American Range MSD-1 Natural Gas Conversion Kit (Model A37145) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The American Range A37145 Natural Gas Conversion Kit is a genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part specifically designed for converting compatible American Range commercial cooking appliances from their current gas type to natural gas. This kit ensures that your equipment operates safely and efficiently with the specified gas supply.

Using genuine OEM parts is critical for maintaining the safety, reliability, and performance of your commercial kitchen equipment. This kit is engineered to meet the exact specifications of American Range appliances, ensuring a precise fit and optimal function.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause property damage, injury, or death. Read the installation, operating, and maintenance instructions thoroughly before installing or servicing this equipment.

• Professional Installation Required: Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier. Do not attempt to install this kit yourself unless you are a certified professional.
• Gas Supply: Ensure the gas supply to the appliance is shut off before beginning any work. Verify the new gas type (Natural Gas) matches the conversion kit.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the work area. Gas appliances require proper ventilation for safe operation.
• Leak Testing: After installation, all gas connections must be thoroughly checked for leaks using a non-corrosive leak detection solution. Never use an open flame to check for gas leaks.
• Electrical Disconnection: If the appliance has electrical components, disconnect power before servicing.
• Original Parts: Only use genuine American Range replacement parts to ensure safety and proper operation.

3. Components List

The American Range A37145 Natural Gas Conversion Kit typically includes the necessary components to convert your appliance. While specific contents may vary slightly, the primary components are designed to regulate gas flow and ensure proper combustion for natural gas.

Figure 3.1: Main view of the American Range Natural Gas Conversion Kit, showing the gas regulator body and connection points.

Figure 3.2: Angled view of the conversion kit, highlighting the included brass fittings and a small orifice or jet.

Figure 3.3: Another angled perspective of the conversion kit, showing the various ports and the adjustment screw on top of the regulator.

Figure 3.4: Close-up view of the gas regulator, emphasizing the main gas inlet/outlet and the smaller components.

The kit primarily consists of a gas pressure regulator, which is essential for maintaining the correct gas pressure for natural gas appliances. It also includes various brass fittings and potentially new orifices or jets, which are critical for ensuring the correct gas flow rate and flame characteristics for natural gas combustion.

4. Setup and Installation

IMPORTANT: This conversion kit must be installed by a qualified gas technician or service professional. Failure to do so may result in property damage, serious injury, or death, and will void any product warranty.

1. Preparation:
   • Ensure the appliance is disconnected from all power sources and the main gas supply is shut off and locked out.
   • Allow the appliance to cool completely if it has been in operation.
   • Identify the current gas type and confirm it is being converted to Natural Gas.
   • Gather all necessary tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, and leak detection solution.
2. Access and Removal:
   • Access the gas manifold and burner components of the appliance as per the appliance's specific service manual.
   • Carefully remove existing gas components (e.g., regulator, orifices) that are being replaced by the conversion kit.
3. Installation of New Components:
   • Install the new natural gas regulator from the kit, ensuring proper orientation and secure connections.
   • Replace existing burner orifices with the natural gas orifices provided in the kit. Ensure each orifice is correctly matched to its respective burner.
   • Connect all gas lines and fittings, applying appropriate thread sealant (suitable for gas) to all threaded connections.
4. Leak Testing:
   • Once all components are installed and connections are tightened, slowly turn on the main gas supply.
   • Apply a non-corrosive leak detection solution to all new and disturbed gas connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.
   • If leaks are detected, shut off the gas supply, tighten the connection, and re-test. Repeat until no leaks are present.
5. Pressure Adjustment:
   • The natural gas regulator may require pressure adjustment. Refer to the appliance's service manual for the correct manifold pressure for natural gas.
   • Use a manometer to measure and adjust the gas pressure at the manifold test port to the specified value.
6. Burner Adjustment:
   • After pressure adjustment, light each burner and adjust the air shutters (if applicable) to achieve a stable, blue flame with no yellow tipping or lifting.
   • Ensure all pilots (if present) are properly lit and stable.

5. Operating Considerations (Post-Installation)

Once the conversion kit is properly installed and tested, the appliance is ready for operation on natural gas. Ensure that all safety checks have been completed by a qualified professional.

• Initial Startup: Follow the appliance manufacturer's instructions for initial startup after gas type conversion.
• Flame Appearance: Regularly observe the burner flames. They should be predominantly blue, stable, and consistent across all burners. Yellow or flickering flames may indicate improper combustion or issues with gas pressure/air mixture.
• Performance: Monitor the appliance's cooking performance to ensure it meets expectations after conversion.

6. Maintenance

The American Range A37145 Natural Gas Conversion Kit itself requires minimal maintenance beyond ensuring its proper function as part of the overall gas system. Regular maintenance should focus on the entire appliance.

• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect all gas connections for signs of wear or leaks. This should be part of a routine maintenance schedule for the entire appliance.
• Burner Cleaning: Keep burners and orifices clean to ensure proper gas flow and combustion. Refer to your appliance's manual for cleaning procedures.
• Professional Servicing: It is recommended to have the appliance and its gas system, including the conversion kit components, inspected and serviced annually by a qualified technician.

7. Troubleshooting

CAUTION: Do not attempt to repair gas components yourself unless you are a qualified professional. Always shut off the gas supply before investigating any issues.

For any issues not listed or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, contact a certified gas appliance service professional.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Specific warranty details for the American Range A37145 Natural Gas Conversion Kit are not provided within this document. For warranty information, please refer to the original purchase documentation or contact American Range directly.

For technical support, service, or to inquire about additional genuine American Range parts, please contact American Range customer service or an authorized service provider. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's official website or through your equipment supplier.