So I store the generator with the carb drained. The next time I have to start the generator, I have to pull the rope slowly a number of times until the carb is primed. Is there a way to know when enough is enough? How do I know when to switch from long slow priming pulls to fast hard starting pulls? Right now, I do it by trial and error, which is inefficient.And yes, I have researched this issue and have come up empty.Thanks in advance for your advice!

You can open the drain valve until clear fresh gas comes out, close it then pull normally.

romore wrote:You can open the drain valve until clear fresh gas comes out, close it then pull normally.Are you sure? It has a fuel pump. I would think the only way is to pull and pull. Other than to pressurize the tank, or to squirt a little some into the carb inlet.

No, once you empty the bowl you have to pull the starter cord until the pump fills the bowl again. This seems to take 12~18 pulls. It may self fill if the pump stops in just the right place but I doubt it.Dont bother trying to "prime it". Just turn everything on and pull until it starts.

profdant139 wrote: How do I know when to switch from long slow priming pulls to fast hard starting pulls? I know because I can hear it try to start even on a slow pull. Then I fast pull.

Snowman9000 wrote:romore wrote:You can open the drain valve until clear fresh gas comes out, close it then pull normally.Are you sure? It has a fuel pump. I would think the only way is to pull and pull. Other than to pressurize the tank, or to squirt a little some into the carb inlet.I don't think so either. I put the engine switch in the ON position, leave the fuel cap vent lever in the OFF position, and shake or rock the gen set side to side vigorously for about 10 seconds. This rocking causes the gas to expand and push itself into the carburetor. Now turn the fuel cap vent lever to the ON positions, set the CHOKE to FULL ON and PULL once; Wait 10 seconds, PULL again. Mine usually starts. If not wait another 10 seconds and PULL again.LeRoyEdit: I noted that the engine switch needs to be in the ON position while shaking the gen set.

Priming Honda 2000 after draining carb: when is it primed?

romore
Explorer II
Jun 11, 2017
You can open the drain valve until clear fresh gas comes out, close it then pull normally.
Snowman9000
Explorer
Jun 11, 2017
romore wrote:
You can open the drain valve until clear fresh gas comes out, close it then pull normally.

Are you sure? It has a fuel pump. I would think the only way is to pull and pull. Other than to pressurize the tank, or to squirt a little some into the carb inlet.
ScottG
Nomad
Jun 11, 2017
No, once you empty the bowl you have to pull the starter cord until the pump fills the bowl again. This seems to take 12~18 pulls. It may self fill if the pump stops in just the right place but I doubt it.
Dont bother trying to "prime it". Just turn everything on and pull until it starts.
2oldman
Explorer II
Jun 11, 2017
profdant139 wrote:
How do I know when to switch from long slow priming pulls to fast hard starting pulls?
I know because I can hear it try to start even on a slow pull. Then I fast pull.
Homeless_by_Cho
Explorer
Jun 11, 2017
Snowman9000 wrote:
romore wrote:
You can open the drain valve until clear fresh gas comes out, close it then pull normally.

Are you sure? It has a fuel pump. I would think the only way is to pull and pull. Other than to pressurize the tank, or to squirt a little some into the carb inlet.

I don't think so either. I put the engine switch in the ON position, leave the fuel cap vent lever in the OFF position, and shake or rock the gen set side to side vigorously for about 10 seconds. This rocking causes the gas to expand and push itself into the carburetor. Now turn the fuel cap vent lever to the ON positions, set the CHOKE to FULL ON and PULL once; Wait 10 seconds, PULL again. Mine usually starts. If not wait another 10 seconds and PULL again.

LeRoy

Edit: I noted that the engine switch needs to be in the ON position while shaking the gen set.
profdant139
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2017
Hmmm. Lots of different opinions, which tells me that there might not be a definite answer??

Next time I start it up after draining the carb, I will have to count the pulls needed to feed fuel into the carb.

I should add that once I have used the generator and I do not drain the carb, it starts on the first or second pull, even if it is cold.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Jun 12, 2017
The procedure outlined by Leroy should be modified somewhat.

Cap vent CLOSED.
Engine switch ON.
Shake side to side.
Cap vent OPEN.
Choke ON.
Pull rope till it starts.
Homeless_by_Cho
Explorer
Jun 12, 2017
Lynnmor wrote:
The procedure outlined by Leroy should be modified somewhat.

Cap vent CLOSED.
Engine switch ON.
Shake side to side.
Cap vent OPEN.
Choke ON.
Pull rope till it starts.

Lynnmor,

YOU ARE CORRECT. That is how I do it. I typed the directions wrong. The engine switch needs to be ON while shacking so the fuel is forced into the carburetor.

LeRoy

Edit: I went back up to my original post and made the correction.
JamesJudasPries
Explorer
Jun 12, 2017
I don't know about why this is important?

My honda 2000 with a drained carb starts in 2 pulls after storage season?
JimK-NY
Explorer II
Jun 12, 2017
This is one reason I will stick with periodic use and stabilizer. I still remember the dealer trying to prime and start my Honda for the first time. It took a lots and lots of pulls on the rope.