Generator for my 2nd gen

lol yea, I got issues.....once I get my mind on getting something I can't sleep till I get it....

I have an $800 inverter sitting here that I don't need now..... lol

The tuna we're catching are big this year and even the 150 quart didn't cut it last week....

 

Wow!

 

OP The Honda can also be converted to run on Propane for a little bit of money. Congratulations on finding one. Hope you have it for a long time and it serves you well.

 

I used a big padlock and fastened it to the frame on the generator and connected it to a short cable then locked the other end to the tie down with another padlock. Super simple and cheap w/locks I had on hand.

 

Appreciate the reply "Twentyco"

Did you have to cut away a piece of the plastic housing to get to the frame?

Or did you weld the padlock to the frame?

 

Looking around a bit, I see that many people are using that bolt locations where the rubber feet bolt on. Here is 1 version. There are several homebrew versions.
http://lowprolockdown.com/shop/hondaeu2000lockplate-redblack/

 

Here are some tips on how to keep that Honda running. I've been running a pair for close to 10 years so this is all from experience gained the painful way.

1. NEVER use anything but pure gas in it. Even the 10% ethanol gas will cause you grief.
2. Buy a spare carb for it. The metering holes in the carb are SUPER small and get clogged easily. It's a 10 minute or less job to swap out the carb then you can clean the clogged up one when you get home. This one trick has saved me numerous times. You'll know it's time when you need to run the genny at half choke to keep it running. It uses a lot more gas and you may not be able to use the eco setting because the engine can't spool up fast enough and you can trip the overload. Really a problem when running an RV AC unit.
3. Change the oil often and use synthetic oil. I change the oil after an estimated 24 hours of run time with Mobil 1. No smoke and still good compression on the oldest one which I've owned for 9+ years and it was used when I got it. I carry a jug of Mobil 1 in the trailer just for the gennys (and I could use it in the truck too).
4. Keep a spare spark plug that you have checked the gap in your kit. They seem to eat plugs (kinda like our Tacomas) pretty fast.
5. If you're not going to use it for more than 30 days, empty the gas tank, run until it quits then make sure to drain the carb (there is a screw on the carb for that purpose).
6. When you have drained the tank/carb and all for storage, it will be a bear to start the first time UNLESS you just put the switch in the "On" position, pull the cord once or twice slowly, then let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. It'll then start right up.
7. Don't forget to open the gas cap switch to On or Run. It'll die if you forget. It takes about 20-30 minutes of runtime for this to happen but is very annoying!

Hope this helps, if you follow these simple suggestions you'll get really good service and a very high level of dependability with the unit.

 

Appreciate the info "Jaxjim"

I watched maintenance videos for 3hrs last night on YouTube

I checked the oil and plug and it appears the previous owner was telling the truth, it is pretty much new...

About the gas....here in cali our only options are "E85" and "Flexfuel"

It's wreaking havoc on our boat motors...

I'm wondering if there is a way to retrofit or condition the gas to lessen the damage....

I don't plan on using this unit very often so I don't think I'll need a spare carb but in your experience would you say I should have a spare bowl gasket/O ring on hand? Or do they hold up to being removed/replaced?

And also, I don't see a "Prime bulb" on this unit, is there a way for me to add one?

I don't like the idea of pulling a cord to fill the carb bowl.

And if I store it "Dry" do I just tip this thing over and dump the tank out of the fuel fill? I don't like siphoning gas....

Thanks for the great info......Warren

 

""Middinfun"

I saw that security mounting plate ($250 on eBay) and passed right by it....

I'm thinking I'll just crimp a heavy wire rope to it somewhere and lock that to the bed tie down...

It's sitting in my garage till I can figure something out I'm comfortable with

 

There are sources for ethanol free gas, call around. Start with small engine supply /sales places. In our area I know willits power sells E-free gas at about $0.40 over the price at the pump.

 

Ethanol free gas.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewe...&ll=40.44547835311921,-105.20182578125002&z=2

 

Most of the places I know of sell race gas

http://www.pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=CA

Will 100+ octane damage my small 4 strokes?

 

Comments all in RED in the quote above.

 

You mentioned welding a tab, so I assume you're handy with a welder. Maybe you could weld up a cage for the generator out of some angle iron that bolts through the bed with a plate on the backside for reinforcement, and a hinged top so you can take it in and out. That'd be my suggestion at least if you're so worried about someone stealing it.

 

www.google.com/search?query=Honda+eu+lock&client=ms-android-hms-tmobile-us&hl=en

Shows a lot of ways to secure Honda generstors.

 

I think I've got it figured out

My buddy has a CNC water jet table, I'm going to make a "Battery Tray" style mounting base and lock the perfect length strap over the top and through the handle. Should look pretty clean and be easy to remove....

Appreciate all the info, maybe I can build a refrigerated fish box for my bed now that I have power

 

I read something earlier that was one of those, uh, OK, that would work moments. A smart thief will take an angle grinder, plug it into the generator, fire up the generator and cut the lock. I think you still better put in those pin switches.

 

Jesus I'd just give the damn thing to him at that point. If he's bringing an angle grinder to steal shit out of my truck I'd rather he used it on a cheap lock than my door or tailgate.

 

Hahaha.....He wouldn't need to bring an angle grinder as I have a brand new brushless makita LXT model in the bed of my truck for him to use

 

I had the iu3000 with the external frame so it was super easy. The smaller generators should have a place where you can drill a hole in the plastic and wrap a cable around the internal frame? I've seen where a buddy of mine put in longer bolts on the vibration pads and installed a plate with a bent corner that had a hole drilled through it and bolted it down to a slide out platform. This should work to secure a cable or padlock as well.