greater than natural gas. I have converted all of the units for LP use with no problems. Initially you need to change the regulator, pilot orifice and burner orifices. Check with the manufacturer. That is the safest way to go.

Ok guys and gals, after calling the manufacturer, I realize they don't want anyone converting this fireplace, don't make a conversion kit, this stove is obsolete and not sold anymore, etc. etc. etc. They never made this model in propane but did make the size down from it in both gasses. Because this thing is ventless I would have to change out the complete propane gas system or risk not waking up in the morning because of carbon mono! I see this same model for sale on e-bay and on the local classifieds (KSL), and for a lot more than I paid for it. The logs for this are almost $600.00. I saw that on the manufactures site and about sh... t! So you guys are right, the thing to do with it is to sell it to someone who lives in the city and has access to NG. I will tell them it is not convertible so they don't go through what I have. You know, I used to have pretty good luck... but she's running the wrong way lately! Lol Thank you for all the input! Maybe some day I'll get back to you with a repairable problem! Thanks again BCraig

Thanks for the update. Glad you got it for a great price, should be able to make a little on resale.

Take care, Lee.