Honda EU2000 Inverter Generator Repair and Parallel Test

[@jimh2887]

One of the many reasons I love your channel is no loud intro music with pictures of your dog. Straight simple and to the point 😊

[@jimsgarlat7328]

Jim has a cat and we see her/him every once in a while...

[@hariranormal5584]

Literally came from a video that only had music throughout the video. I don't get it really. Especially with more involved topics, I'm more interested in it and don't need music to help at all, it's just distracting.

[@richroman115]

I bought 2 eu2200 inverters before starting a 2 year trip around the country. I couldn't lift a 3000 watt inverters and it wouldn't fit in my storage. Most of the time I only ran 1 inverter except in the summer when I needed to run my airconditoner. This was an excellent choice for older people who can't lift larger units.

[@TerraceGlen]

Might be common knowledge but these gensets have a rudimentary hour meter which uses the Output Indicator light. It will flash once per hundred hours of service. When James started the unit on the left you could see it at 41:24, I believe it flashed 3 times indicating between 3 and 4 hundred hours of usage on the unit. James, your vid’s are chock full of great info as well as entertaining. Much appreciated!

[@richroman115]

I installed hour meters on both of my units. It's easy to install and cheap.

[@martyb3783]

I learned something new today. Thanks for that. :) I did notice the blinking light but thought nothing of it.

[@mmuww]

Wow the output was super clean! Really excellent

[@mickwolf1077]

neat, I thought it was syncing up when it flashed but the synchronization probably happens before the 2nd unit starts. the first unit would be powering the output side of the inverter of the 2nd (my guess anyway)

[@christophermarshall5765]

That's awesome seeing two generators together in parallel!!

[@jimmyg6215]

The parallel Honda wiggle under load is mesmerizing 😂

[@evilredBoris]

It really is tho. It soothes my adhd.

[@ArturoPalaciosJr]

@jimmyg6215 no kidding. Even seeing the open frame generators captured on the cam frame rate makes them look as if they're taking breaths. lol

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Paralleling inverters is awesome. The outputs use the zero crossing to sync with each other. One acts as the master and the other the slave. This keeps the load sharing balanced between the two. Inverter generators are by design very clean low THD because of how the sine wave is generated using pulse width modulation. You will have some filtering to reduce the noise in the upper khz range from the transistors firing on/off making that sine wave which can be heard modulated in the AM radio band. Your scope can see this noise using the FFT function. Great purchase and great video! I'm converting a Yamaha EF2000iS to propane in my next video!

[@pauls2107]

I’d like to see the current on each generator next time you parallel two. Those banana plug cables were begging for a clamp-on meter. I always enjoy your videos and always learn something.

[@alanstalker5499]

Another great video. Merchandise idea: a branded “carb drain” white mug. I’d buy one!

[@roboftherock]

Why not just use a mug that has seen better days?

[@joecainclown]

I love watching the videos, so much excellent information for small engine repair and tinkering. The asmr is on point as well, amazing sounds. To me its like you are the Bob Ross of generator repairs. Keep up the great work!

[@williambennon9607]

Really enjoy when you work on these suitcase generators. I have two Honda clones each 2200 max watts/ 1800 running. I do parallel them on a regular basis to handle the surge of a 12k btu ac. Once started, it is possible to shut down the secondary generator (the one you start last) with no problems (so long as the ac doesn’t cycle on/off). Another benefit to having a parallel setup. I’ve also monitored the current draw from each generator while connected in parallel. Mine share the load very well to within 1 amp of each other. I do admire the ease of service of the Honda generators. Removing the carbs on mine is a pain, requiring partial disassembly of the case. Thanks again for your great videos!

[@Justin-C]

FWIW, the Honda EU2200i (rated for 2200/1800W) has a relatively big engine vs most other 1800W gens, and it seems to handle surge loads really well (along with sudden load spikes while running in Eco mode) - so well that you could probably run that 12k BTU AC off of just one unit. ...granted, two clones are probably cheaper than one EU2200i.

