Problem or problems with Honda 2000i generators?

[Thunder_Mountai]

I have a problem or problems with a pair of Honda 2000i generators. I've had them since about 2004 or 2005. Typical Honda product. They usually start on the first pull. Second on a bad day. They aren't high hour units. They are running in parallel for dry camping. Always maintained and properly stored. Last year we were camping in September in the mountains. Awoke to about 18 degrees. One of the generators kept dying and the oil alert light would come on. Oil level full. The other had no issues. After restarting it about six or so times it ran fine. I assumed it was because the oil was too thick. Running 10W-30 as recommended.

Fast forward to this week. Went camping. Lows were in the upper thirties or low forties. One generator required multiple restarts. However, the rest of the day it started fine. I understand that the oil sensor/switch can go south on these units.

Now for another issue. Twice the generators would bog, voltage dropped and TV went out. I've camped at the same location multiple times with no issues. So, I know it is not altitude related. I dumped all loads including the lights, TV and dish. Attempted a restart of the A/C with no luck. This was on the initial A/C start up. I shut everything down and pondered the situation. My first thought was the starter capacitor on the A/C compressor.

The next afternoon I fired up the generators and turned on the A/C. Everything was working correctly. After about an hour, the generators bogged down, and I shut them down.

I'm now home where I have a 30 amp outlet. I turned on the A/C multiple times with no issues. So, I don't think it is the starter capacitor on the A/C.

So, do I have one or two problems? I found out how to bypass the oil level sensor which I haven't done yet. Next question... How would I trouble shoot the bogging issue including determining which generator is at fault?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[RoyF]

You don't say whether you are using ethanol-free gasoline. I can testify that Honda's do not like alcohol in their gasoline. I (now) use only ethanol-free.

[bighatnohorse]

Bad oil pressure switch - it's usually the first thing to go.
Start with it.

First check that generator sits level and has adequate oil level.

[ChuckSteed]

If you are not running a good gas stabilizer I’d do it immediately. Get Seafoam and mix it heavy and run those generators for a while. Then from now on always mix seafoam in the fuel and run that ay forever. This I’ll clean those carbs and keep them clean.

[kerrlakeRoo]

On bogging down and finding out which generator have you tried running them individually under load.
A coffeepot , hairdryer, or an electric space heater hooked up to one and left running for a half hour may give you a clue as to your culprit.

[2oldman]

Have they been stored with gas left in carburetor?

[MrWizard]

maybe the fuel pump ?

IIRC hondas have a fuel pump, that what makes the gas cap extended run tank workable

[Lynnmor]

Water in fuel causing carburetor icing.

[Thunder_Mountai]

pianotuna wrote:
Is there a fuel filter?

No

[pianotuna]

Is there a fuel filter?

[Thunder_Mountai]

bgum wrote:
Have you considered bad fuel?

Not possible.

[bgum]

Have you considered bad fuel?