problems starting generators

[antiqfreq]

We seem to always have trouble initially starting our generators. We have 2 Honda EU2000i's........

It is start then stall, start then stall, etc., etc., etc.,

After about five starts and running 10-15 seconds.....they will stay running.

Both do it, and no matter how you handle the choke mechanism - it is the same results.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks,

Jody

[Ruffus]

Hey Jo
I'm not sure about the Hondas but I had a Briggs that did the same thing after sitting for several months, turned out it was old gas gumming up the flapper valve on the carburator. Took the breather off, sprayed a little WD40 on the mechanisim and we were off and running.
Jim

[Festus2]

Sounds like the carbs are gummed up.

[antiqfreq]

The DH decided to try ( at my son the mechanics recommendation ) to try something called SeaFoam which is supoposed to be carburetor cleaner and you put it in with your gas. He tried it, but yesterday made NO difference....still had problems.
Today, at our property in central Georgia, it was 24 degrees when we woke up.......gens did the same thing.
( OF COURSE, I WAS TOO COLD TO START ALSO.......(:


Jo

[rjsurfer]

Definitely gummed up carbs, mine did the same thing after having the gen for a few years. Gumout helped but the real cure is to open the carb and clean out the jets and passageways. It's not hard, just don't disconnect the the throttle cable assembly it's a pain to get it back together correctly. All the work can be done with cable attached.

Another symptom is the generator works OK with the choke partially closed even when warmed up.

Ron W.

[antiqfreq]

Okay,

We paid $250 to have carbs cleaned, new spark plugs and got the story from the repair guy about how to start in higher altitudes.

Next day they both started right up. Now we are 3 hours further north
and elevation about 7000 feet and they won't start and we are dry camping and it is 33 degrees out.

Any other ideas on how to start these things before our batteries go dead.

DH wants to drive the 3 hours back to take back to the repair guy!

Thanks, JO

[PSDave]

Hello-

I have a 2000i also, but in addition, I carry an extra I-State group 27M (Deep Cycle) and a Kyocera 85W solar panel with a small regulator - for those "Just In Case" situations. Just my 2.00 worth (inflation )

PSDave

[antiqfreq]

Since the DH changed the oil to a thinner oil for higher elevations ours start fine now.

Guess if we get south to hot weather again, we'll change back to the original stuff.

Making sure it is always topped off with the oil has helped also. No problems starting now.

Jo

[Firecapt]

The problems you are having just don't seem right! Especially after having both generators "professionally" repaired. Did you take them to a certified Honda shop for repair?

I use a fuel stabilizer in my generator's gas tank since the gas sits for long periods (sometimes for months) between uses. One thing I do religiously is start and run the generator under load at least once a month between actual usage.

The oil that I use in all my 4 cycle tools and the generator is an Amsoil synthetic product (note the temperature ranges). See here:

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/ase.aspx

The synthetic is slipperier, has an affinity for metal (doesn't completely run off between uses), and has a greater resistance to heat breakdown than conventional oils.

Since generators and other garden tools are air cooled, the need to find an oil that stands up to the higher heat is very important.

[antiqfreq]

Yes, they went to a certified honda repair person.
And after putting in the different oil they start fine.
Previously they were used maybe every 2-3 weeks.
Now they are used at least once a week for 2-3 days
as we dry camp alot since fulltiming in February.
No problems at all now. We are about 7,000 elevation
now and no problems. Upstate Utah now, going to
Colorado next week for 8 days, then heading south
towards Quartsite for a few days then further west.
Running fine now.
Thanks,

Jo

[Firecapt]

Glad to hear you are back up and "running." You might consider a premium synthetic oil for the future, it's far superior to regular oil and a must for air cooled equipment.