[@HerHid-h4p]

I really do like your vids, you dont talk up or down, just straight to people. And you conway your knowledge without hesitation or bias. Keep them coming :-)

[@petes8849]

I have a Honda EU2200 which began to surge after I failed to drain the gas prior to storage. After repeated carb ultrasonic cleanings, the problem persisted. I ended up breaking off the cap on the “tamper proof” idle mixture screw to find a clog in that needle. I ordered a new idle screw to finally solve the problem. The pilot jet is not the only place that can become restricted!

[@jpkellyburbank]

Having two smaller units instead of one larger also allows moving one of the smaller units to somewhere else more easily, like taking it camping for instance. Thanks for the video.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks I appreciate the super thanks.

[@evilredBoris]

Awesome video james. Always wanted to see a video of two honda eu2000’s in parallel in operation.

[@andymann9861]

Great to see you back, James! Looking forward to the next project!

[@chipsatterly4902]

You make converting "junk" into "treasure" look easy!! That's a sign of your EXPERTISE!! Thanks!!

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

At least it wasn't one of my neighbors lol! Jim has a habit of finding deals within 1 block of my house, and he's in a different state!

[@jcondon1]

Your area has a lot of good stuff. This one came from your state, but not near you :(

[@michaelbrinks8089]

​@@jcondon1Is there anyway to connect 2 standard, non inverter gas generators in parallel to run a welder...I have a duromax 4400xp 3500w running watts. If I could find another 3500w or 4500w generator. The 7 or 8000w would be enough.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

​@@michaelbrinks8089way too difficult, not that it could not be done, there are too many complexities to achieve it.

[@staind288]

You drive to other states for these? You must get a good bit for them when you resell accounting your time, parts, and gas to pick them up​@@jcondon1

[@staind288]

​@@Bassguitarist1985there are generators out there that allow you to connect them together with a cable

[@Woffy.]

The power from this unit is cleaner than some Grid supply, very impressive.

[@Yanto-Kun-JP]

because japanese technology :) normal sine wave inverter output :) not made in china ;) without high cycle ripple voltage :)

[@CollinBaillie]

First, I want to say I love the visual effect of the camera frame rate and the vibration of the generators, making it look like they're happily dancing. Second, I think a nice piece of kit would be an actual mains plug to banana plug lead for your THD meter. It would be much nicer to see the cable securely connected to a socket than those probes hanging out like that.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

They are dancing... it is a physical movement of the generator from the harmonics in the whole generator engine.... and the dance changes as the revs rise and fall under load....

[@jcondon1]

I agree on the THD adapter. Have not found one yet. May need to make one?

[@michaelvollmer9491]

I was especially searching for Service Videos for the Honda EU 2000. This video was perfect and Helpdesk me with the question of paralleling to identical Honda Inverter Generators. A helpful video as allways. 👍😎🇩🇪

[@alanarmstrong2323]

Always liked these generators for camping or tailgating

[@daveallen8824]

Great generators - they cost a bit more than the clones, but there is a reason - that lil bugger will still be running long after the clones are in the junkyard. I've had mine for many, many years and it is still stone dependable.

[@YukonHawk1]

Only 45 minutes? Cutting down on your work hours? 😅😅😅😅Just kidding 😅😅 That is some haul you picked up. The Honda lives.

[@JamesP33R]

For the why, I guess you would need to do some fairly detailed cost analysis. Fuel, maintenance... Might be a close call. I did work with some crazy overrated power delivery when in the Army. We had 2 70 foot tractor trailers with 2 each 200k generator sets and a power distribution shed. The system could run on any 1 of them, at about 70-75% load. The power shed gave us the ability to sync up any two of the four. We could do load sharing, but it was mostly for maintenance cycles. Run one for X hours. Sync up a second one. Shift off the load to the new one and shutdown the first. And because it was military and a critical system, make that X2. About 800kw of power available. Could only tap into 400kw at a time, but most often only used 150kw. Tax dollars at work. ;) Of course the right of passage for every new tech guy was having them do their first power sync. Some went good. Some only with a little flicker of the lights. And on occasion, completely crash the systems due to the power glitch of a bad sync and have to reboot everything. Completely manual syncing with an incandescent lamp syncrometer. Fun stuff.

