Honda EU2000I Not starting at higher altitude

[aaarneson]

I live in Phoenix and my generator starts up really good with no choke. Was in Dolores, CO over the weekend and could not get it to start at all. Used premium gas, no choke then choke....still no start. I also added a little sea foam. Nothing. Go back home and it started right up.

Was going to pull the carb and give it a cleaning...but could this issue be something else. Do I need a new main jet for higher altitude? I seen lots of people with this generator with the stock jet run fine in higher altitude.

Thanks for the help.

[aaarneson]

Another question....Since it is still starting without the choke, could that be caused by the seafoam that is still in the fuel? Or am I still having the same issue?

[Kayteg1]

I would run it for some time under the load and check the spark plug color.
And yes, temperature does make big difference.
My Honda 3000 generator starts always on 1st, seldom on 2nd pull.
But when I went with my truck into -20F temperatures, it would not start even with 15 pulls I gave it.

[aaarneson]

Tried it last night and it did start with the choke off. Does the temp make a difference? It was 110 yesterday and still warm at night. Or is there something wrong with the float or maybe something stuff in it?

[burningman]

The on/off switch on an EU2000 does two things: it mechanically shuts off the fuel and electrically kills the spark.
There is a quick-disconnect plug in the wire going to the switch, and you can usually reach it just by opening the side hatch.
I like to unplug that, so when I shut the generator off, it runs until it sucks ALL the fuel out of the carburetor. Some people install a separate kill switch so it's easy to shut it down either way - instantly or by fuel starvation.

[marcsbigfoot20b]

When you put your gen away for more than 2 weeks it's best to drain the carb float bowl.

Simply turn the flat blade screw on the carb that drains the bowl to the drain hose, shake the unit side to side, then while the run switch is still in the off position turn the choke on and pull the pull start about 5 times to clear any residual fuel in the jets.

Close the drain screw.

Next time you start it you will need the choke on and pull about 8 times it should fire up.

[2oldman]

aaarneson wrote:
.It will not start when the choke is off now.

and that's normal, unless it's completely warmed up, then it won't start with the choke on.

[Kayteg1]

Do yourself a favor and on last run of the trip, run the carburetor dry.
I do it with all seasonal equipment and even 20+ years Honda in my rarely used pressure washer has no carburetor problem.
Than air filters are hard to judge, so in case of doubt- replace it.
One time I bought Honda lawnmower very cheap because it would be very hard to start (several Hondas I do/did own start on 1 or 2nd pull).
I took the lawnmower home and start fooling with it. The air filter look perfectly clean, but when I removed it, the engine start and run with no problem.
Don't know what PO used, but the filter was clog with something not visible to eye. He might use WD40 as starting fluid ,or something in this line.

[aaarneson]

So I followed the tutorial on this forum and cleaned the carb out....It will not start when the choke is off now. But when I try to start it with the choke on it starts first pull. So it may be good to go now.

There was some dirt/rust in the float bowl. Also some white chunks and powder....almost looked like calcium.

Thanks for everyone's help.

[aaarneson]

Air filter is really clean.

[LScamper]

Live at 7200 feet. My two EU2000 run fine here. I have often used them at 10,000 feet with no problems.

I have changed jets but found no real reason to do that and don't anymore. If I was going to spend a long time at 10,000 feet I may change the jets just to keep from too much carbon build up. Never saw much power improvement with changing the jets.

[aaarneson]

Kayteg1 wrote:

aaarneson wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:

aaarneson wrote:
I live in Phoenix and my generator starts up really good with no choke.

That is not normal that engine starts easy with no choke.
I think for some reason your carburetors run rich and higher elevation magnify the issue.
Pull the plug and check the color.

Just replaced the plug....the previous one was pretty blackened.

2nd indication you have rich mixture.
Beside jet, that might be high level in fuel bowl and dirty air filter.

I will check air filter but how do i know there is too much fuel in bowl? Also I currently have premium fuel with some seafoam in there...would that help it start without choke?

[dieseltruckdriv]

I live at 5500' and boondock (real boondocking, no city in sight) a lot at 3000', and I have never had a starting issue, as long as it was above zero anyway.

Edited to add, I meant to advise to check your carb. I have one that works flawlessly, and one that gives me fits at times. Keep the carbs clean.

[Kayteg1]

aaarneson wrote:

Kayteg1 wrote:

aaarneson wrote:
I live in Phoenix and my generator starts up really good with no choke.

That is not normal that engine starts easy with no choke.
I think for some reason your carburetors run rich and higher elevation magnify the issue.
Pull the plug and check the color.

Just replaced the plug....the previous one was pretty blackened.

2nd indication you have rich mixture.
Beside jet, that might be high level in fuel bowl and dirty air filter.

[aaarneson]

Kayteg1 wrote:

aaarneson wrote:
I live in Phoenix and my generator starts up really good with no choke.

That is not normal that engine starts easy with no choke.
I think for some reason your carburetors run rich and higher elevation magnify the issue.
Pull the plug and check the color.

Just replaced the plug....the previous one was pretty blackened.