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Butch50's avatar
Butch50
Explorer
Mar 10, 2013

Keeping a Honda Generator running till fuel runs out?

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
Truck Campers

19 Replies

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  • sue_t's avatar
    sue_t
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2013
    We use the air valve lever on the fuel tank cap to cause the EU2000 to run out of fuel. This same valve should be turned off when transporting, or fuel could ooze out if the EU2000 is tipped over.

    We've always either shut of the fuel on our old 2400W Honda model or used the air valve lever on the EU2000. No problems with either. The 2400 will re-start by third pull after a year of sitting (used during power outages at our cabin).

    Hondas are particularly fussy about fuel sitting in the carb, which gunks the jets. When I worked at a Honda dealership, many Honda power products came in for repair due to this. I advised purchasers to let the carb run dry, same advice the small engine mechanic always gave.
  • msiminoff's avatar
    msiminoff
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2013
    Hi Butch,
    I installed a switch in the ignition lead that goes to the factory kill switch (the rotary knob on the side of the generator**... as it happens this "switch" is also the fuel valve. When it is time to store the generator I turn off the factory switch (valve) and leave my ignition switch ON and run the carb out of fuel. I have been doing this for 6 years with no ill effects.
    BTW, I always use Sta-Bil in the fuel tank
    Cheers
    -Mark

    ** This was done so that I can select the Eco-Throttle and shut off my generator from inside the camper.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2013
    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.
  • Valkyriebush's avatar
    Valkyriebush
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2013
    midnightsadie wrote:
    if your using a stabilizer ? thats not a cleaner . use sea foam and it won,t gunk up ,


    X2
  • jrp's avatar
    jrp
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2013
    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.
  • _DJ_1's avatar
    _DJ_1
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2013
    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!!! :C

    The 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. :)
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2013
    if your using a stabilizer ? thats not a cleaner . use sea foam and it won,t gunk up ,
  • JoeChiOhki's avatar
    JoeChiOhki
    Explorer II
    Mar 10, 2013
    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.

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