Forum Discussion

path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
Jan 11, 2020

Generator 2000i problems

Started my generator like I do once a month to exercise it, runs normal like it should for about 10 minutes then shuts off. I thought maybe I forgot to open the vent on the cap. Double checked and vent is in open position. Start it again, runs 10 min, then shuts off, gives a couple surges then dies. Then I removed cap and started, running like it should. Question: anything wears out on these caps?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    BFL13 wrote:
    We are missing the comparison between third time with cap and third time no cap.


    Honda Inverter Generators the fuel cap is sealed. there is a vent valve you are supposed to open. IF you do not open the vent the generator runs for a few minutes then dies exactly as the O/P's does
    But he double checked to insure the vent was open and that did not help

    So he did the next step and removed the gas cap. that worked.


    Diagnosis: Well suspect list

    Vent was not open it was closed

    Vent valve is broken and not opening

    Something has clogged the vent

    I've never actually touched one of these so I can't tell if you can disassemble the vent valve assemble and clean it. BUT if you can. that would be my first suggestion.
  • Possibly a cause. If you look a the bottom of the cap there is a little clip that holds the vent on.
    Here's a youtube where the guy takes the cap apart.Ignore the part about taking making an extended run tank and skip to 2 min 8 sec. Just take the cap apart, clean it out and reassemble it.

    Link
  • Thanks for the comments.

    My plan...

    Inspect visually real good looking for bugs. Dirt etc.

    Then soak in gas for about half hour.

    I did fill the gas right to the top, would that have any reason why vent messed up
  • When you close the vent
    It is pulled closed and compresses a spring

    When you open it the spring pushes it open
    Possibly gummed up and stuck
    Clean it with alcohol or gasoline
    Allow it to dry out in the open position
  • RAS43's avatar
    RAS43
    Explorer III
    Maybe a bug built a nest in the vent and when you twisted it rapidly it broke loose.
  • BFL13 wrote:
    We are missing the comparison between third time with cap and third time no cap.


    With no cap...ran ok. Reason why I wonder if these cap venting system go bad.

    UPDATE...I twisted the vent knob back on fourth several times and felt with my fingers tension more and less as I twisted the knob. I haven't looked real good at how the vent works yet. But I'm thinking a gasket was stuck?
    Any ideas? It's been running normal since cap back on.
  • I have a Chraftsman tractor that kept running rough and dying. Replaced gas cap. Problem solved. Not sure that is your problem. Worked for me.
  • We are missing the comparison between third time with cap and third time no cap.