Unboxing and Setting Up the Honda EU2200i

It is no news that the state of Florida witnesses it's fair share of hurricane emergencies. To prepare for the calamity, a lot of resident buy generators but struggle with putting it together and starting it. Moreover, some people might even be unknowingly damaging their healths severely, during the process.
This Unboxing video with Main Street Mower lets you in on all the do's and dont's when it comes to unboxing and setting up a new generator, out of the box. The machine demonstrated in the video is one of the best sellers in the market, The Honda EU2200i.
OIL NOTES:
Our expert technicians recommend "Kawasaki SAE 30" as the Oil choice for the residents of Florida. However, Different climatic conditions require different weights of oil. The link below shows a chart describing different viscosities that may be used when the average temperature in your area is within the recommended range.
LINK: ibb.co/HChLsBg
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[@mainstreetmower]

UPDATE: After numerous comments about not using the Starting Fluid, we decided to give it a try. And you were right! We found that it takes around 8-10 pulls for the machine to start, while on full choke. If it starts before the 8th pull, consider yourself blessed. You must have a good one. WARNING: If it does not start by the 10th pull, take your choke off. It's probably starting to flood. Continue pulling without the choke.

[@AV84USA]

You should pin this to the top.

[@mainstreetmower]

@@AV84USA Done Sir.

[@barneysomers8871]

Just unboxed mine a few days ago. Managed to fill the oil to the proper level without spilling a drop. Filled with fresh fuel, and it started after six pulls. Save the brake cleaner for cleaning brakes.

[@romanroad8]

My new Honda needed 10 easy pulls. No drama, no problems.

[@healdiseasenow]

I'm in Las Vegas and I've got a 7000 BTU air conditioner I live in a van. I want to use this generator and my air conditioner to cool the van to keep from burning it up in the summertime and I got three dogs to keep us all cool so I got the smallest generator I think I need I got this one

[@you2tooyou2too]

re 0:44 A pure sine wave is good, and as far as I know, this generator does, but "Inverter" does not necessarily mean it generates a 'smooth sign wave', it only means that it changes the constant (or pulsed) (DCV) voltage from the generator to an alternating voltage (AC), which could have any amount of harmonic distortion (electrical noise), which could harm or interfere with sensitive computer or radio devices. If you expect to have such devices on your generator, you must look at the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD, usually less than 5%) or 'electrical noise level' (if shown, or measured by an independent reviewer), usually given in "--dB" (like the Audio noise level but given in dB(A)). The lower, the better, (more like a pure sign wave).

[@auttark9815]

Maybe confusing, but @ Honda all generators with pure sine wave are called "inverter generators". The others without pure sine wave are catagorized as "generator" and "industrial generator".

[@papajo7316]

Here is a helpful tip on starting a new EU2200i in two or three pulls of the rope. This also works on a unit that has had the fuel system completely drained. Once the oil has been filled, pour in about a pint of fuel, (the fuel tank is 0.9 gallon) put the fuel cap on and make sure it is tight, turn the vent on the fuel cap to the off position, turn the fuel valve on. Now rock the generator back a forth about 6 or 8 times. With the choke on full and the auto throttle off, pull the recoil rope. When you shake gasoline in the fuel tank like this it builds pressure in the fuel tank. This pressure pushes the fuel up through the fuel pump (yes your EU2000 and EU2200 has a fuel pump) Your generator should start in 2 to 3 pulls. I have prepped over 100 of these generators and this process works every time. Just remember to open the vent and take off the choke once it is running.

[@NETWizzJbirk]

PaPaJo that’s good advice to build up pressure in the tank. I just figured it needed a dozen or so pulls of the rope to prime the fuel pump, lines, and fill the carb bowl.

[@DUNEATV]

Just picked one up from Home Depot this morning. Tilted it back to fill with oil but did in small increments checking it periodically. Didn’t spill a drop. Filled with gas...started up after four pulls. No spray needed!

