My new Honda EU2000i generator experience

[CrossCountryGal]

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <wunctuationKerning/> <wrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</wrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <wrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</wrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <wisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</wisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <wisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</wisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <wontGrowAutofit/> <wontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <wontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles></xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}</style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal">When considering my inventory for another cross country road trip I knew I wanted to add a generator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Did my research and decided on a Honda EU2000i and purchased it online where I found the best price.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Received it promptly, read the owners manual from cover to cover, tested it with a load for an hour, and confidently hit the road three weeks ago.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Ran it five hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Changed the oil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Started running very rough and died after 2-3 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then it wouldn’t start on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Then it would start, run rough and die again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Rinse, Repeat, Rinse, Repeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Throw in periodically running for 10-15 minutes before it died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I’m frustrated and frantically searching the net troubleshooting, adding Seafoam, making sure the oil level is perfect, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Brought it to an authorized repair shop. Of course it ran perfectly fine for the two minutes the mechanic looked at it before giving me his phone # with a wink ::<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">::</p><p class="MsoNormal">Two days later I’m further down the road, continuing to experience the same problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Stopped at another authorized service shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>He keeps it FIVE days, replaces the carb, checks the oil, runs it for 2-3 minutes with a load, gives me his phone # and doesn’t bother to wink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Gee, thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>At least Honda paid the tab.</p><p class="MsoNormal">The very same afternoon, 50 miles down the road, the nightmare begins again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>After staying very calm and professional throughout this all, I’m about to go hormonal on the next authorized repair shop (I'm 51 - I can do that!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Told the guy what was going on and he began explaining the effects of ethanol gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Hmmm … my dad mentioned that, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>But I’m using Seafoam already … why am I having this issue?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This repair guy tells me to drain the tank, sells me a Honda additive for ethanol issues, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>gives me HIS phone number and an invitation to dinner, and sends me down the road to an ethanol free gas station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I fill the gennie , add the Honda additive, filled both spare gas tanks, added the Honda<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>additive to them as well. The additive wasn't necessary in the ethanol free gas, but he indicated it would probably clean up any gunk from the other gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">The generator purrs like a kitten now, running as smooth as silk through the first full tank and I’ve filled her again (my batteries are dead as doornails – something else I’ll have to address, but that’s another adventure.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I’ve downloaded an app with ethanol free gas stations nationwide, and am finally a happy Honda generator customer.</p><p class="MsoNormal">All of this to say – if you buy a Honda generator and can’t find ethanol free gas, USE THE ADDITIVE from the very start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I share this experience so that other folks won’t go through the nightmare I’ve just experienced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Here’s a website for ethanol free gas stations nationwide: <a href="http://pure-gas.org/" rel="nofollow">http://pure-gas.org/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">And single gals?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>If you’re interested in dating – Honda shops seem to be the place to be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>LOL<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I’m taking a breather from dating but thought y’all might be interested.</p><p class="MsoNormal">As always YMMV on your Honda gennie experience – but if you have any words of wisdom to share with us newbies, please do!</p><p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p><p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p><!--EndFragment-->

 

[bk2valve]

Excellent advice and experiences CCG...thanks for sharing that with us....You are right about some engines not doing well with ethanol laced gasoline...Fortunately I have an ethanol free gas station in my town for my old equipment....<br>Glad it smoothed out for you....funny about the encounters....<br><br>Best,<br>Bri

 

[longjohn]

I have the same generator, almost new.&nbsp; Untreated gas with ethanol went bad after only&nbsp;three months. Generator hard to start and surged up and down and wouldn't idle smoothly. Dumped the old gas and added new with Seafoam and it idled smoothly for a few more months then started the surging again. Took it to&nbsp;Honda&nbsp;dealer and they cleaned carb and running fine again. Will see how long it lasts. BTW, another problem with this generator is the vent on the gas filler cap. If not opened completely the vibration from the engine will cause the vent to close and shut of air to the carb and causing engine to die. Otherwise, great generator.

 

[yesican]

Wow...thank you for sharing your experience...not the hormal part, haha...i'm sure it'll be helpful to all...again....not the hormal part--although its a nice weapon for women to have!!!<br><br>Rae

 

[Rob S.]

somewhere there's a joke about hot flashes but the exact punch line escapes me at the moment! glad the situation is basically under control and hopefully things will remain fairly stable for (at least) the next couple months if not longer. I'm thinking all thoses repair guys probably knew what they were doing at least partly.

cheers and breast...i mean best!

 

[ccbreder]

PMS jokes are never funny, period.<br>Ethanol free gasoline is hard to find. The additives do help, but ethanol attacks some plastic parts in the carb. Plus, these small engines need very high octaine gasoline to run properly. Lowe's and other small engine shops sell gasoline in a can made for small engines, it makes a very&nbsp;noticeable&nbsp;difference. It is not cheap.&nbsp;

 

[offroad]

last weekend saw a propane powered generator. just attach tank and run it. kind of nice.&nbsp;

 

[CrossCountryGal]

Propane generator? &nbsp;COOL! &nbsp;Off to research and learn ...<br><br>(Not that I'm giving up this puppy after all of the sweat equity and aggravation I have in it, but having other options that take advantage of propane I already carry is worth exploring!)<br><br>BTW - Just this morning I figured out how to use my phone as a hot spot in remote areas - I'm using it now and so tickled! Mature ladies - we can DO THIS! :::happy dancing:::

 

