Honda Generator battery operation question

[tractchores]

I also have a honda generator with the same setup. I run mine once per month for 30 minutes (turn off auto throttle so it runs at full throttle). That is enough to keep the battery charged fully. I haven't had any issues with it at all and also rely on the battery to start it for my wife. I also try to run the generator part (putting electrical load on it) at least every 6 months and usually every 3. It probably doesn't matter, but I like to make sure its all running ok and have everything spinning once in a while. I do oil changes every 6 months as well unless its being used a lot.

I tried a battery tender and ultimately don't like it because its another thing to think about and for someone using it to worry about. Running once a month keeps the battery topped off and has the added benefit of keeping the fuel in the lines fresh and getting a coat of oil on everything.

On the fuel shutoff - no need to turn it off. If its going to sit for a long time then you may want to run the carb out of fuel, then you turn it off and wait a looong time for it to use that fuel and shut down. With good stabilizer you shouldn't need to do that. I also empty the gas tank every 6 months and put fresh fuel in it if it hasn't been run empty, that way you don't get stale gas (I put it in the car to use it up).

They're great machines. My last one lasted 36 years and I then sold it for more than it cost back then and got a bigger / newer one. For unfamiliar parties using it I've also found zip tieing instructions to the generator and gen switch helps, I also label everything clearly on it w/ the step number so anyone can do it with no mechanical knoweldge at all.

 

[dragoneggs]

Just be careful that the tender is an 'intelligent' model. Some cheap 1 amp chargers (like $10.00) are merely a transformer and one diode. Those will eventually boil out the smaller batteries.

Yeah I'm talking about the Deltran battery tender brand. Costco sells them around here. Deltran Battery Tender (021-0128) 1.25 Amp Battery Charger:Amazon:Automotive

 

[dragoneggs]

I also have a honda generator with the same setup. I run mine once per month for 30 minutes (turn off auto throttle so it runs at full throttle). That is enough to keep the battery charged fully. I haven't had any issues with it at all and also rely on the battery to start it for my wife. I also try to run the generator part (putting electrical load on it) at least every 6 months and usually every 3. It probably doesn't matter, but I like to make sure its all running ok and have everything spinning once in a while. I do oil changes every 6 months as well unless its being used a lot. I tried a battery tender and ultimately don't like it because its another thing to think about and for someone using it to worry about. Running once a month keeps the battery topped off and has the added benefit of keeping the fuel in the lines fresh and getting a coat of oil on everything. On the fuel shutoff - no need to turn it off. If its going to sit for a long time then you may want to run the carb out of fuel, then you turn it off and wait a looong time for it to use that fuel and shut down. With good stabilizer you shouldn't need to do that. I also empty the gas tank every 6 months and put fresh fuel in it if it hasn't been run empty, that way you don't get stale gas (I put it in the car to use it up). They're great machines. My last one lasted 36 years and I then sold it for more than it cost back then and got a bigger / newer one. For unfamiliar parties using it I've also found zip tieing instructions to the generator and gen switch helps, I also label everything clearly on it w/ the step number so anyone can do it with no mechanical knoweldge at all.

Good stuff... Thanks!

 

[4shorts]

On the fuel shutoff - no need to turn it off. If its going to sit for a long time then you may want to run the carb out of fuel, then you turn it off and wait a looong time for it to use that fuel and shut down. With good stabilizer you shouldn't need to do that. I also empty the gas tank every 6 months and put fresh fuel in it if it hasn't been run empty, that way you don't get stale gas (I put it in the car to use it up).

I worked as a Honda Tech for years and even in training we were told that the fuel cock was to be turned to the off position when not in use. The reason for this is Honda carbs are notirious of having fuel get past the neddle valve on the float and gas gets in the cylinder causing hydraulic lock. When that hapoens you cant crank the motor. You pull the spark plug and the cylinder is full of gas. I see it at least one a month here at the shop.
Every one of my Honda manuals say to "Turn off the fuel after each use". Thats on Honda 6500 generator, Honda HSS928 snow blower, Honda lawm mower and at least two regular honda motors.

 

[dragoneggs]

I worked as a Honda Tech for years and even in training we were told that the fuel cock was to be turned to the off position when not in use. The reason for this is Honda carbs are notirious of having fuel get past the neddle valve on the float and gas gets in the cylinder causing hydraulic lock. When that hapoens you cant crank the motor. You pull the spark plug and the cylinder is full of gas. I see it at least one a month here at the shop.
Every one of my Honda manuals say to "Turn off the fuel after each use". Thats on Honda 6500 generator, Honda HSS928 snow blower, Honda lawm mower and at least two regular honda motors.

You are up late Paul! Thanks for the info as always. I did go shut off my fuel and am adding that step to the wifey instructions! Going to get another Deltran battery tender because I know I won't fire the genny up for several months especially spring to fall. Even though the replacement battery (YTX9-BS) was only $26.99 on Amazon and free shipping... I need that thing to start so I keep the wife happy and warm when I am away! We have a propane fireplace and running the blower heats the living room nicely during a power outage. Not to mention the fridge, the freezer, the TV, and a couple lights. 3000watts covers me and that generator sips fuel.

 

[tractchores]

I worked as a Honda Tech for years and even in training we were told that the fuel cock was to be turned to the off position when not in use. The reason for this is Honda carbs are notirious of having fuel get past the neddle valve on the float and gas gets in the cylinder causing hydraulic lock. When that hapoens you cant crank the motor. You pull the spark plug and the cylinder is full of gas. I see it at least one a month here at the shop.
Every one of my Honda manuals say to "Turn off the fuel after each use". Thats on Honda 6500 generator, Honda HSS928 snow blower, Honda lawm mower and at least two regular honda motors.

Thanks good info! No issues for me yet, but I think I'll adjust my procedure.

 

[ultrarunner]

The shop where I bought mine said to turn off the fuel and let it run out of gas with no load...

I also live in an area where all the fuel has ethanol.

 

[Garandman]

I have a Honda EU300is generator that is absolutely a dream machine.

I rigged a Battery Tender Jr. on mine (before it was stolen). Easy, and no more worrying.

I always drained the fuel out. And used fuel stabilizer.

 

[BobRip]

Every Honda generator that comes in the shop including ours leave with a battery tender on them and I always advise turning the fuel cock off when not in use.

I agree with that. You need to run the generator at least once a month for 20 minutes or so, but that may not be enough to keep the battery charged. I have a float charger on each generator and the tractor. The batteries will last a lot longer and the engine is much more likely to start. I always turn the fuel off and let the engine stop from fuel runout.

 

[varmint]

I just saw a fuel stabilizer for sale at Home Depot for ethanol gas. Said to cure the ills associated with using it. Didn't buy any, but who knows? Getting the ethanol out of the fuel would be a good idea, IMHO. I always shut off the fuel cocks, if my engines have them, and run the carbs dry. If no fuel shut off, and I won't be using the engine for a while, I drain the fuel and then run them dry. Seems to help. I often don't use a chain saw for many months, and using the pre-mixed canned "pure" fuel sure makes starting and running a pleasure, compared to fussing with them when I use the ethanol mix.