Honda EU20i Questions & Answers (page 2 of 5)

My advise in your case would be to remove the side covers and remove the fuel tank, fiddly but not difficult.
Also there is in some if not all models an inline fuel filter inside the fuel hose where it attaches to the Tank, need to pull this out to clean.
Don't forget to also loosen the Carburettor drain screw (on the side of the fuel bowl) and drain the fuel, this also needs to be done when storing the Generator away for a length of time.. say 2 - 3 months.

They are available as a spare part, (purchased one recently) just order one from your local Honda MPE Dealer.
Cheers,
Greg

Hi, this is a difficult one as the battery charger outlet is designed exactly for that purpose, to charge a battery at low Amps. If it was me I would use the 240v side connected to a small transformer to run the Fan, it will be a low current draw.
Best advice would be to contact Honda MPE in Melbourne and talk to a Tech to confirm your set up, always found them to be very helpful.
Cheers, Greg

Thanks Gregory. Not sure why you say question is difficult. If Honda battery charger has 8 amp output and Fan I'm using is in that vicinity, then what can the problem be? I know outlet is designed for battery charging and unregulated (no cut-off) but this does not seem important as it is approx. the same voltage and amperage needed to run the 12v Fan and as I stated, does it well. I am more interested in any possible harm to the Genny. Please advise.
Kind regards,
Pugachoff.

Hi Bob, did you drain the fuel before storing it away? unleaded has a limited shelf life, left long enough it wont even burn. Also fuel in the Carby evaporates and leaves a residue behind which can block the main jet.
Suggestion: When you are not using the Generator, drain the carburettor (there is a drain screw at the bottom of the fuel bowl on the side), put some 'Fuel Doctor' in the main tank, this will help to preserve the remaining fuel).
Your nearest Honda Power Equipment Dealer is Taree Motorcycles. 02 65524299.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Greg

Thank you for your assistance.

Hi Bill, they are basically the same Generator, the EU20i is the 240v model and the EU2000i is as sold in the USA which uses 110 volts.
Most parts that suit the 2000i will fit the 20i (except the electrical items).

Thanks Greg.

no oil is enquired in the fuel only the engine sump if you feel like it you can add 2 or 3 mls of 2 stroke oil per tank complete refill to keep carbie buttery fly shaft lube.d just make Shure it is only the tiniest amount but

no, the kettle is max of the generator. Run the kettle separately.

It's a piece of string question. Add up the power in watts shown on the nameplates, usually on the bottom of the appliance. If it's more than 2500 W you're probably out of luck but you can try. If it's less than that give it a go. You won't break anything as the overload breaker is robust. I often use my eU1000i on our boat to run the hot water heater, which is 1200 W or a 20% overload. It roars along happily for the 20 minutes or so it needs, so Hondas have spare capacity. Connect one more thing and it just drops out. By the way, what's wrong with using gas for the kettle?

Hi, That I cant personally answer as I have never tried to run an aircon with it. I have seen mixed comments on other blogs but it depends if the aircon has soft or hard start. If you are buying the new Honda they are EU22i so can handle a full 2000watts it most likely will.
sorry I can help any more than that.
Cheers

Hi, No but possibly by the condition of the geni, you will have to take the word of the seller or ask a Honda rep if there is wear that can indicate the hrs.
Cheers

There actually IS a built-in hour meter, of sorts. The green output indicator light will flash at initial start-up, once for every hundred hours of run time. One flash = 100+ hours, 2 flashes = 200+ hours, etc.

Thank you both for your help, it is much appreciated. Kind regards, Eric.

Test your generator into a 2kW fan or bar heater. If it runs that it's good and you have a problem with your aircon. Check the power rating on the aircon to see if it is below 2.2kVA. There has to be a plate on the unit itself with that information. If it's over 2.5kVA you're out of luck.

Thank you for your answer. The A/C is a 2.4kw with a soft start compressor. I have tried using 2 other borrowed Honda 20i generators to see if they work and they both start and run the A/C with no problems. I have also asked other members of a group who have same A/C using same generator and they have no problems running theirs.
Any other ideas would help.

do as he said your testing the air con rot the generator or try to run the other persons aircon with your gen set as you say there 20i runs that. than if it wont run that aircon try a new spark plug. I had a new 20i and nad it nunning out the back of the boat it sounded a little funny so I went for a look, it was blowing more smoke than a fogging machine and would of emptied the sump and seized in no time as the spark plug was only firing sometimes so causing a vacuum and sucking the oil from the sump a new spark plug and all was perfect so power was down due to faulty spark plug and as I was only running a 40 amp battery charger it could still run. spark plugs are cheap and easy to change. but can cause power loss if not firing on every stroke.

It's probably petrol additives built up in the emulsion tube as the fuel dried out. There are plenty of guides online on how to clean it. You only need a socket set and some very fine copper wire, eg a strand from some power flex.

By now you know what the genny is doing by the exhaust sound. You probably never look at the lights. I wouldn't bother with replacing them.

Yes it is - especially if you are going to store it for weeks or months without running it. 98 octane fuel will last a lot longer than cheaper lower octane fuel which will not store well and will go off unless you use it straight away. Also the alcohol in E10 will absorb water after a while. On the other hand, if you are using your generator constantly, there is probably not much point in going to the extra expense of 98 octane.

No. The cap or the fuel tank is worn. Buy a new capand try it, but it may be worth trying a new washer first.

Sounds like a blocked main jet in the carburettor. You tube has good descriptions of how to clean it. That should be a good first step. On your boat you may have a problem getting really fine wire but you could try a strand from the earth shield on an old headphone or earpiece. It may be just a piece of manufacturing junk blocking the jet. I had that and it came out just by draining the carby, closing the valve again and starting up normally. Serves you right for going to nice places.

this guy is right but you can clean the main jet once it is removed from carbie with brake/ carbie cleaner. also remove emotion tube that's the brass tube under the main jet and held in by same.
spray cleaner trou little holes in tube and main jet then hold up to sun/ sky to check all holes are clear. repeat if not clear to remove tube just tap carbie on hard surface or in worst case use a pencil to push down where tube stands prowed of carbie trough don't use wire to clean if you can avoid it as you can alter the size of the holes. where safety glass when spraying the brake cleaner I don't but I am a idiot. I always carry 2 cans of brake cleaner on my boat as I clean the 2 little Honda 2.3 outboard's and the genset every 6 month.

Either the inverter has failed or a wire has broken from rough use. You'll have to take it to a workshop and get a quote if you can't pull the covers off yourself and see something wrong visually. A new genset may be cheaper.

Check the oil level. Mine did the same until I added just a touch more oil to bring it up the top end of the plug thread with the machine level.

If you are in Australia, this is mid-winter. Don't slam the choke off on a cold morning. Ease it off gradually, maintaining smooth running as the generator warms up.

if your saying it stays breaking down after it has got to operating temp it will be spark plug or blocked carbie try spark plug first.

The dimensions are 510 x 290 x 425 (mm).

220v only I'm afraid.

Cheers I will get a step down converter so.