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optimistic
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2013 07:44pm
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Since I bought a used Honda 2000 generator - it has been sitting in my basement. I never used one before (or any generator for that matter).
I would like to get it ready to go as I will use it when I come back.
It will be put to the test in the last weekend of this month so I have time to buy things for it and give it a tune up (if such things are even done for generators).
I will break down my question to three:
1. maintenance - what should I do? After PA-bound note on the quality of gas sitting - I think I will drain the gas in it now and put in new gas into it. What else maintenance wise should I do?
2. equipment - should I buy anything for it that will make my life easy or something that is important? for example - a good extension cord?
3. running the machine - any tips / dos and dont's ?
Thanks!!!
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bhebby
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2013 09:07pm
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Everyone has their own methods. these are mine:
Use NGK plugs(keep and extra plug and wrench always)
keep and extra filter around
use non ethanol gas no exceptions
have a dedicated gas tank for it.
use stabilizer
last use I run it dry by using the fuel shut off valve.
never use starting fluid,use fuel
download the owners manual and read it thoroughly.
its a good generator and you can get extended run tank adapters for them,never used one but the idea of it is awesome.
if you ever have to take things apart use your phone/camera to take pictures along the way.
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Rebel300r
Member
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2013 10:09pm
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Bhebby, I have not been able to figure out how to shut off the fuel while running to get the carb dry. Can you splain?
Scott
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bhebby
Member
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2013 10:24pm
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most have a petcock or shut off valve at the top of the fuel line near the the bottom of the gas tank. I dont know if they all have them but most Hondas have a fuel pump and running them dry probably isnt the best. Use high quality fuel and stabilizer and you should fine. get to know how long a half tank lasts based on use and dont leave gas in there for long periods of time without using.
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davey25
Member
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# Posted: 12 Mar 2013 10:24pm
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There should be a fuel shutoff follow the fuel line from the tank or refer to manual..I don't run dry I would stabilize and run that fuel through the engine
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Rob_O
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# Posted: 13 Mar 2013 12:12am
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Change the gas, oil, filters and plug. That's about all you can do
Get a good #10 extension cord, never heard anyone complain their extension cord was too big for the load
Beyond that, use the recommended maintenance schedule and common sense.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 13 Mar 2013 01:15am
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Drain the gas only if it won't start. Open the oil plug and tip it so you can see if the oil is clean. If its honey brown its OK. If you cant see thru it, change it. Look at the air filter, it should be clean -follow owners manual on that. Do these 3 things and you'll be set for another (3?) years.
Thats about it. All that other stuff you can do if you have EXTRA time and want to make a hobby out of it or be a forum hero it won't make a bit difference to a honda thats why you buy a honda.
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rayyy
Member
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2013 07:58pm
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Wellll,just change the oil twice a year and if it's running OK just run it empty once in a while and just put fresh gas back in it.I use mine every day so it never gets stale gas problems in it.Be carfull about the pull cord fraying out on you.Pull streight out when you start it up.Never on a upward angle.Mine has been starting up and running at least 4 hours a day,every day for 14 months now.Very happy with my Honda eu2000i.
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 14 Mar 2013 09:41pm
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I'd change oil. I use genuine Honda oil in mine. It holds about 3/4th of a qt. As for air filter, remove it and there is a 2 or 3 stage filter. Clean it or replace it.
For long term storage (3 months or more), shut the fuel off, then open side access panel, loosen carb drain screw at bottom of the carb. This will have a hose running out the bottom. This ensures you have all old fuel out of the carb. Shutting fuel off and running till it stalls isnt enough. There will be fuel still in the carb with air that will lead to corrosion over time. You either want the carb full of fuel or empty of all fuel, no exceptions. Some Sta-Bil in the tank is fine. It can set for a year with no issues with Sta-Bil.
Its a clean burning 4 stroke, so the plug should last you for years. But a new one every spring or every other spring is fine, cheap and easy to do.
You have purchased on of the finest generators on the planet. You will now throw rocks at anything you have owned before. 
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outsideride
Member
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# Posted: 15 Mar 2013 12:41am - Edited by: outsideride
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Great machine! Oil changes should be completed based on running time (I think the manual says every 100hrs, but double check). Changing it X number of times a year may result in running oil far longer that it should be. For example, twice a year would mean no more than 200 hrs (8.3 days) of running time in an entire year. It's easy for the hours to add up! I really wish these had an hour meter.
