Hi Everyone,Before I start I'd just like to post a warning to all people planning on buying a generation set.Get something like a Honda and NOT something like a Boliy. I've had a Boliy for 5 years. When I bought it I was hung up on finding a generator that would supply the current to run my trailer RV. I didn't know about parallel options with the Honda Units. The Boliy has been nothing but trouble, I run it weekly but even then not a year goes by that I don't have a major issue with it!.. and this time it refused to supply the current to run my AC. It's leaked gas all over the bed of my new truck. It's incredibly heavy to lift!.. A Total pain!DON'T BUY!So anyway.. with that said!I'm going to buy a Honda 2000 combo set.I was excited to hear that you can run these on Propane and Natural Gas. However I've just spoken to the dealer and he is saying Don't Do it!.. it will totally void your warranty and you won't find a Honda Dealer that will touch it for repair once you have done the conversion!Is this true?Any other advise that anyone can give about buying my new gen set?Thanks!

I would listen to the dealer.Do you have wattage measurements on the wattage the air conditioner draws?

The engines will run cleaner on propane or compressed natural gas. You will use more fuel than with gasoline. It is most always easier to get gasoline to keep the gen running. The dual Honda or Yamaha's are an excellent choice. Make sure you have an extended fuel supply as the tanks are rather small in these units.

pianotuna wrote:I would listen to the dealer.Do you have wattage measurements on the wattage the air conditioner draws?Just spoke to the manufacturer and its about 3.6Kw at startup.. so that's 29.1A At start up.. so I suspect that you will probably hear the two generators 'Grunt" a bit at AC startup, but will settle down.Am I assuming correct?Thanks!

Hi,Consider using a hybrid inverter to take care of the starting surge. It will cost more than twin generators. You do have to have a good battery bank, too.The Yamaha 2400 watt might be a better choice.

DONT convert to propane. There are gasoline stations on every corner. Propane starts harder in cold weather unless it's on something like a fork lift or or engine with cold start considerations. I went with a 3000 Honda remote start bolted to the truck bed but I do have a 13,500 ac unit.

Honda EU2000i Companion Set | Good Sam Community

clev
Explorer
Nov 24, 2015
Well, I repaired mine last weekend. With the garage door closed and the lights out, I discovered that it did have spark. Being around since the old muscle car days with carbureted engines, I know that when a non-computer engine won't start, it comes down to fuel or fire; it had fire so it had to be fuel. After totally disassembling the generator, I discovered a 'tube type' fuel filter at the bottom of the fuel tank and it was totally clogged. It is not visible without disassembly. With it cleaned out, the generator runs great and starts with 2 - 3 pulls. I also disassembled the other one and found that tube filter also partially clogged. If you have one of these gen sets, I would advise that you check out that filter. Now, I have 2 good generators.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Oct 09, 2015
Dealer suggested this:

1. Close gas cap and vent.

2. Rock the generator back and forth a number of times.

3. Start as usual.

The theory is this: shaking a gas can will build pressure in it. Same principle here, the pressurized fuel tank will fill the carburetor instead of repeated pulling of the rope to cause the fuel pump to slowly fill it.
mlts22
Explorer
Oct 08, 2015
SoundGuy wrote:
I also run Mobil 1 synth oil and premium, non-ethanol SeaFoam treated gas in my EU2000i and it starts first pull, every time. :B However, there is a trick I read on the forums some time ago by robert_at_honda ...

1) Open the full cap to verify the gas level

2) Close the gas cap and turn the vent lever to the closed position

3) Turn the choke on full, turn the main switch to ON, then let it sit like this for at least a minute

4) After an minute or so, open the fuel cap vent and start the engine

My understanding is this process allows fuel pressure to build so when you do start the engine it will start right away ... mine does. :B

Sounds like the same process we used to start old cars with carbs. Tap the gas a few times... wait... tap a few times... wait... then start.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Oct 08, 2015
I also run Mobil 1 synth oil and premium, non-ethanol SeaFoam treated gas in my EU2000i and it starts first pull, every time. :B However, there is a trick I read on the forums some time ago by robert_at_honda ...

1) Open the full cap to verify the gas level

2) Close the gas cap and turn the vent lever to the closed position

3) Turn the choke on full, turn the main switch to ON, then let it sit like this for at least a minute

4) After an minute or so, open the fuel cap vent and start the engine

My understanding is this process allows fuel pressure to build so when you do start the engine it will start right away ... mine does. :B
jake2250
Explorer
Oct 08, 2015
I have done a few things to my Honda 2000, First I run Mobil 1 5-30 full synthetic oil. Also I use only 91 octane premium fuel. When not camping and using them I run them every two months for about a half an hour under a load.
Then I remove side cover and drain the fuel bowl. Have yet to have a problem starting usually two or three pulls. I have had my Honda for seven years now.
ford_truck_guy
Nomad
Oct 08, 2015
MY 2 are both 4-5 years old.. And the Worse case is that they start in 7-8 pulls , usually within 2-3..
road-runner
Explorer III
Oct 08, 2015
I haven't had nearly as many problems as in the previous post, but I'll admit that my eu2000i is sometimes a real pain to start. In the worst cases 20 or so pulls. I'm always impressed by the "starts in one pull" posts. Other than that and the occasional gummed-up carb, it has been steadfastly reliable. I've had it for 11 years.
clev
Explorer
Oct 08, 2015
I believe that I am the only person, either here, or people that I've met, that has had a problems. with the Honda 2000's. I've had the pair for a few years and they've always been hard to start. But, at $2000 for the pair, I've been stuck with them. At times, I've worn myself out pulling on the cables. I do maintenance after every use and if I don't have a trip planned, will add StaBil, B12 Chemtool, or both to the gas. Even with that, I've had to disassemble and clean jets at least 4 times (these gens have no petcock to drain fuel and I believe that is the problem). Anyway, the 2000i expired on this last trip; there is no spark at the spark plug. So, I'm undecided as to whether I want to waste time and money fixing this or using this as a good excuse to finally buy a larger generator. Sorry for the rant.
mikestock
Explorer
Aug 06, 2015
You can make your own 30 amp box with an RV style receptacle for much less than buying the Companion. Get this set of cables, cut the wires and install them in your little job box. Should total about $80.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Aug 06, 2015
the "Mod" invovles replacing the carb and removing the fuel pump.. You can 'reverse' mod" if it needs service. (Provided YOU do the mod and not some mechanic you hire)

Page 2: Propane is less potentent than Gasoline. If you are planning on using this in a fixed location with a big tank.. GO FOR IT. but if using it portable you are better off with gasoline.

Of all the portables.. ONLY HONDA has the Extended Run Fuel Tank option. Due to the design of the fuel system it can suck fuel out of a portable tank attached to the on-board tank giving you near infinite run time if needed.