[@r8118830]

I recall doing this in the power lab at the university I worked at. We would not let the students do it. They had to watch. I had the joys of dismantling the gen sets every summer for maintenance. The contacts would be pretty well burned after two semesters of experimental work even if the dual switching went pretty well.

[@jcondon1]

Someday I plan on syncing two tradition generators using a lightbulb. Things could definitely do wrong for sure, but would be interesting to try.

[@tonygriffiths2485]

Talk about impressive figures, my goodness me ! Just makes me love Honda even more. I run a CBR1100XX Superbalckbird, that has given me so much fun since June 2001 ! 80,000 miles of joy :)

[@jimdavis6833]

I put 175k miles on my Goldwing before I blew a knee and had to give up riding 2 wheels. I went through lots of tires, and one alternator stator, but the bike never failed me.

[@brianallen9810]

You got your moneys worth on that deal. You just have to love anything made by Honda. Good job.

[@gman3109]

Nice to see a shorter video. I don't mind the longer ones but it's good to have a short one now and then

[@johnburns5783]

That’s the best ever sine wave I’ve seen on your videos 👍👍

[@melkiorwiseman5234]

Only 11 minutes after posting. That must be some kind of record. 😄 Time to watch and enjoy! I still don't have my old generator running. I got the wrong carb first time around so I've returned it and ordered what I believe to be the correct carb. I may yet have to order a new petcock with filter since the tank seems to have (too old) fuel in it but won't drain. I'll tackle that after (and if) I can get the engine running properly.

[@philliphall5198]

I never put the tank filter back, just add a inline filter and I don’t have to worry about trying to drain tank with the filter stopped up 😊

[@lexpee]

Honda EU series are the best generator with the longest lifespan by proper maintenance. I've been using a Honda for years. This has already been running for more than 2000 hours. Very quiet and very economical in eco mode.

[@johnnybgoode6466]

One down - two to go... looking forward to the next videos. The quality of Japanese generators is really amazing and I am pleased that you have been able to get them working appropriately . Great work James...........

[@TheMickeymental]

Enjoyed the video very much as I have two of these machines. The one thing I was hoping is that you would show how to change the fuel filter that attaches to the bottom of the fuel tank. It would have also been nice if you would have used your load bank and tested these units in parallel operation. The only other thing I might have done is two clean the spark arrestor. I did soak my air filters with oil and used a lot of paper towels to absorb the excess, and when i started the generator it smoked a little like the one in the video. I then checked the muffler and there was quite a bit of oil in the muffler. It did no hurt anything short term. Thanks for the video

[@signalmaintainer]

I have a Briggs & Stratton clone of the EU2000. It does not have the parallel option. For as long as I've owned it, I cannot take the choke off until it has been running for several hours, and then only in warmer weather. Runs great otherwise, once I switched to non-ethanol gas. First batch of pump fuel went bad in about two months time. Amazing the stability of output on inverters. You are one of the best small engine mechanics on KZbin for sure!

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

You need to disassemble your carb and clean out al the orifices like James has done. That fuel that went bad has caused this lean problem in your generator with a partially blocked jet that necessitates the choke being on to compensate.......

[@gjohnston281]

Great video , I watch a lot of your videos. I find your workmanship is great and your knowledge base is outstanding. 👍

[@philliphall5198]

I agree ☝️

[@TeslaTales59]

You've definitely worked on a few of those Honda generators. Voice of experience. I just bought a new one. Nice to know what's inside. Great channel by the way.

[@kellyeye7224]

Interesting to see how many after-market (i.e.non Honda) units copy the original. Here in the UK I have a couple of iMpax suitcase IG sets that are almost identical mechanically. This video gives me confidence in challenging any issues I might come across re carb problems - thanks for the entertainment.

[@andyhamilton8940]

There is a vent screen on the fuel pump on these that can pick up dust and debris. Will cause a fuel delivery issue also.👍

[@redneckbryon]

39:30 The parallel kit should have diode‘s in it to protect each generator from trying to put voltage back through the lines. But regardless, that would be an interest test to see if it does or not.

