Honda EU2000i Generator Shop Notebook

deltabravo wrote:

WesternHorizon wrote:
...it is always pretty clean at 100 hrs even when run in the desert.

I added a small hour meter like this one to my generator so I can track hours between oil changes.

I have a pre-owned EU2000i that still idles bad after rebuilding the carb. I'm about ready to replace the carb on it.

Honda recommends a 100 hour oil change interval, so that's what I do with mine.
I also added cheap hour meters to my Hondas, one 2000 bought new, one bought used. I mounted the hour meter to the spark plug cover, because that small piece is easy to change, instead of putting holes in the main covers.
Delta Bravo, I had the same issue with the 2000 I bought used. Take it apart and clean it again. Seriously, I had to do that after I was positive I had the carb spotless, but it wasn't. There was the tiniest piece of dirt only blocking about a fourth of one of the emulsifier tube holes, and it wouldn't run correctly. It needs them all. I used a strand of wire from a brass brush, as I do not think plastic is strong enough to clean the stubborn stuff off. These don't get cleaned this way often enough to worry about scratching or enlarging the holes.

WesternHorizon wrote:
...it is always pretty clean at 100 hrs even when run in the desert.

I added a small hour meter like this one to my generator so I can track hours between oil changes.

I have a pre-owned EU2000i that still idles bad after rebuilding the carb. I'm about ready to replace the carb on it.

http://bit.ly/2R9l1f3

One update: After doing Blackstone analysis I go for 100 hrs between changes. Generators are not hard on synthetic oil and it is always pretty clean at 100 hrs even when run in the desert.

LittleBill wrote:
the comment right below burning man is a contradiction. they say use 0w-20, guy below has 6k hours and uses the cheapest 10-w30 he can find. your mileage obviously varies.

Yes, good point.

I am very interesting in documenting contradictions in the notebook, since that is the nature of "crowdsourced" information.

Also in resolving contradictions with superior logic or unique information that is not generally known.

In this case it might be a combination of "good luck" and/or the fact that even the cheapest oil these days is very, very good oil.

theoldwizard1 wrote:

One video says replace the bowl gasket (it usually looks like a flat rubber O-ring) every time. IMHO, this is not required. Do NOT get carburetor cleaner on the gasket as it will swell and will not fit properly

Interesting. I wondered about that. And I tried it. And it worked: no leaks. I do have a spare gasket on the way.

Thank you. I added a new section "Do you really need to replace the fuel bowl gasket?"

http://bit.ly/2R9l1f3

Thank you all for the feedback. I have added some other new items.

Do not use wire in jets, it will scratch and change the flow rate. If you must probe in those small holes, use a bristle from a paint brush.

A few tips on carburetor rebuild. These apply to all small engine carburetor rebuilds.

• Use a flashlight an inspect the inside of the tank. If there is ANY debris inside the tank, remove it and rinse it clean ! Replace any fuel filter and consider replacing all fuel line.
• One video says replace the bowl gasket (it usually looks like a flat rubber O-ring) every time. IMHO, this is not required. Do NOT get carburetor cleaner on the gasket as it will swell and will not fit properly
• Get a very fine piece of stiff wire (a single bristle from a wire brush) and probe all holes/passageways to be sure there is no debris or varnish.

Well done! Thank you!

WesternHorizon wrote:

RollandB wrote:
Wow, nice work! Saved it for future use.

Thanks all, happy to help

The section on how Burning Man takes care of the EU2000i is especially interesting.

They have apparently learned some tricks from the street vendor community (food trucks, etc.) that put huge hours on their machines.

the break in part is known, the comment right below burning man is a contradiction.

they say use 0w-20,

guy below has 6k hours and uses the cheapest 10-w30 he can find.

your mileage obviously varies.

There's also a Carb job sticky here.