[@coachoghost1206]

Mine just came in, what gas is required for this thing? Didnt want to throw any gas in

[@DUNEATV]

Coach Oghost I used Mobil 1 full synthetic oil and 91 octane pump gas.

[@Yukonjackman1]

I go to a small airport and get aviation regularly fuel more expenses but worth it.

[@stevenlaubach7222]

@@coachoghost1206 Go get yourself some non ethanol gas if you have it around you.

[@richbob594]

2 pulls no starting fluid. That stuff is hard on engines. Last resort to start something.

[@JGprojects]

Wouldn't fancy using starting fluid on a brand new engine, fuel and a few pulls is fine.

[@NETWizzJbirk]

Never use brake cleaner as starting fluid. It swells seals and O-Rings in the carburetor. Also most starting fluids have traces of oil like 50:1 to fog the cylinder. It’s not needed with this unit. Just fill it full of gasoline and follow the manual.

[@Volmetlicht]

I just got mine although here in europe it is eu22i . Filled it up with oil and petrol, gave it some soft pulls with choke on and in offposition, and when turned on, it came alive after 2 pulls. Good to mention that u should not start it in eco position. So my idea is not to use that spray. It also does not say in the manual. It is running now for 3 hours. No book included to log running hours. Should be a display or bluetooth for this price onboard. But still glad with my choice

[@lastname3924]

Every other comment has covered what I wanna say so I'll just say: Holy crap.

[@Burps___]

Thanks for your video. You guys are funny regarding the oil. 🖤 I have the same Gen, here’s the oil trick: Buy a kitchen 4-cup measuring cup. Pour 13.5 ounces of motor oil into it, that’s precisely correct to come to the top of the threads like you mention, and is proper. Then, tip the machine as you showed, and pour the oil into the oil hole from the measuring cup spout, no funnel. When the measuring cup is empty, just screw on the cap and then set the generator level again. Done. If you want to check the level, go ahead and screw off the cap, the oil will be right where it needs to be. 😃 You’re welcome.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank You!

[@Impedancenetwork]

I have two of these. I pulled each one about 5 times and they both started. I didn't need to assist it by spraying it with any starting fluid like that brake cleaner you used. Just pull on the cord straight 5, 6 or 7 times and it will start.

[@johnhewitt8235]

I never needed starting fluid for the first time starting 4 pulls

[@mainstreetmower]

That's great.

[@conabike1]

These two would do much better if they concentrated on what they were doing. Talking to the camera whilst fiddling about with the machinery is not a good idea. They would also make more sense if just one of them spoke whilst the other one demonstrated, the double act is too Laurel and Hardy to be of much use.

[@miguelvega4844]

Video was informative but the subtitles blocked the parts you were pointing at. But I got the gist of it.

[@mainstreetmower]

Miguel, the subtitles can be turned on and off through the 'CC' icon on the playback bar at the bottom of every video.

[@miguelvega4844]

@@mainstreetmower Thank you! Now I can see everything. 😊

[@mainstreetmower]

@@miguelvega4844 Great. Hope you enjoy the video.

[@simpleman7727]

Bad advice on the spray, specially at the very first start where the piston cylinder is not lubricated. You don't need that! The engine will star after 6 to 8 pulls, once the fuel pump and the carburator fill up with gas. I got two of them and didn't have much trouble getting them started, no spray needed.

[@papajo7316]

Here is a helpful tip on starting a new EU2200i in two or three pulls of the rope. This also works on a unit that has had the fuel system completely drained. Once the oil has been filled, pour in about a pint of fuel, (the fuel tank is 0.9 gallon) put the fuel cap on and make sure it is tight, turn the vent on the fuel cap to the off position, turn the fuel valve on. Now rock the generator back a forth about 6 or 8 times. With the choke on full and the auto throttle off, pull the recoil rope. When you shake gasoline in the fuel tank like this it builds pressure in the fuel tank. This pressure pushes the fuel up through the fuel pump (yes your EU2000 and EU2200 has a fuel pump) Your generator should start in 2 to 3 pulls. I have prepped over 100 of these generators and this process works every time. Just remember to open the vent and take off the choke once it is running.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thanks Joel, we will do exactly this on the next one we sell!

