Strange Generator issue.

Harvard wrote:
Robert, your insider knowledge and subsequent contributions to this forum are priceless, thank you.

Thanks for the kind words; glad I can help out....

-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

eddieb794 wrote:
Robert,
Thanks for the reply and the info. My serial number does fall into that range. I fiqured it had something to do with the inverter. I ordered a service manual on the generator. I found a place online that sells a replacement for $456.00 I can't locate a used one. Guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy new. Any tips on puting the new one in?
Thanks Eddie.

You got it; here is the complete procedure to R&R (remove and replace) the inverter:









-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

Robert,
Thanks for the reply and the info. My serial number does fall into that range. I fiqured it had something to do with the inverter. I ordered a service manual on the generator. I found a place online that sells a replacement for $456.00 I can't locate a used one. Guess I will have to bite the bullet and buy new. Any tips on puting the new one in?
Thanks Eddie.

Robert, your insider knowledge and subsequent contributions to this forum are priceless, thank you.

eddieb794 wrote:
It powers everything fine until you shut something off, than trips.
Thanks Eddie.

There was a Service Bulletin issued by Honda for this issue back in March, 2005.

1. Open the side door and get the serial number:


2. If your serial number is in the range of EZGF-1023302 ~ 1120322, then it could benefit from an updated inverter module, which has been updated to address the issue with breaker tripping when a load is removed.

3. The bad news is the fix is not cheap; an updated inverter has a retail price of $564, plus whatever labor needed to remove and replace the old one. The part number is 31310-Z28-C30, and may be purchased (and installed) by any Honda Generator dealer. It takes a bit of effort to swap the inverter; the front panel, control panel, air cleaner case, and choke cable all have to come out/loose for access.

Units with this problem that were still under warranty were repaired at no cost. I think your EU3000is probably had a 2-year warranty when new. Please understand this is not a "recall" because it is not safety-related nor does it apply to rules in place with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

If you do take the generator in for this repair, tell the dealer to review Honda's Generator Service Bulletin #38 from March 2005 for full details.

You might look around and if you find a used EU3000i, perhaps one that is being parted out, or is damaged, check the serial number on the unit and get one outside the effected range. Or, look at the date code on the inverter itself; you want one mfg AFTER 8/25/2004. Here's an image to help:



-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding is my opinion alone.

Are you sure it is the overload that trips, and not the low oil shutoff?

I ask because that possibility is easy to check and cheap to fix (ie, check oil level and add if necessary). And I can see how, if you were right on the line, the tiny momentary rpm increase due to a sudden drop in the load might cause the wiggle in oil level needed to kick you offline.

If it is the overload, not the oil, it suggests an electrical problem that might need the attention of a Honda tech. When a substantial load drops off, a momentary voltage spike occurs, too. The circuitry is supposed to handle that, but evidently doesn't.