Generator Propane conversion &??'s

[motoretro]

My 5 year old Honda EB5000X has lost it's fuel prime therefore won't start and stay running. I can drizzle a bit of gas into spark plug hole and get it to start(pull) and running for 3-4 seconds at best. any ideas?

This whole fuel issue leads me to think Propane might be a better choice. This is the second piece of equipment I've had go down due to Ethanol fuel issues. How difficult is the conversion? +'s & -'s?

Motoretro

[ragtoplvr]

This is also how they act when low on oil

be sure to check and top off

Rod

[RVDan]

Don't know if a kit is available for you Honda. I used to convert onan Rv generators all the time, took about an hour to instal the kit plus the time to run the propane line. Not too difficult

[ttpete]

If it's been sitting for awhile, you probably have clogged carburetor jets, especially the idle jet.

[motoretro]

It's run every 6 months, new plugs and oil every year and always use fuel stabilizer. Local implement dealer mentioned even w/ stabilizer, They're replacing carburetors by the wheel barrel load.
Motoretro

Originally Posted by ttpete

If it's been sitting for awhile, you probably have clogged carburetor jets, especially the idle jet.

[gsweave]

http://www.propane-generators.com/


How we run em.

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by motoretro

It's run every 6 months, new plugs and oil every year and always use fuel stabilizer. Local implement dealer mentioned even w/ stabilizer, They're replacing carburetors by the wheel barrel load.
Motoretro

I'd be draining the carburetor after each run. Only takes a minute.

My generator's set up with an electric fuel pump so I can drop a sucker hose into any gas can and change them on the fly. I dump the cans into the truck every so often and get fresh gas.

[motoretro]

Neat set-up, how does it start in cold weather? Any reduction in power to drive the generator?
Chonda.....Ironically my Honda is made in China .
Thanks, Motoretro

Originally Posted by gsweave

How we run em.

[gsweave]

No noticable change in power.


No longer need any choke to start. they start everytime.


We use em on emergency cooling pumps for melt furnaces. they must run within 5 minutes of a power failure.... otherwise ugly expensive shit happens


This is ice indroduced to bath.... same thing happens if coolent is lost, which really would suck if you happen to be beside it.

[motoretro]

Oil is right up to the top.
Motoretro

Originally Posted by ragtoplvr

This is also how they act when low on oil

be sure to check and top off

Rod

[motoretro]

Thanks for the info, looks like a interesting occupation.
Motoretro

Originally Posted by gsweave

No noticable change in power.


No longer need any choke to start. they start everytime.


We use em on emergency cooling pumps for melt furnaces. they must run within 5 minutes of a power failure.... otherwise ugly expensive shit happens


This is ice indroduced to bath.... same thing happens if coolent is lost, which really would suck if you happen to be beside it.

[motoretro]

This where it seems to be headed. Hopefully I can get the garage warm(It was 0 last night) enough to tear things down tonight. Trying to figure what solution I can use to soak the parts in to dislodge any varnish, crud.etc. Any ideas? Tried local car parts and Powersports places and they just shook their heads.
Motoretro

Originally Posted by ttpete

If it's been sitting for awhile, you probably have clogged carburetor jets, especially the idle jet.

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by motoretro

This where it seems to be headed. Hopefully I can get the garage warm(It was 0 last night) enough to tear things down tonight. Trying to figure what solution I can use to soak the parts in to dislodge any varnish, crud.etc. Any ideas? Tried local car parts and Powersports places and they just shook their heads.
Motoretro

Lacquer thinner works well. You'll have to pass a fine wire through the idle jet, the solvent alone won't do it.

[motoretro]

I've a pint of Laquer thinner in the cabinet along with a set of torch tip cleaners, Thanks for the tip.
Motoretro

Originally Posted by ttpete

Lacquer thinner works well. You'll have to pass a fine wire through the idle jet, the solvent

alone won't do it.

[ttpete]

Originally Posted by motoretro

I've a pint of Laquer thinner in the cabinet along with a set of torch tip cleaners, Thanks for the tip.
Motoretro

If the tip cleaners aren't fine enough, a bristle from a fine wire brush works well.