[@abergbe1]

I think very few would venture to take such a generator apart, even after following Mr Condon's excellent video. It is not for everybody to be mechanic engineer and electrician combined.

[@curtisking2962]

Thanks for the video. The Honda's are my favorite. See you next week.

[@judnichols8041]

Thanks. Always been curious about parallel stuff myself.

[@crazybytesve]

What an impeccable voltage output these generators have... Impressive accuracy of both the frequency and cleanliness of the output...

[@ScottDLR]

All your vids are addictive to watch and not having any parts left over is pure sorcery. BTW, I've heard rumors that you're not supposed to shut down a gen with a load on it. Is that true?

[@jcondon1]

True. It could damage the load with power surges. Also not great for the generator. That said I do usually shut it off with the 70 watt light turned on. Not worried about the light getting damaged and the load is not enough to hurt the generator. Also good to run the engine without a load for a few minutes to let the engine and stator cool some.

[@ScottDLR]

@@jcondon1 Thanks for the info!

[@wheelzh8242]

That dental pick you used brought shivers down my spine

[@78jog89]

Very interesting and informative. Honda seems to have set a very high standard...

[@72151]

This was an exceptionally well done video. These are the best generators out there.

[@chrispy3866]

If i planned to change the oil like you did, i would have drained the oil, and then simply turned the whole thing upside down to drain every drop of gas out. But what you did is great too. Cheers.

[@mraaron12341]

Thanks for another great, relaxing video James.

[@ericrhinehart6055]

It's all about having the right tools. Most have no idea the need for the J standard screwdrivers! Or the different sized needles for passages. Great video!

[@DeadKoby]

The parallel mode is very neat. I fix electronics, and I don't really trust electronics. That said, it did a very good job accomplishing the task. Those generators are nice and quiet... I'm sure campers prefer something like that over a noisy beast.

[@jongmans38]

When syncing gensets, their was always a lead geny taking more load by a small amount.

[@mrpetit2]

Nice. I've never seen such a parallel setup.

[@tonyktx44]

Man, that's just what I need for fishing. Winner winner....

[@gordonholland3406]

Super helpful video James! Thank you! It will certainly help me get my EU 2000 generator tuned up!

[@loucinci3922]

Have not see two gennys connected like that. Very cool!

[@larrrs3]

Nice pickup for sure. Back in service.

[@a-k-jun-1]

I panicked when you were taking off the air filter box 😂. I thought we were going to have to make an episode of find Mr James's grey carburetor knocking screwdriver.

[@oldodger]

Great buy !. Have you considered a set of decals for this latest HONDA 2000i ? Just icing on the cake !

[@almclean4835]

I’ve only been a channel member a short while. I really like what you do and how you explain things. Great score on the three machines,I’ll bet the other two will only take a little bit of work to get them going too

[@geoffmolyneux9173]

You should do the selector fuel switch hack. Using a multimeter find where the ignition switch just opens. Now mark this position on the fuel selector knob. Now when you put the selector knob to this new marked position, you can run the carburetor out of fuel. Your engine will love you. Keep up the good work.👍👍👍👍

[@richroman115]

You don't need a hack. I just rotate the knobs until the engine starts to cut out then back off slightly. I have done this for years and it works every time.

[@notprovided2823]

Speaking for the Honda eu2200i, if you rotate the fuel and power switch clockwise until it's almost to the off position, you will have shut the fuel off without turning the power off. And there's a detent there, just before the Off position. Leave it there while the engine is running and it will run the carburetor dry. Once the engine shuts off because it's run out of fuel, rotate the switch past the detent into the off position.

