How to install LG dryer natural gas orifice 4948EL4001B (propane to natural gas conversion)

Do you need to convert your dryer from propane to natural gas but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place! This quick guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your dryer runs safely and efficiently on natural gas. Plus, there’s a handy how-to video waiting for you just below, so you can watch and learn with ease.

Need a part?  Search below using your appliance model number to find exactly what you need:

If you’ve recently moved to an area that uses natural gas instead of propane, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your gas appliances if you have them. One of the most common conversions is switching your clothes dryer from propane to natural gas. While propane and natural gas are both fossil fuels, they each have different properties that require your dryer to be calibrated specifically for the specified fuel type.

You can find a natural gas orifice here. If you need other replacement parts for your LG dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch the full repair

Read more: Dryer Settings: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Maintaining Your Appliance

Why convert from propane to natural gas?

Propane and natural gas each have different combustion properties, so your dryer’s gas valve and burner orifice need to be calibrated for the specific fuel type you’re using.

One of the main differences between propane and natural gas is the pressure. Propane is compressed and stored in tanks at high pressures, while natural gas is piped in from utility lines at a much lower pressure.

To account for this variance in pressure, your dryer’s gas valve and orifice opening need to be different sizes for each fuel type. The propane orifice has a smaller opening since the fuel is already highly pressurized. The natural gas orifice has a larger opening to allow for the lower-pressure gas supply.

Does it really matter which type of orifice I use?

If you use natural gas with a propane gas-calibrated orifice, you won’t get proper ignition and combustion. If you use the wrong natural gas orifice with a propane gas line, it will create an excessive gas flow that can be unsafe for you and your home.

When switching fuel types, the gas valve and orifice must be replaced to match the new gas supply so your dryer stays efficient and safe.

Read more: Gas Dryer Isn’t Heating: Top 5 Reasons and Fixes

What you need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Short Phillips screwdriver
• 10mm socket wrench
• Pipe thread sealant
• Natural gas orifice kit (make sure it’s compatible with your specific model before installing)

Keep safety first

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

How to change the natural gas orifice

Follow these steps to safely switch out the gas valve orifice in your LG clothes dryer:

Step 1: Remove the cabinet

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Turn off the gas supply to the dryer to prevent gas leaks.
3. Remove the three Phillips screws from the back of the dryer.
4. Slide the top panel backward and lift it off to open the dryer top.
5. Pull out the steam drawer and remove the steam feeder container by lifting the sides.
6. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to lift the locking pin and pull out the drawer.
7. Disconnect the control board power plug and other connections with a flat-blade or Phillips screwdriver, whichever is needed.
8. Remove the screws holding the control panel. Lift and disengage the panel, then set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the door and front panel

1. Open the dryer door and remove the Phillips screws at the bottom.
2. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to lift the tabs and pull the front panel out.
3. Disconnect the door switch plug and remove the front panel by tilting it toward you and lifting it off the bottom hinges.
4. Use pliers to remove the clips and harnesses holding the front bracket.
5. Unscrew the front bracket screws with a Phillips screwdriver, then lift and remove the bracket.
6. Disconnect the light plug and moisture sensor plug.
7. Remove the Phillips screws from the bulkhead by slightly lifting it so it disengages it from the drum.

Step 3: Remove the belt and drum

1. Reach underneath the drum to release the tension on the belt by pressing down on the idler pulley.
2. Remove the belt from the pulley and motor.
3. Lift the drum out of the dryer.
4. Carefully remove the igniter to prevent damage (it’s very fragile).
5. Unscrew the orifice with a 10 mm wrench.

Step 4: Install the new orifice

IMPORTANT: If you’re switching from LP to natural gas, make sure the valve limiter is set to the natural gas position.

1. Apply thread sealant to the threads of the new natural gas orifice.
2. Insert the orifice into its seat and tighten it with the 10 mm wrench. Be careful not to overtighten it.

Step 5: Reassemble the dryer

1. Reinstall the igniter and secure it with its screw.
2. Place the drum back into the dryer and make sure the belt is looped around it.
3. Re-route the belt through the idler pulley and motor pulley.
4. Reattach the front bulkhead by making sure it hooks correctly and aligns with the drum.
5. Reconnect the moisture sensor and light plugs.
6. Reattach the front bracket, front panel and door.
7. Reconnect all electrical plugs and reposition the control panel.
8. Replace the steam drawer and feeder container.
9. Reinstall the top panel and secure it with the screws.
10. Plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet.
11. Turn on the gas supply.
12. Test the dryer by running a short test cycle to make sure everything is working correctly.

Read more: 9 Ways To Improve Your Dryer’s Performance

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you install a new natural gas orifice for your LG dryer!

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.

You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website, and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common dryer problems here.

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