[OSO]

ccbreder,<br>Thank you for the information on small engine fuel, ethanol concerns.<br>Very helpful and nice to know!<br><br>I'm a little less enthusiastic of you presenting as an arbiter of humor.<br>"PMS jokes are never funny, period."<br>May I suggest that you reacquaint yourself with the first amendment?<br>No offense intended.<br><br>OSO

 

[CrossCountryGal]

Uhm ... OSO ... I'm pretty sure ccbreder said "hormonal jokes aren't funny - period" tongue in cheek, or period in hormones. &nbsp;A bit of dry humor that us hormonal women appreciate&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>Carry on

 

[OSO]

I&nbsp; <span class="bmat">deliberately chose to use quotation marks re: </span>ccbrede's comments.<br>Shouldn't we let ccbrede speak to this, rather than speculate as to<br>what was said?<br><br>I could express my disdain for cowboy humor in a similar way by saying:<br>"Cowboy jokes are never funny". How would you interpret that?<br>.....Shall I get off my high horse now?<br><br>Oh..Just exactly what is a "hormonal" woman, anyway???<br>Is there such a thing as a "non-hormonal" woman?<br>If so, I've yet to meet one.<br><br>OSO

 

[psytechguy]

Sorry to hear about the ethanol gas problems with the Honda gennies.

In anticipation of my future life on the road, I bought an EU2000 last year.
Fired it up to test it with some power tools, etc. and then drained it and put it away.
Hopefully less than an hour's use with E-10 gas won't adversely effect it!

I don't think I've seen anywhere here (Central TX) that sells non-ethanol gas.

There are a couple of different fuel conversion kits for these generators that will let you convert to run on either gas, propane, or natural gas. Of course, they void your warranty.

Here's an "anti-ethanol" additive I just stumbled onto.

http://www.bellperformance.com/etha...urce=Adwords&gclid=CJPqoJHLp7UCFU-mPAod-3cA2Q

just one more thing to spend $'s on. &lt;sigh&gt;

 

[OSO]

Yup. "<span id="post_message_1276818434">just one more thing to spend $'s on. &lt;sigh&gt;</span> "<br><br>Isn't this the American way? A look at some recent history..<br>reveals: Leaded/unleaded, ethanol, DEF additive for diesel, etc., etc.<br><br>Familiar story; It's all about the green.. (Meaning the "dough,<br>rae, mi", of course) ..not to be confused with the "Green Movement,"<br>even if somewhat related, agenda-wise. Strange bedfellows for sure!<br><br><br>OSO

 

[OSO]

Too often, statements get posted online that do not necessarily convey<br>the true intention of the author.<br>Eg: "PMS jokes are never funny, period."<br><br>Is it just me, or do others read this as a terse, authoritarian, admonishment<br>to the dear reader?<br><br>Would the attachment of a "smiley" or perhaps editing, such as:<br>"PMS is no joking matter, period!" better convey the intention?<br><br>Perhaps I'm just a little "index finger twitchy"; a post traumatic reflex;<br>A result of all the 4th amendment saber rattling of late?<br>Executive Order, don't ya know.&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>0S0

 

[ccbreder]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/hom...e-small-engines-from-the-wear-and-tear-of-e10<br><br>I use e10 premium (92) gasoline in my small engines with a gasoline additive for ethanol. Pumps in SJ don't carry E free. Before storing my equipment for any more than a week or two, I empty the e10 and run a bit of "canned" gasoline to clear the carbs. I haven't had any problems for 3 summers.<br>If you google "propane generator conversion" you will find DIY directions and also manufactured kits. My self would use a kit, and have all the proper safety stuff. Propane is as dangerous as gasoline but sneaky.<br><br>I have to admit, my joke was in poor taste, gross, not politically correct, and I would not be surprised if I got smacked across the face and could never get a date again. However; I did not expect a constitutional challenge.

 

[ccbreder]

With all the excitment I forgot to thank you for the first hand experiance with your honda. Are they as quiet as advertized?

 

[bk2valve]

<p>Puns aren't gotten sometimes...I wouldn't get ready to go to court yet.<br><br>They don't always appeal to all apples in the barrel....</p><p>Bri</p>

 

[CrossCountryGal]

RobS and ccbreder - I received and enjoyed the intention of your wit&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp;Menopausal women should be able to poke a little fun at ourselves, which was my original thought in including the references to hormones lol<br><br>Thanks for the reminder about the propane conversion as well. &nbsp;I love the idea and may implement it down the road once the warranty isn't an issue any longer. &nbsp;I really like the thought of having one fuel source for cooking, generator, and my glass torch, while avoiding the whole chase of ethanol free gasoline and/or the proper additives.<br><br>As a relative newbie to living and traveling in a vehicle I shared my experience in hopes that it would help others avoid the frustration I've had, returning a drop in the bucket of the knowledge so generously shared by everyone else here. &nbsp;My writing style is casual, not technical, but I can clean it up and throw my professional hat back on if that's a better fit with the forum readers (please don't make me! I'm retired!)<br><br>Edited to add the generator is every bit as quiet as advertised!

 

[Coffee Tim]

Cheri I love your wit and casual style.&nbsp; Anything too technical and I'd have to learn to read all over again.&nbsp; I know the Honda is quiet because the salesman started one up and it didn't bother our conversation at all.

 

[Guest]

i guess i'm dumb then. i didn't even see the pun until it was pointed out LOL<br>don't think anything was meant by it. a very gracious gift we can give ourselves, is the ability to laugh in the mirror..<br><br>good review on that generator too.