Honda Generator battery operation question

[dragoneggs]

I have a Honda EU300is generator that is absolutely a dream machine. Extremely quiet, easy pull start and has an electric key start as well. I finally replaced the dead battery and am wondering what you all think is the frequency and duration of start/runs to keep the battery from going dead? I don't mind pulling it to start but my concern is if I am out of town and we lose power. I don't want my wife to have to pull start it anymore. I suppose I could rig up a battery tender on it just like I do on my tractor (during the winter months) but it doesn't look so easy to run the leads through the case.

Another question while I have you here... I always leave the fuel switch in the 'on' position. Is there any good reason to shut it off when sitting? I want it to be a simple pull the choke and turn the key for the wifey.

 

[TheGoose]

I have a Honda EU300is generator that is absolutely a dream machine. Extremely quiet, easy pull start and has an electric key start as well. I finally replaced the dead battery and am wondering what you all think is the frequency and duration of start/runs to keep the battery from going dead? I don't mind pulling it to start but my concern is if I am out of town and we lose power. I don't want my wife to have to pull start it anymore. I suppose I could rig up a battery tender on it just like I do on my tractor (during the winter months) but it doesn't look so easy to run the leads through the case.

Another question while I have you here... I always leave the fuel switch in the 'on' position. Is there any good reason to shut it off when sitting? I want it to be a simple pull the choke and turn the key for the wifey.

Saw a unit like that that had a "remote" position on the key switch. Maybe you can rig up a timer and start it one a week via the timet.

 

[zzvyb6]

Since your EU300IS is an inverter generator (like my EU6500IS) you need to keep a charged battery in the machine for it to work correctly. The Honda IS generators make use of the battery to supplement power generation when a load is switched on and the motor must increase the power output. Besides electric starting, the battery can augment the needed power surge source of juice when the generator is idling and a heavy power draw is made. That's what my manual says.

 

[dragoneggs]

Since your EU300IS is an inverter generator (like my EU6500IS) you need to keep a charged battery in the machine for it to work correctly. The Honda IS generators make use of the battery to supplement power generation when a load is switched on and the motor must increase the power output. Besides electric starting, the battery can augment the needed power surge source of juice when the generator is idling and a heavy power draw is made. That's what my manual says.

Hmmm... interesting. I can't find my manual. Will have to dig for it or find online. I finally pulled the old battery because key start was completely dead for several years. It seemed to run fine without battery but maybe I wasn't ever peaking on the load.

 

[4shorts]

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.

 

[dragoneggs]

Saw a unit like that that had a "remote" position on the key switch. Maybe you can rig up a timer and start it one a week via the timet.

I like your idea but I don't see any remote option on the face of my unit though. Other problem would be the ventilation. I have it in my tool shed which is common to the house and would need to come up with a way to exhaust it to the outside.

 

[dragoneggs]

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.

Thanks Paul. I guess it's time for another trip to Costco for the Battery Tender. I was just now looking at how to route wiring/disconnect and there is a small panel below the large face panel that I could modify I suppose.

 

[dragoneggs]

Okay found and read the manual on line. Learned something. Shouldn't turn on the Eco-throttle (great feature) until warmed up. Also looked at the maintenance schedule. I guess I should give her some more attention. She sure does purr nice! I also recall a nice outdoor generator storage box that 4shorts built. Might have to resurrect that post/thread.

 

[PILOON]

Thanks Paul. I guess it's time for another trip to Costco for the Battery Tender. I was just now looking at how to route wiring/disconnect and there is a small panel below the large face panel that I could modify I suppose.

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.

 

[4shorts]

Thanks Paul. I guess it's time for another trip to Costco for the Battery Tender. I was just now looking at how to route wiring/disconnect and there is a small panel below the large face panel that I could modify I suppose.

Shouldn't be too much problem getting the wires routed. I've done them but don't remember the details lol.

Okay found and read the manual on line. Learned something. Shouldn't turn on the Eco-throttle (great feature) until warmed up. Also looked at the maintenance schedule. I guess I should give her some more attention. She sure does purr nice! I also recall a nice outdoor generator storage box that 4shorts built. Might have to resurrect that post/thread.

Do you mean this old thing :cool2:

 

[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.