Honda generator won't start.

[tom01]

Did you check the oil? running 80 hours straight probably used some oil and the low oil switch may be open.

 

[whistlepig]

Did you check the oil? running 80 hours straight probably used some oil and the low oil switch may be open.

It does have the "Oil Alert" system on it. I did check the oil. It was low and I added some and it still wouldn't start.

 

[WayneB]

This won't help your present problem, but in the future check and see if there is a drain pitcock on the carb. My Honda has one and you can drain the fuel out of the bowl. Most gas won't go bad in cold weather, it's the darn warm weather that turn it bad quickly. The ports in the carb might be clogged up so depending how bad the only thing you can do is rebuild it. Just my thoughts

 

[whistlepig]

I'm kind of wondering what's going on here. Paid the money for a good generator and babied it every way that I know and with every fuel preservation tip that I have ever read. A generator that won't start is pretty serious business in the country. No water and no heat. And they don't get in a real big hurry to fix the power outages here.

 

[wdchyd]

Thanks. I might try this tomorrow. I am not real happy about this right now. My gas lawn mowers and ATV's sit most of the winter with no special treatment. No Stabil, no fresh gas, no draining of the tank, etc. and they start every spring. I baby this Honda generator with every tip that I have ever read on storage and now the darn thing won't start.

I know exactly where you are coming from Whistlepig , I too was dealing with a new generator too....

WayneB, you make a good point about warm weather too..!!

 

[tsteahr]

I have a marine techy in the area that buys a 55 gal drum of racing gas and stabilizes it......then winterizes boat motors with it.....

He says it's the only way too.....I don't know where he buys it around here though, certainly not in any regular gas stations, race track I reckon

He might be using something like DragonFuel Tarragon 95P. DragonFuel Distributor link Very similar to the SEF94.

 

[wdchyd]

I'm kind of wondering what's going on here. Paid the money for a good generator and babied it every way that I know and with every fuel preservation tip that I have ever read. A generator that won't start is pretty serious business in the country. No water and no heat. And they don't get in a real big hurry to fix the power outages here.

That's one of the reasons I contemplated a PTO generator to run with my tractor.......:confused2:

 

[wdchyd]

He might be using something like DragonFuel Tarragon 95P. DragonFuel Distributor link Very similar to the SEF94.

pretty far for me to travel for a gallon of gas......can this type of fuel be obtained in say 1 or 5 gal cans......I wonder how it would be shipped, UPS wouldn't like it..

 

[whistlepig]

Everyone out here has a generator to power well pumps for livestock as we do. It's just a given to have a generator out here. All the neighbors recommended the Honda's and recommended the best dealer in my area. I did as they recommended. I'm taking the generator back to the dealer Monday. This is a no nonsense kind of guy. I trust him. Generators are as serous as a heart attack in this area and not a hobby toy.

 

[JD 4520]

The only real solution to prevent carb fouling is to run the unit using some high quality ethanol free fuel designed for small engine applications before storage. The stuff is expensive and tough to find, but your small engine carbs won't foul. Even at $15/gallon it's cheaper than cleaning and replacing carbs.

SEF 94

This is the solution along with running your equipment every couple of weeks year round...everything, every engine that uses fuel, runs every two weeks at my house. Takes a little time but saves time and money later.

I have several Honda generators - 3 to be exact, and other Honda products. They are great machines. Also DO NOT use a fuel additive. This is likely contributing to your problem. You have a great piece of equipment but needs to be taken care of.

I have the same generator you have, built my house with it and use it for back up power. Probably have 2500 hours on it.