[@FranciscoGomez-ct7tz]

Si bad 😬😬😬you stared at in door

[@thecasualcitizen492]

I bought my first EU2000i at During the EAA in Wisconsin in 2002. I just purchased a new EU2200i with a Companion and parallel kit. I decided on the parallel set up rather than getting the EU3000i because the two generators give me more versatility and they are easy to move around. The only feature I will miss is the electric start. I really wanted that.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you for sharing.

[@georgesrisomsak9650]

Sounds all too familiar...

[@510jazzOfficial]

WOW - Awesome video. Thanks guys! I watched this video a year ago before I bought my Honda EU2200i. Then I put the shrink-wrapped generator in a closet. Today we're hearing about power outages around the world. I took out the box, watched your video, followed your instructions and my new generator started right up. Thanks so much for your superb KZbin videos. Happy New Year, Guys😀 P.S.: I'm glad you mentioned the starting fluid. I pulled the ripcord several times with no luck. After 2 squirts of starting fluid, the engine started right up.

[@mainstreetmower]

Amen brother. Thank you. We're glad the video was of help to you

[@rickbraden4272]

The best gas you can use is rec (recreational) gas. There is zero alcohol in it. It does cost about $1.15 more a gallon in my area but with it. You can find gas stations with rec gas on the internet or by asking at motor sports stores. There is a website called projectfarm.com. He's done tests with both types of gas with different additives in the gas. Gas with alcohol will always crud up the carb regardless of any additive because ethanol absorbs moisture & in time craps up the carb! You can watch it for yourself.

[@NETWizzJbirk]

Mine started without starting fluid no problems when new

[@7sonero7]

Had one in a box over a year put in some oil and trufuel and started second pull . No need to spray carb.

[@mikejuce]

Hahaha. No oil leak for me or starting fluid needed, only 4 manly 4 pulls.

[@mainstreetmower]

You should be proud Sir! That is above average for sure!

[@tomgreenfor777]

That was really helpful. I did exactly as you said out of the box and it started on the first try! I ran it an hour on eco and then drained the oil. I refilled it and ran it another two with just a small fan. I am off and running! Thank you.

[@mainstreetmower]

Glad we could help JP.

[@nhgreg]

Thanks for the video, finally had to open up my Honda after year and a half when we lost power for an extended period today.

[@mainstreetmower]

Glad it helped. :)

[@pedropoleo6385]

Hi there, what is the product you spray on?

[@jgfinn3]

Great video. Northern CA resident here who is in the market for a generator.

[@NETWizzJbirk]

I was just going to say you need to fill the fuel tank when new, and pull the tope maybe 11 to 18 times for the first start. The reason is as the engine cranks over as you pull the rope, it creates pressure differences in the crank case, which feeds a pulse to the fuel pump causing the diaphragm for pulse sucking fuel out of the tank and filling the carburetor. You need to basically fill the fuel lines, pump, then the carburetor float bowl before gasoline will be pulled through the jet and emulsion tube and enter into the combustion chamber for ignition. It shouldn’t take a shot of anything unless the first start is with bad gas or in arctic temperatures. If you do decide to spray it, use an actual starting fluid with trace of oil in it. All that does is cut the number of pulls down to one or two and runs the full pump hard to expedite filling the carb because the engine runs for a second or two on the fluid.

[@MurrayEstes]

They live in Florida and I live in Hawaii....Decide to get this in the Melt Down here! Aloha Surfing CPA

[@ShowemRight]

Thanks for the fine presentation, whats the name of your push button gas can spout?.... thank you kindly.

