Starting issue Honda 2000

[Garry_Gayle]

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?

[2oldman]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Ski_Pro_3]

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 ****.

[ktmrfs]

mine often needs a little bit of choke for a minute or so at lower temps.

however I seldom if ever have issues with stalling at 50F unless I turn the chock off immediately.

And, at around 30-40F or so , it will give the "low oil" light. and that is even when it is filled with oil to the top of the oil drain plug with correct oil viscosity for the temperature. so it will take a few restarts till oil is warmed up enough.

[2oldman]

map40 wrote:
It needs more oil.

Maybe. There would be a red light if it's low.

Perhaps try a 5w-30 oil. dunno.

[map40]

It needs more oil. You tilt it, the oil reaches the sensor, it runs, after 1 minute, oil is circulating, foaming, reaching the sensor, you sit it straith and the generator believes there is oil.