Honda Generator parts & maintenance

ecksdude · 08-29-2015, 08:49 PM

I've got a Honda EU2000i plus an EU2000i companion. We used them a bit when we rented a TT 2 years ago, but they've pretty much just been sitting in the garage ever since. I was lazy and didn't prep them for storage... so now they pretty much don't run.

My plan is to give them each an oil change, new spark plug, clean air filter, and then tear down, clean, and re-assemble the carburetors to see if that gets them going again. I'm pretty sure it's clogged up with varnish by now.

2 Questions:

1) Where do I go to buy parts? None of the local shops carry any parts at all for these things, so I guess I have to order online. Who is a good (i.e. inexpensive and reliable) vendor to use?

2) The generators don't even start at this point. Am I on the right track with cleaning out the carbs, or is there something else I should try first?

I found a few youtube videos on tearing down and cleaning the carbs, looks fairly straightforward. Just wondering if that's the right path.

BigJohnD · 08-29-2015, 10:25 PM

Can't answer #1, but #2, I think you're on the right track. There are tons of online suppliers for the parts, I just can't tell you which one to use. I've ordered small engine parts from multiple places. Ours sat up for a while one time and neither would start. Did just as you've mentioned with cleaning carbs and changing the oil, plug etc, and they run great again. I'm a little more careful with them now since they're not cheap.

**norty1** · 08-30-2015, 03:20 AM

I have never needed parts for mine yet but our local Honda dealer has them, some in stock and can order also. I took mine there when it was still in warranty to have the carb. adjusted.

bap · 08-30-2015, 04:34 AM

Jack's Small Engines http://www.jackssmallengines.com is a good source for small engine parts. I have bought from them several times for other brands. Honda Carburetors and Parts - 4-Cycle

ecksdude · 08-30-2015, 11:21 AM

Thanks, all... Appreciate the tips!

NC Roamer · 08-30-2015, 01:09 PM

Don't know about Honda generators, but I do know Honda motorcycle carbs will varnish-up if unstabilized gas is left in them over the winter. So you are most likely correct in starting there.

Ela1948 · 08-30-2015, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ecksdude

I've got a Honda EU2000i plus an EU2000i companion. We used them a bit when we rented a TT 2 years ago, but they've pretty much just been sitting in the garage ever since. I was lazy and didn't prep them for storage... so now they pretty much don't run.

My plan is to give them each an oil change, new spark plug, clean air filter, and then tear down, clean, and re-assemble the carburetors to see if that gets them going again. I'm pretty sure it's clogged up with varnish by now.

2 Questions:

1) Where do I go to buy parts? None of the local shops carry any parts at all for these things, so I guess I have to order online. Who is a good (i.e. inexpensive and reliable) vendor to use?

2) The generators don't even start at this point. Am I on the right track with cleaning out the carbs, or is there something else I should try first?

I found a few youtube videos on tearing down and cleaning the carbs, looks fairly straightforward. Just wondering if that's the right path.

The jet in a 2000's carb is extremely small. You will need the finest wire in a torch tip cleaner to clean that jet.

NVGun40 · 08-30-2015, 03:59 PM

ecksdude · 08-30-2015, 06:15 PM

First generator is done and working great. I still need to do an oil change, but the spark plug and air filter are good. I tore apart the carburetor and cleaned up the bowl and the jets with carb cleaner and compressed air. Put it all together, added some fresh gas and it runs good as new.

Now for the second one.

These are surprisingly easy to work on. Nice.

ecksdude · 08-30-2015, 07:58 PM

And now the second one is working great as well. Just a clogged jet or something.

I guess tomorrow night I'll change oil on both and let them sit until my new trailer shows up (5-7 weeks).

All that trouble because I was too stupid to drain the carb before storing... won't make that mistake again!

**norty1** · 08-31-2015, 07:38 AM

Another tip that caused me some confusion. The gas cap has a slide for running and storing to keep the gas from evaporating during storage.
Somehow mine got out of its track by 180 degrees.
After running a while it shut off under load but would crank and run for a few minutes before repeating.
I finally figured I must have twisted it out of whack.
Runs great again.

Hattie · 08-31-2015, 08:08 AM

And get some HEET, add it when the generator won't run - it'll save you a blister or two!

Rock · 09-07-2015, 08:11 AM

I have two generators and always use an additive for fuel. Shut off the fuel supply and run them till they shut off. Than my Honda has a drain line that you losen a screw and any remaining fuel drains from bowl. My Yamaha just has a drain screw on the bowl bottom. Yamaha 2800 is 11 years old and never has had a fuel issue
Rock

Wanderer · 09-07-2015, 09:55 AM

I have the same pair of generators. At the end of every trip I fill each with fresh fuel treated with Sta-Bil to avoid the issue. It allows storage for up to a year. Make sure they are full with least amount of air w/out overfill. I run the fuel out of the carb before storing.

I purchased mine from an online company who has always been great to deal with Yamaha & Honda Generators | Lawn Mowers & Power Equipment | Wise Sales. You can always check with them for parts

Good luck

SmokerBill · 09-07-2015, 01:36 PM

When I use my Honda, I run it every day so I don't use any additives. When it's not going to run for a week or more I prep it by running the tank and carb bowl dry. If it's going to be longer than that, I pull the sparkplug and squirt in some 10W30 to coat the piston and cylinder walls to prevent corrosion (required for storage according to the EU2000i manual).

Mines been stored and not ran since March of 2014. In a couple of weeks I'll pull it out and fire it up to make sure it's working, and it's in good shape for my Arizona snowbird trip. Yeehaw, headin' south by October 1! Can't wait.

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