[@mainstreetmower]

It's called the 'No-Spill Gas Can'. You can also check out this video to know more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWe5mZ9qpNt_gs0

[@ShowemRight]

@@mainstreetmower thank you kindly.

[@silencedmatrix2140]

What an amateur Chip overfilling it! ;)

[@AV84USA]

This video does not instill confidence in Main Street Mower.

[@petegaiser7160]

I have 2 of these Honda 2000, one an 03 one a 13. You guys dont know what your talking about. First you dont ever need starting fluid, you definetly need to check your spark plug from time to time hell I put a new one in every year. They make a add on to change oil easily. It screws in. I would suggest you people look other places for advice on this model. This is a perfect example of ANYONE can make a video. Great video for people that dont know jack. CITY BOYS.....lol

[@ronbryant6094]

Don't need starting fluid. Just pull it a few times and it will start

[@Dronerangerspro]

What about using break in oil I have seen for small engines? Recommended, yes/no?

[@mainstreetmower]

Yes Tim, most manufacturers recommend that you do a break-in oil change after ~ 10 hours. Use 10W-30 or use SAE30 (when in warmer climates).

[@hollybragman2549]

Thanks so much, this was the perfect video explanation for me and my son and now it's mission accomplished for us! We needed the spray.

[@mainstreetmower]

Holly, We're glad the video was helpful.

[@richarddegannes2928]

Hello, What appliances can I run with this Honda EU2200i in my home in the event of a hurricane or a total blackout? Thanks.

[@mainstreetmower]

This machine is perfect for powering a refrigerator, toaster, microwave, coffee maker, tv, computer, charging cellphones, lights and fans. It can even run a smaller portable a/c or window unit to cool one room of the house. Simply run an extension cord into the house and split off from there. The best parts are fuel efficiency (~8 hrs per gallon), clean smooth power that won’t hurt your electronics and you can’t hear it once you are inside. I wouldn’t count on it running your well, central a/c, water heater, oven or washer/dryer but almost anything else.

[@richarddegannes2928]

@@mainstreetmower Thanks, much appreciated.

[@rickbraden4272]

There is no reason in the world to use anything to aid the first start. Are you guys aware that the gas tank feed is lower than the carb? That means it has a fuel pump between tank feed & carb. So filling up the tank with gas will not fill the carb. That's why when unit is run out of gas (dry) you have to pull rope about 6-7 times & it starts right up. If you let it run out of gas to winterize or accidentally, then you have to pull rope 6-7 times. For the first start when no gas in carb it's better not to use a starting a fluid. While pulling it the 6-7 times to charge the carb you are lubricating the engine with oil on each pull.

[@alanpeterson2160]

As someone who has been working on engines longer than these two have been on earth, I advise anyone looking for this kind of advice to skip this video and go here instead: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2m5fYScZZKBpKM I couldn't say it any better myself, and your new generator will thank you for it. BTW... the owners manual DOES state the oil capacity on page 89... 14 oz.

[@johnvargas4317]

You guys are awesome! I'm going to buy a Honda EU2200i. Really appreciate your guidance :)

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you John!

[@mainstreetmower]

You’re awesome sir, thanks for the comment!

[@tolemac21]

My old EU20i take about 8 pulls to start with a dry carburetor. I'm certain it's the same with this one. Aerostart should only be used for emergency starts. Does the Honda manual for this unit specify to use starter fluid? If not, I would not risk voiding my warranty.

[@justindanielmojica.4703]

Can someone explain to me, where I can locate a Honda Generator Motor Oil 10W30?. I live in the State of New-York City.

[@charlesd3376]

Why have the eu2200I series been recalled?

[@mainstreetmower]

Honda found, in some units of a certain serial range, the screws on the fuel valve could come loose and leak fuel. Due to the fire risk the units are off the market until the proper corrections have been made.

[@charlesd3376]

Thank You Main Street Mower

[@padungsupchannel176]

Why did you know that's problem's occurs, Now we have made reworked 👍good products to you

[@danettesalas2134]

There was a problem with the gas shut off valve. But they have corrected the problem now.

