Posted 2012-04-26 9:39 PM (#143430) Subject: Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
Regular
Posts: 68 Location: West Tennessee
If I run these two in parallel will they last all night with the AC running? It seems like the way to go for many reasons but my hold back is I'll wake up at about 4am to......silence.. Can anyone tell me? Thanks! Robin
Posted 2012-04-27 7:45 AM (#143447 - in reply to #143430) Subject: RE: Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
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Posts: 6
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Generally, yes, a pair of Honda EU2000i generator should run all night (8+ hours). Factors like outside air temp, age and load of the A/C system, etc. can add or subtract from actual running times.
While many people successfully connect an external fuel tank, keep in mind these are third-party devices not approved or sold by Honda. Further, they are technically in violation of EPA rules that govern the fuel and emissions certifications. Modifying the fuel system (adding an external tank) is, per EPA language, considered "tampering" and subject to fines by the EPA. Not trying to throw a wet blanket over what many consider to be a great set-up, just reporting the facts.
Posted 2012-04-27 8:13 AM (#143449 - in reply to #143447) Subject: RE: Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
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Posts: 26 Location: East Texas
Originally written by robert@honda on 2012-04-27 7:45 AM
While many people successfully connect an external fuel tank, keep in mind these are third-party devices not approved or sold by Honda. Further, they are technically in violation of EPA rules that govern the fuel and emissions certifications. Modifying the fuel system (adding an external tank) is, per EPA language, considered "tampering" and subject to fines by the EPA. Not trying to throw a wet blanket over what many consider to be a great set-up, just reporting the facts.
I think the EPA does a lot of "tampering" themselves. Wonder if the fine's could be reversed?
Posted 2012-04-27 8:38 AM (#143452 - in reply to #143430) Subject: RE: Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
Regular
Posts: 68 Location: West Tennessee
Thank you everyone!!! I went with the Honda EU2000 combination (with the companion) and the Berg extra fuel tank. I'm very excited about it and your info was helpful. Bob, I appreciate you making me aware of the EPA concern. It's good info to know. :)~Robin
Posted 2012-04-27 10:30 AM (#143455 - in reply to #143430) Subject: RE: Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
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Posts: 7
Location: Tucson AZ
We do High School rodeo on the weekends in AZ. If you run the pair with the Berg tank you can run both all weekend long nonstop and still have gas left over.
Also, the berg is a marine tank with dual supply lines, it is EPA certified, so you're not violating any EPA laws
Posted 2012-04-27 3:14 PM (#143467 - in reply to #143455) Subject: RE: Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
Member
Posts: 6
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Originally written by BuddyB1959 on 2012-04-27 11:30 AM
Also, the berg is a marine tank with dual supply lines, it is EPA certified, so you're not violating any EPA laws
Not true, I'm sorry to say. While the tank itself is EPA certified, connecting to anything else that is not also jointly certified to use it is considered tampering by the EPA.
When any small gas engine powered equipment is sold in the USA, it must meet EPA certifications. This certification is granted based on an exact configuration of the entire engine, including its exhaust and fuel system. The certification is valid only for those configurations submitted and passing the standards.
To my knowledge, no generator manufacturer, including Honda, has obtained EPA certification for any generator engine that runs off an external tank. They could, but have not, probably due to the high cost vs. expected payoff.
Just because an external tank is certified, that does not mean it can be used on another piece of equipment that is also certified. EPA certifications for small gas engines are very specific about this.
Wasn't always this way. Up until 2006, the EPA was okay if you modified your small gas engine such that it produces fewer emissions. For example, converting a gasoline engine to run on propane was okay. But, after 2006, EPA said "any modifications" from the original, certified design would be considered tampering.
What's the good new? Well, I think the EPA is mostly after those manufacturers, distributors, and import companies, and even a few service shops, that elect to not play by the rules. I do not think there's very much enforcement of small gas engine emissions regulations at the consumer level. As such, it's unlikely an EPA enforcement person is going to be passing out citations to external fuel tank users.
-Robert@Honda
Caveat: I work for Honda, but the preceding was my opinion alone.
Fuel usage on Honda 2000 in parallel
