Honda 2000EU assistance

One thing to consider... Some people do not understand the generators who's model numbers end in "i"

Now, I have seen portable generators (IE: COntractor models) that run 3600 RPM, priod, that is the idle speed, it's also the full load speed.

The fact the service tech said "No more than 3600" Tells me he does not understand "i" models.

Some run a sub-multiple of 3600 (IE: 1200, 1800 2400) and by either gears or other means put out a 3600 cycle per minute (60 HZ) signal.

But on INVERTER generators the engine speed has absolutely NOTHING to do with the output frequency, no coloration at all. except at ZERO. (if the engine is not running the output frequency is also zero, as is the output voltage)

Wayne Dohnal wrote:

(snip)

Will that 1.5 megawatt gen fit in the same space as my Onan Microquiet???

Haha. Watched them crane them in this past spring. With no fuel, they are about 50,000 pounds each, and roughly the size of a semi trailer. They are amazingly quiet. Add the 2500 gallons of diesel to the underbelly tanks adds another 15,000 pounds.

I guess if you put some load range F tires on that 5er you might squeeze it in.

I've found that the wattage ratings on lights is just as unreliable as on heaters. You have to measure the load or you're shootin' in the dark in terms of evaluating performance. With the eu2000i in particular you know it's close to maxed out when the output voltage dips under 120. At 500 feet and 70 degrees mine stays above 120 volts up to about 1,800 VA. At higher elevations or temperatures, the 120 volt crossover happens at a lower load.

Will that 1.5 megawatt gen fit in the same space as my Onan Microquiet???

ScottG wrote:

djousma wrote:

NinerBikes wrote:
"A small heater" is vague. How about the actual watt rating of said heater. The Honda is rated for 1600 Watts. By the time you reach 800 watts, the motor should be working a little bit and come up off of the RPM's that it runs while in "Eco" Mode.

Running an electric heater is a poor use of the Honda's electrical capabilities converting fuel to mechanical to electrical to thermal energy. Too may conversions with too many losses.

Use propane for heating instead.

We just go two new Cummins 1.5 megawatt generators at work to power our datacenter. You know what the generator contractor uses to load test them? Giant heaters. They get so hot, they killed the grass behind them. To say it is poor use of the Honday to run a heater, is like saying I shouldnt run the A/C in my car when I could just roll the windows down.

Agree'd, simple resistance heaters are the best for testing load carrying ability. Using something that has big motors would give false results because of the influences of the inductive nature of the motor winding's.
When I used to test aircraft electrical systems, we would use large heater coils as well.

Who mentioned motors?

A few halogen shop lights 500w added in one at a time to a power strip can give you 500, 1000, and 1500w load to test your 1600w Honda generator's abilities at various loads and rpms generated. Known values. Heater values by UL on most small chinese portable space heaters are off in the sticks in terms of actual watts used, nowhere near their rated values. Lights will also show a dimming effect if your voltage is sagging, another added value.

I can tell you for certain that running gas free of ethanol will allow a Honda Eu1000i to pull a noticeably heavier load without the motor dying. I'd quantify it as about 50 to 60 more watts worth before the motor protests. Yes it is noticeable, at sea level.

djousma wrote:

NinerBikes wrote:
"A small heater" is vague. How about the actual watt rating of said heater. The Honda is rated for 1600 Watts. By the time you reach 800 watts, the motor should be working a little bit and come up off of the RPM's that it runs while in "Eco" Mode.

Running an electric heater is a poor use of the Honda's electrical capabilities converting fuel to mechanical to electrical to thermal energy. Too may conversions with too many losses.

Use propane for heating instead.

We just go two new Cummins 1.5 megawatt generators at work to power our datacenter. You know what the generator contractor uses to load test them? Giant heaters. They get so hot, they killed the grass behind them. To say it is poor use of the Honday to run a heater, is like saying I shouldnt run the A/C in my car when I could just roll the windows down.

Agree'd, simple resistance heaters are the best for testing load carrying ability. Using something that has big motors would give false results because of the influences of the inductive nature of the motor winding's.
When I used to test aircraft electrical systems, we would use large heater coils as well.

I would not like the "mechanic's" story up front. If he knew what he is doing, why would he have to clean the carb 2 times unless he says that he did not check the tank and refilled the carb with junk?

NinerBikes wrote:
"A small heater" is vague. How about the actual watt rating of said heater. The Honda is rated for 1600 Watts. By the time you reach 800 watts, the motor should be working a little bit and come up off of the RPM's that it runs while in "Eco" Mode.

Running an electric heater is a poor use of the Honda's electrical capabilities converting fuel to mechanical to electrical to thermal energy. Too may conversions with too many losses.

Use propane for heating instead.

We just go two new Cummins 1.5 megawatt generators at work to power our datacenter. You know what the generator contractor uses to load test them? Giant heaters. They get so hot, they killed the grass behind them. To say it is poor use of the Honday to run a heater, is like saying I shouldnt run the A/C in my car when I could just roll the windows down.

Stick a Kil-a-watt in the 120v outlet, then plug your heater into the kil-a-watt and see how many watts your heater is really drawing in eco mode. Ratings versus actual watts can be kind of funny with UL listings.

Sounds like it is finally working properly.

The unit is 10 years old with 400 hours on the counter.