[@ericmentzer8846]

i put battery acid in my carb to help it start

[@mainstreetmower]

www.google.com/amp/s/blog.amsoil.com/is-starting-fluid-bad-for-gas-engines/amp/

[@xeroblastx]

I bought 2 of the regular ones to run parallel (cheaper than adding the companion) and bought the parallel kit with a 30amp plug like the companion has... i think that is better combo

[@tl7822]

Listen to these guys. They know what they are talking about. I had my Honda generator sitting in my garage as a back up for when the power goes off. I usually take it out every couple of months to make sure it is ready. One day, I pulled on it about 50 times and it still would not start (There is Stabil in the gas). I remembered what the guys said about spraying the brake cleaner. I went to the store, bought some brake cleaner, sprayed it and sure enough after 6 pulls, it started right up. I let it run for a few minutes and shut it off. Then I pulled it once or twice and it started right up. Thank you guys!!!! The Honda will be ready for the next Emergency.

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome. We're glad our trick worked for you.

[@montanasky8262]

Thanks guys. Very helpful and well done.

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you. We're glad it was helpful!

[@djlowtek]

Really appreciate the video. Thanks

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you.

[@jimdent351]

You guys are a dealer? Just so you know, I disliked the video and turned it off once the starter fluid come out.

[@mainstreetmower]

Appreciate your honesty Jim. Thank you for considering our video. We could have easily edited out the part where the starter fluid comes out. However, the only reason we left it in there is because we want complete transparency with our audiences. We also wanted to highlight a very real-life situation that people could face, while setting up their own generators. If our mistake can avoid 1000's of people from making the same one again, we're all for it!

[@DogDaze66]

Laurel and Hardy.

[@mainstreetmower]

😁

[@djaj423]

kids making videos.

[@mainstreetmower]

Aww Thank you :)

[@johndunn9354]

Cool Batman !

[@mainstreetmower]

Haha, Adam West, I see it!

[@rodneytardy1241]

Great video About to start my Honda u straight out of the box very helpful

[@mainstreetmower]

We're glad Rodney. Merry Christmas.

[@davidc3241]

I put dish soap and saw dust into my carb for the first start and it worked just as well as brake cleaner...less harsh too!

[@mainstreetmower]

😂👊 David is being facetious world, don’t do that! We are using non chlorinated brake cleaner a better suggestion would have been starting fluid, in either case this is a 4-stroke engine with oil in the crank case, no harm done. 😎

[@davidc3241]

@@mainstreetmower YES, I was just kidding. Don't use my method!

[@katskelton6984]

😂

[@waaaaa99]

Clowns....I just bought 2 of these generators. Put in 14 oz of oil and a 1/2 gallon of gas. Both started right up. Starting fluid.....Yeah, you're sharp......

[@mainstreetmower]

Ron!!!! You’re the man!!! Our customers never have to deal with the first crank because we take care of all the initial set up here and any good dealer should. But we’ve cranked over a thousand of these and many many of them give us lots of trouble on the first crank only. We worried that someone watching this video may be servicing their new generator themselves, in a time of need, and experience a difficult start, we wanted to show a helpful tip to make life easier for some. If you have proof that a shot of starting fluid would cause fatal harm we’d love to know about it. We’ve been raised in a mower shop were starting fluid is a part of every mechanic’s toolbox

[@waaaaa99]

"If you have proof that a shot of starting fluid would cause fatal harm we’d love to know about it." Clowns, where in my post did I say or imply that starting fluid would cause "fatal harm"? If you can read/ comprehend, I said starting fluid is NOT needed. Stop trying to make honest people think they need you..... Go back to pulling lawnmower cords.....

[@waaaaa99]

"But we’ve cranked over a thousand of these and many many of them give us lots of trouble on the first crank only." Clowns, here's an idea, How about a second crank or God forbid, a third crank. If you have "lots" of trouble with these incredibly easy generators, you should probably go back to your jobs at McDonalds...

