I have a cold starting issue with my Honda 2000 when temps are below 50, it starts, runs about 15 seconds then shuts off, it will do this for about 10 - 15 times by then its got some heat built up then it keeps running. I found out that if I tilt it about 25 - 30 degrees away from me it starts and keeps running so I hold it there for a minute or so then let it sit on the ground and its fine.I have changed the oil, spark plug and checked muffler for carbon build up, air filter clean, I use Sta-bil in the fuel along with Schaeffers Nutra fuel stabilizer and it makes no difference. This issue only happens in cold weather.Any ideas?

What oil are you using? You'll find recommended oil weights in your owner manual.

NEW Generators, almost always need more OIL. Check as low oil will stop generator an added safety feature. This is to keep them from burning out and damaging parts.

Also in a Motorhome, a generator will stop or cut off if the fuel level is low. To keep you from running out of gas if you were parked and away. This added feature will hopefully leave you enough Gas to get to a station.

Is the choke actually operating? Easy check is to wait a few minutes after the engine starts and try to engage the choke again. Should bog the motor down or stall it pretty quickly if it is working.

Clean the carburetor. one of many videos

Starting issue Honda 2000 | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2018
dieseltruckdriver wrote:
He was convinced his oil level was fine, but finally gave in and added some and had no more problems all weekend.
With a Honda? There's a red light right there, no guessing.
Garry_Gayle
Explorer
Apr 03, 2018
theoldwizard1 wrote:
Garry&Gayle wrote:
I will try adding more oil since the oil sensor has been my guess, the fuel is fresh it's Mobil or Valero 89 octane. Generator is normally used from 5500 ft to 7500 ft. but have the same issue at 2000 ft when it's below 50 degress

Does Honda sell a high altitude kit/carburetor ?

Yes they do for 7500' and up, so that does not seem to be the problem.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Apr 03, 2018
Garry&Gayle wrote:
I will try adding more oil since the oil sensor has been my guess, the fuel is fresh it's Mobil or Valero 89 octane. Generator is normally used from 5500 ft to 7500 ft. but have the same issue at 2000 ft when it's below 50 degress

Does Honda sell a high altitude kit/carburetor ?
Garry_Gayle
Explorer
Apr 03, 2018
I will try adding more oil since the oil sensor has been my guess, the fuel is fresh it's Mobil or Valero 89 octane. Generator is normally used from 5500 ft to 7500 ft. but have the same issue at 2000 ft when it's below 50 degress
Ski_Pro_3
Explorer
Apr 03, 2018
My guess is bad gas. Try draining it all out, adding fresh gas and a slug of SeaFoam to help any water that might be left in there.

Ethanol gas is susceptible to separation of the alcohol from the gas with just the tiniest of water. This places a dose of alcohol at the bottom of the tank and runs for ****.
dieseltruckdriv
Explorer II
Apr 03, 2018
Yep, we went through this with one member of our camping group. Add oil. He was convinced his oil level was fine, but finally gave in and added some and had no more problems all weekend.
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Apr 02, 2018
theoldwizard1 wrote:
Garry&Gayle wrote:
I am using 10W-30 synthetic oil, ...

Honda generators don't like cold weather, but 50F is NOT cold !

As an experiment, try 5W-30 or even 5W-20. I you need it to start and run at 0F, you will probably have to go to 0W-20.

X2
As stated, oil is more than likely too thick for the low temp.
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2018
Garry&Gayle wrote:
I am using 10W-30 synthetic oil, ...

Honda generators don't like cold weather, but 50F is NOT cold !

As an experiment, try 5W-30 or even 5W-20. I you need it to start and run at 0F, you will probably have to go to 0W-20.
2oldman
Explorer II
Apr 02, 2018
old guy wrote:
ethanol gas is the worst thing you can put into a honda.
Well, it's not a good idea to *leave* it in the carburetor for very long. Carbs are easy to drain.
old_guy
Explorer
Apr 02, 2018
ethanol gas is the worst thing you can put into a honda. a friend of mine had the same problem you do and this is not a very scientific solution but he would shake the gen side to side a few times and it would run perfect every time

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