Changing the oil in the EU200i can be messy. The drain/filler plug is nestled in the case so I would always spill some oil into the bottom of it when draining. This little gem has been really helpfull, I highly recommend it:
Oil Filler Tube Extension
It extends the drain past the plastic case making draining much easier, with less spill
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 16 Mar 2013 04:35pm
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Great info!
Let me break down what I will do - following the notes you nice people mentioned:
1. empty the fuel. It has been sitting in there for at least 3 months if not more - I bought it used so who knows how old it is. Can I do this by opening that carb screw and letting all of it come out?
2. change oil. I think I will use honda designated oil unless it is much more expensive.
3. air filter. I want to change it but I am not sure if I change it or clean it.. ?
4. change plug with high end plugs.
- Can someone give links for buying the filters, plugs, and oil?
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 16 Mar 2013 10:42pm
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Quoting: optimistic 1. empty the fuel. It has been sitting in there for at least 3 months if not more - I bought it used so who knows how old it is. Can I do this by opening that carb screw and letting all of it come out? 2. change oil. I think I will use honda designated oil unless it is much more expensive. 3. air filter. I want to change it but I am not sure if I change it or clean it.. ? 4. change plug with high end plugs.
1) no, carb drain wont work, its elevated above the tank. Just remove the cap, dump it in a large pan. Then drain whats in the carb.
2) perfect, you will want the 10-30 oil. They will hook you up with the right stuff
3) with the servcie cover off, you will see the filter. A large slotted screw will remove the cover and expose the multi stage air filter. Its foam and can be cleaned. Doesnt appear to use filter oil, just dry. You will find the last section of filter is probably clean. Just the first states seem to get dirty. Its foam and can be cleaned in gasoline, but be careful. Soap and water works too, just let it air dry.
4) dont waste your $$$ on a premo plug, in fact, grab the original stuff from Honda (certain it will be an NGK) when you get your oil. I'd get several qts. and several plugs. That way, you change your oil, then you have enough on hand to do it again. And then when it comes time to change, you have it, then replace your stock when you are near the Honda store next time.
If there is a big wind storm, power outage etc, these are nice to have and many stores can be closed. If its an extended outage, 50-100 hours comes pretty quick. You will be able to service your little gennie till stores and power all get back online.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 17 Mar 2013 11:55am
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if you buy spark plugs your money is wasted, you probably don't need the one and you will never use the spares but its not a big cost to change it. I'd change the oil for sure then just run it. if it starts easy why bother with the rest? Don't dump the gas out, run it. make electricity with it.
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bobbotron
Member
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# Posted: 18 Mar 2013 10:07am
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Or start campfires with the old gas! (CAUTIOUSLY, especially if you've never done this before, it can be a very dangerous thing to to.)
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 18 Mar 2013 11:35pm
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Quoting: bobbotron Or start campfires with the old gas!
best done with old motor oil mixed in 25-30% gas the rest oil as you don't get the explosive whoosh and much less chance of gas vapors gathering around your ankles before you ignite it that guy is an idiot but a lucky one
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 19 Mar 2013 01:09pm
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Better to burn the old gas by running the generator. I have started lots of engines with 1+year old gas in, I would never pour it on the ground, and also that's pollution. Keep a can of "starting fluid" around and learn how to use it, it's easy. It will reduce the number of pulls on starter ropes, and less fussing with draining the carburetor bowl. Its the "old way" but it works and can be easier to use than stabil since you only use it when you need it rather than having to put a chemical in all the gas tanks ahead of time. Stabil may be safer I guess because it's not explosive, but is Stabil safe to breathe?
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 23 Mar 2013 11:05am
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I rather not burn the old gas. How do I take it out of the generator?
Can someone give a link to the pats I need to buy: oil, spark plugs, and air filter?
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optimistic
Member
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# Posted: 23 Mar 2013 11:10am
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btw -
HONDA EU 2000i GENERATOR MAINTENANCE
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toyota_mdt_tech
Member
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# Posted: 23 Mar 2013 03:52pm
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Quoting: optimistic rather not burn the old gas. How do I take it out of the generator? Can someone give a link to the pats I need to buy: oil, spark plugs, and air filter?
http://www.jackssmallengines.com/Jacks-Parts-Lookup/Manufacturer/honda/4132/3921
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