[@mainstreetmower]

Ron love your passion and spunk for Honda! We have lots of other videos I’m sure you’d enjoy as much as this one, please watch and review all of them!

[@ericconklin6195]

Great video

[@mainstreetmower]

Thank you Eric. We're glad you liked it

[@mikepedace1751]

Thank you for the info! Saves from a huge pain in the ass!

[@mainstreetmower]

We're glad Mike. Hope you like other videos on our channel.

[@wincav]

Nice job guys!

[@mainstreetmower]

Thanks!

[@tjbrown3463]

Was thinking the same thing...

[@dirk-janmoedt6096]

Thanks.

[@mainstreetmower]

You're welcome

[@elyeye81]

sombody tell me if this is good for compresire air

[@mainstreetmower]

In general, a 2000 - 2400 running watts generator should provide enough power to run a very small air compressor (1/4 horse power) without any issues.

[@76LTD]

I took mine out of the box and 35 pulls and no start great unit!

[@mainstreetmower]

Try some spray ;)

[@kelliegrase4658]

Apparently you added no oil or gas to said engine..

[@doradean3097]

Alternative to adding starter fluid: At initial break in, I would first remove the spark plug and add an ounce of motor oil in there to prevent a dry start. Slowly pull the cord a few times to let the oil distribute in there a bit. Replace spark plug. Add fuel and replace cap tightly. Before pulling the cord, turn fuel cap dial to off or close. Rock the generator about 20 times to let gas vapor build inside. Wait one minute. Turn gas dial to open, then pull cord. Should start in couple of pulls. Another tip: reduce fire risks and possibility of setting yourself on fire while refueling. Hot generator plus fuel equals fire. Be real careful not to spill any fuel on hot generator, especially at night time when it's dark and you're holding a flash light in one hand and an open container of gas in the other. Any flame can light up quickly the open container of gas you have in your hand. Best to let generator cool for 15 minuted if you can, then refuel.

[@davedorman8060]

I see no problem with a couple drops of oil to lube the cylinder walls. (I think this is what you meant) But 1 oz. is too much.

[@doradean3097]

@@davedorman8060 you're probably right, 1 oz does sound a bit much. 😊

[@cookingwithcuyandotherfuns6238]

Great tips!

[@mainstreetmower]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pradeeppatra3275]

Sir price Kitna please batado

[@mainstreetmower]

$1,099. Dhanyawaad.

[@hrvster]

Can I use Mobile 1 synthetic oil or does it require a special oil for 4 stroke engines? Excellent video !!

[@mainstreetmower]

Yes you can! However, we would recommend breaking it in with natural oil, not synthetic. Then follow Honda's viscosity chart for your climate.

[@VladFredK]

Okay guys, good info but not for average homeowner. Not everyone is as handy as you guys. and secondly, misleading info on how to start it first time. It's hard to believe you have started hundredths of these.

[@mainstreetmower]

You're right. We always recommend finding a good local dealer who will help you get it set up and start it the first time. If you're in central Florida, that dealer would be Main Street Mower. During hurricane Irma we sold more than 200 of this model, and all of them were started before they left our shop. 90% of them required the help of a starting fluid to crank for the very first time.

[@VladFredK]

@@mainstreetmower yes but average homeowner will not go into the carburetor to spray starting fluid to start it first time. 95% of users will not even open the side cover.......ever.

[@jaycarva]

Starting Fluid is the devil. Using it on a brand new Honda is ridiculous. I can't believe you think your "helping" people by setting them up for them...

[@mainstreetmower]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp26mHlumdahm8k

[@bobgaysummerland]

Points for the brake fluid tip. Worked like a charm.

[@mainstreetmower]

Awesome. Glad it helped.

[@Herbsaiyan]

I cannot get mine to start right out of the box 🥲

[@mainstreetmower]

You tried everything that was mentioned in this video?