[@JohnWardell-k2n]

James, Really enjoyed your vblog. Have an eu2200i with fuel issues similar to the eu2000i's you repaired. Thought you might find this useful for the future. About connecting with the parallel cables. This is from Honda's Parallel Operations Guide. Good to know when you work on eu2200i's and want to test them with eu2000i Generator Compatibility All EU2000i Honda generators can be connected to another EU2000i or EU2000i Companion generator. All EU2200i Honda generators can be connected to another EU2200i or EU2200i Companion generator. The EU2200i and EU2200i Companion generators only are compatible with EU2000i or EU2000i Companion generators that have specific frame serial numbers: EAAJ-2017305 thru EAAJ-9999999 and EACT-1000001 thru EACT-9999999. NOTICE Connecting an EU2200i using a parallel cable kit to an EU2000i or EU2000i Companion generator that is not within the compatible EU2000i serial number ranges shown above may cause a low voltage output, which can damage tools and appliances powered by the generators.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks for the info

[@my23glock]

I am viewing this for the first-time 8 months after the initial release. James, I have not moved an inch since I started watching your great work. Learned many helpful hints from your wisdom. PS Thanks for the excellent cutaway videos to give us a different view of the same part, especially the carburetor. Thanks for the good lighting also. Really makes a great difference in your quality. One wick question: where did you find the plastic flexible tube for the oil pour off and add? Nice.

[@cliffmauck510]

Those Honda inverter generators are quality.

[@1Whipperin]

I found replacing bpth carbs with new Honda carbs to be a better fix than cleaning the carbs on my 8 year old 2000 generators. More expensive but they worked so much better on starting. Also never leave fuel in them for.months even with fuel stabalizer.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

That's a good reason for draining the carb bowl by using the carb bowl drain.. cunning those Honda engineers...

[@Kiltylake]

Wow! Love those kind of deals! Awesome

[@johncourtneidge]

Beautiful work James. Nice engineering and manufacturing Honda!

[@jesterr7133]

It looked like someone thought about repairing this machine and started disassembly, but gave up on it and lost the pieces. It happens when you have two many projects, lol. I had a push mower disassembled in my shop for over a year. I just put it back together a few days ago.

[@jimdavis6833]

STP makes an additive that absorbs the water in a gas tank. There are others that do also, but I like STP.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Pumping all the old stale watery fuel out and drying the tank with paper towels totally eliminates the water. Now you can fill with fresh fuel and not worry... and have no additional chemical costs...

[@jimdavis6833]

@@JohnSmith-yv6eq That's fine when only having a gallon in a small tank. I'm not dumping 10 or more gallons out of my truck because of a small amount of debris, or water.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

I dumped about 5 gallons out of each tank (there are two in the rear wings of a Series 1 XJ6 Jaguar)... by removing the drain plug on the bottom of the tanks. (There are two drain plugs, one small one inside a larger one) A quart of water was sloshing around in the 5 gallons! (The tank fillers have a recessed lid and the drain holes for the recess are small and block up...the rainwater just flows into the fuel tanks). The good old days...when fuel tanks had drain plugs built in.... and no need for paper towels or chemicals @@jimdavis6833

[@philbartoli2011]

Another option/ benefit of parallel operating is if one machine fails catastrophically you have a parts machine on hand as well.

[@fcdrummer1806]

Those Honda carbs typically run a little lean because of EPA regulations. Drilling the pilot jet a size or two up will def fix the problem. Cheers!

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Nice work Jim!!! Thanks!

[@RiverratGoRVing]

Quick cleaning of the outside and carb clean and a few parts such a great deal. As you said when changing the oil where did you get the tube to drain and refill.

[@MrHugawa]

luv Honda products... everything they make is such quality

[@richardphelan8414]

Awesome video Jim That sine wave was one of the cleanest I've seen that you have tested and who could complain about the THD they appear to be awesome generators. I wish you would do a shoot out of your recommended Purchase from a small genset 2kv to one large enough to run a whole house a 15 to a 20KV Genset . I like to see that what your recommendations would be by Manufacture .

[@jcondon1]

It’s hard to recommend because I see issues with all of them. Some more so than others.

[@dlschgo]

Always nice to learn something. Thank you.

[@tristankordek]

I love these generators, they are not the cheapest but worth the price😊👍

[@randallfawc7501]

Excellent video James. Thanks!

[@michaelslivensky8741]

James, you need to do the "Mustie 1 giggle" when something fires up... just kidding, don't change a thing,. Love the videos.

[@hgradyspruce1975]

Great channel. You must live in an area where the deals are. Around here you find small equipment that is in pieces or is ancient and they want $300 or $400 for it. I mean junky stuff. Keep up the good instructional videos.

