Wayne and Admin I would like to keep this in the TC forum as I think I well get more responses here than elsewhere as we are probably the biggest users of the little Honda Generators.Does anyone know how I can keep my generator running after I shut it off so the fuel in the carb is burned? I know when you turn off the on/off switch it shuts off the fuel and the spark. Is there a way to just shut off the fuel with it. What I'm thinking is add another switch to cut the power to actually shut it off.The reason I want to do this is to run the fuel out so the carb doesn't gunk up. I use fuel that has no ethanol in it and also use stablizer but I just had the little Honda gum the carb up. I know I can just open the screw on the bottom of the carb and let the fuel drain out of the hose but I thought it would be easier to just shut the fuel off and let it keep running. With another switch I can shut off the generator spark with it and then the off switch if I'm going to use it in a day or two again.Any thoughts?Thanks

The unit has a rubber fuel line, get an appropriate petcock valve and clamps and install it in the fueline, then simply closing the petcock should allow you to run the bowl out. The only hitch in that plan I can think of is the fuel pump and if it would cause any issues.

if your using a stabilizer ? thats not a cleaner . use sea foam and it won,t gunk up ,

Personally I would never store and engine with a dry carb. If the gaskets dry up and shrink you will have to rebuild it, not just clean it. I use a double dose of StaBil and have never had a problem storing my engines over the non use season. I just got my 2000 out last week from spending the winter in an unheated shed. Fired right up, got her good and hot and changed the oil and cleaned the filter. Ready for another season!!! :CThe same for my lawn mower and chipper vac. No problems. My snow thrower spends even more time in hibernation as we only have a couple snow months.Just be sure to run the engine long enough so the StaBil mixture can fill the carb before you shut it down. :)

Butch50 wrote:.... Is there a way to just shut off the fuel with it. What I'm thinking is add another switch to cut the power to actually shut it off.....My Honda EU2000 's have a lever switch built into the fuel cap that allows you to turn the fuel flow on/off. Mine are backup for my builtin genny and so only get used about every 6 months and I never have any starting issues as long as it has a dose of SeaFoam in the fuel tank.

midnightsadie wrote:if your using a stabilizer ? thats not a cleaner . use sea foam and it won,t gunk up ,X2

Keeping a Honda Generator running till fuel runs out?

19 Replies

bighatnohorse
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
Use premium gas in small engines for a longer lasting volatility.
bobndot
Explorer III
Oct 12, 2013
Can it done like this ?
its a video, so you can skip ahead to the 1/2 way point plus .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_P0dCg0oQY
RogerC68
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
msiminoff wrote:

** This was done so that I can select the Eco-Throttle and shut off my generator from inside the camper.

Great idea Mark!
TRIPLE8
Explorer
Mar 11, 2013
jrp wrote:
TRIPLE8 wrote:
Hi, those switches do not turn on and off the fuel, it is for venting only.

true, but unless you've upgraded your fuel pump to be strong enough to suck against a vacuum, no vent = no fuel flow after a few mins.
Your right there is no fuel flow, but it does not suck the carb dry. Just stops fuel flow nothing else.
77charger
Explorer
Mar 11, 2013
I own a few motorcycles as well as a honda 300 generator i like to leave a lil fuel in the carbs if i can and have not had any issues doing so.The only one i di have a prob with a carb jet is my daughters quad that sat for a couple months without starting and the fuel valve was one that only works wheen the engine is on.From going dry the pilot jet got clogged up somehow everything else i own has never done this and the ones i know who turn their gas off are ones who have had carb probs after sitting for a while.

Gas in the carb keeps things wet no gas gets dry and gummy from residue.I dont use any stabil either,Longest i had something sit was 6 months it was my old atc i had standing against the wall so i had to turn off gas i would turn it on every now and then to fill carb.When i decided to ride it it took 3 kicks to start.
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2013
You should not have a problem storing your generator with fuel in the tank. Judging from my experience with a lawn mower, I believe that storing with stabilized fuel is better than trying to run the carb dry. Also I believe it is recommended to run the generator every month or so. That helps to keep the jets clean and heating up the generator for 15-30 minutes will also help keep moisture out of the unit. Also it can be a real bit.h to try to start a generator without fuel in the system. I know the dealer complained he always had problems getting new units primed and working. He must have pulled the starter cord 50 times before it finally caught. It is rare that I need to pull more than once or twice.
F1bNorm
Explorer
Mar 10, 2013
Super_Dave wrote:
The straightest answer to your question or desired outcome is the screw in the bottom of the carb bowl. You sgould see a pee tube next to the screw. I bleed my carb bowl dry for storage.

X2- this is a feature on many Honda products. The screw is a valve, not a drain plug. As Dave says, the fuel will come out of the tube. Storage for various situations is covered in the online owners manual. Search Honda+model+manual.

Norm
jrp
Explorer
Mar 10, 2013
TRIPLE8 wrote:
Hi, those switches do not turn on and off the fuel, it is for venting only.

true, but unless you've upgraded your fuel pump to be strong enough to suck against a vacuum, no vent = no fuel flow after a few mins.
Raften
Explorer
Mar 10, 2013
So the question is when you close the cap vent will it have emptied the carb when it stops. Guess I'll find out next time I run it.
TRIPLE8
Explorer
Mar 10, 2013
jrp wrote:
Butch50 wrote:
.... Is there a way to just shut off the fuel with it. What I'm thinking is add another switch to cut the power to actually shut it off.
....

My Honda EU2000 's have a lever switch built into the fuel cap that allows you to turn the fuel flow on/off.
Mine are backup for my builtin genny and so only get used about every 6 months and I never have any starting issues as long as it has a dose of SeaFoam in the fuel tank.
Hi, those switches do not turn on and off the fuel, it is for venting only.