Posted 2011-11-04 4:09 PM (#138714 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
I was counting on using my Generac 5500 XL generator today. It was excessively loud. Then it stopped generating power. Any suggestions for a quick fix?Then we got out a new Honda 2000EU companion. It just doesn't start. It has no interest in starting. Any suggestions on this one?Thanks for any help.I'll probably go rent one soon.
Posted 2011-11-04 7:26 PM (#138716 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Try mixing some "Sea Foam" in with the gas. Let it sit a few minutes and try starting again. When your equippment is being stored, mix "Sta-bil" with the gas and let it run for a minute or so before you shut them off.
Posted 2011-11-04 8:15 PM (#138717 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Veteran
Posts: 178 Location: Richmond, Ky
On your Generac, check and make sure that the reset breaker isn't "tripped" should be a push to reset. On your new Honda I'd take it back to the seller it should be under warranty. I'm assuming that the Generac motor is running but no power is coming from the genset. Gard has some really good suggestions on treating gas and that could be your problem with the Honda, bad fuel.
Posted 2011-11-04 10:57 PM (#138719 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
Thanks for the suggestions. I rented one for tonight and the rental place repairs generators. He said the symptoms on the Generac sounded like it has severe problems. I did try to reset, but maybe I didn't do it right? He also said that there shouldn't be anything wrong with the Honda. He asked about the fuel, but I told him I specifically bought new gasoline for it today. His guess is that we didn't add enough oil and the low-oil safety feature activated.We'll see I guess.Gard, the gasoline in the Genrac mayy not be as good, so I can add seafoam. It certainly was running loudly today. It never went lower like it usually does.I appreciate the information from both of you.I think the little Honda will be OK. I'll try the fuel additive with the Generac, and play with the resets again.Thanks!
Posted 2011-11-08 7:06 PM (#138795 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Member
Posts: 32 Location: TX
I purchased a Honda EU 2000 a few weeks ago. The salesman stressed to me the importance of checking the oil and making sure the vent is open on the gas cap. He also told me that if the oil level was just a little bit low, and the generator was not sitting level, it might not start as well. Another thing he stressed is putting Stabil in the gas. A friend of mine, who works at a farm repair shop, told me that the ethanol gasoline is hell on these small engines, said to use gasoline additive, such as Lucas Oil, as it has no alcohol in it. Says the alcohol mixes with the ethanol in the gas, forming water in the gasoline, which is harmful to the engines. Hope you don't have bad news on your other generator.
Posted 2011-11-08 9:56 PM (#138802 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
A short while ago, we had some contractors working about our place. They used a Honda gas powered, portable air compressor for much of their work. One day it shut down and wouldn't restart. We had gas, oil and and no spark. After many incorrect ideas, we added about a shot glass of oil to the sump. The motor then started right up and ran perfectly.
Apparently the oil level was such, that any non-level placement of the compressor, caused the oil quantity level to fault. About a week later, the same thing happened. Again the addition of a small amount of oil fixed the problem. Apparently the motor burned or leaked a small amount of oil after many hours of continuous run time.
This is a good safety feature that ensures the longevity of the motor. Without it, it's possible that you would hear the RPMs decrease, the engine would start to cycle, the engine noise would increase, and then there would be a silence. What's left would be an overheated boat anchor, one very expensive to replace.
Posted 2011-11-09 9:15 AM (#138815 - in reply to #138713) Subject: RE: genrator problems
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 504
This is all interesting to me. Thanks. I've had this little 2000 for awhile but haven't used it. I have used the Generac in the barn some.I think with the Honda it was just that my SO didn't get the oil level correct and that's all resolved now. We both learned some with this.:) It works really nicely now and is temporarily in the barn (instead of the horse trailer) until we resolve the Generac's issues.We'll play with the Generac a bit on the oil and gas, and the circuit breaker resets. If the problem isn't resolved, I'll take it to the rental guy for assessment and, hopefully, repair. It's a new rental place in town, and it seems to be a very good one from my experience this weekend. Thanks.
genrator problems