[@Donatich.Onataka]

Ahhh! Finally, LOL. Glad to see you operating the gas cap vent on it @ 41:13. Fantastic videos and instruction, sir.

[@jcondon1]

Thanks

[@martyb3783]

Another interesting and entertaining video!

[@petes8849]

I’m very curious of what the synchronizing cable is made of. It would seem from your video, that it is just a pair of wires? Any chance you could do a bit of checking it out?

[@dgeoffreyfitton2836]

great video James, your attention to detail is superb !

[@marcelobraz4259]

Congratulations again for your channel and the way you manage information and conduct action. I said before you have surgeon practice with gensets. Reinforce that with all you show here. Regards from Brazil.

[@ron827]

Great work as usual and I too love my Honda. I thought the idle set screw determined the eco mode engine speed. I have found pressurizing the fuel tank aids starting if these machines have set for a while.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

You are just pushing the fuel from the tank past the one way valves in the fuel pump to quickly fill the fuel bowl on the carb... rather than pull the starter rope 20 times which flexes the diaphragm in the carb to fill the fuel bowl....

[@MrTonyPiscatelle]

I was wondering at what price per piece does it become not such a good deal any longer ? I know around here gen sets and push mowers etc don't command a lot of money when they are used. But I am also aware it can depend on what you have to invest in each piece to make it right. I guess it's somewhat a crap shoot sometimes eh?

[@bobcarry4820]

Good info on the electronic throttle and parallel has always interested me. Thanks

[@donprater2754]

James that was very interesting.thanks !

[@larrykelly2838]

Nice, I have the same setup to take as a backup with our rv.

[@philliphall5198]

Sadly lots of folks are losing their jobs and having to move south for a job 😢 Hopefully these will be fixed and sales are good 😊

[@patrickclark9909]

You should consider converting Honda to propane right away. What a wonderful little unit.

[@Vinny-i8o]

Good job james👍

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Hi James! I wonder which machine was working harder when you had them both working to get that 3,000 watt load? If you ever do that again, maybe you could check the rpm on each machine to find out. Just curious. Great video as usual.

[@Amy_McFarland]

Do you use ethanol free gas in your machines? I don't remember if you've ever mentioned that. From all the info I've gathered over the years, ethynol does not fair well for small engines.

[@DanKoning777]

You are the man James! [23:01] Not only have I learned so much without trying/knowing it, but you also make an already good lunch *great.* *Question(s):* 1] does Honda sell a high kw equivalent-say 8kw to 10kw that produces THD numbers that low? 2] do you happen to know what the THD levels are that powers our homes each day? *[edit]:* thanks for another great video. God bless.

[@jcondon1]

Honda has the EU7000 which is only rated at 5500 watts, but it can put out up to 7000 watts for an extended time. Some have reported it can even go a little higher. Unfortunately that is their most powerful inverter to date.

[@DanKoning777]

@@jcondon1// Thanks James. I was thinking of upgrading from my EB3500 [horrid THD numbers but an awesome first pull runner even at 24 yrs old]. What you shared with me here today did just what you ask at the end of each video. I know you enjoy it, but thanks for what you do. God bless.

[@kpdvw]

would it not be better to pump the old fuel into a square orange juice bottle than an alu tray?

[@piconano]

If you manage to scope the communication line with your scope, I'd be interested to see if they use digital or analog signal to keep both machines in sync.

[@eDoc2020]

There's no communication line, only the 120v outputs.

[@piconano]

@@eDoc2020That is the signal. Wasn't sure what they used.

[@Michael-gp7mv]

James ,commenting before video starts,did you know there is a filter in the fuel line where it connects to tank,i mean in the hose itself? I found this after some time after taking generator back to same said expert for fuel starving,would like to know your thoughts thanks from Perth Australia.🇦🇺👍👍👍👍

[@kevinklassen8199]

Love it

[@Solaris_One]

Hi James - is there anything about Honda generators (premium price) that sets them above the rest? The brand commands the price, but do you see premium parts being used during your tear downs that shows high quality parts being used to make a high quality product