Trouble-free
operating tips
GENERAL OPERATING AND STORAGE TIPS
1.
Don’t let your generator tip over - this can lead to oil leaking out and/or saturating the oil filter element (chokes off air supply to unit).
2.
Don’t run your generator inside an enclosure or with its built-in enclosure panels off - cooling air must flow correctly inside and around unit.
3.
Let your unit cool down before putting the cover back on.
4.
Check your propane/natural gas hose for cracks and leaks with soapy water if you suspect a problem.
5.
Store your generator in a garage or in-doors to keep clean and ready to use but YOU MUST keep propane tanks outside.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS
How Often should I change the oil
? With clean burning propane or natural gas, vs. gasoline, the oil doesn’t get as contaminated with combustion products but we still
recommend sticking with the OEM’s required oil change period as outlined in the Honda owner’s manual.
What maintenance should I do
? Please consult your OEM owner’s manual for scheduled maintenance including valve adjustment after 1000hrs. In particular, you should
keep your air cleaner element clean and lightly oiled. A dirty air cleaner will cause your generator to run rough or not at all. Conversely, too much oil in your air cleaner element
will also cause the engine to run rough or not at all. In addition, you should check hoses and fittings for dirt, cracks and debris, and occasionally check the spark plug to make
sure it is clean and properly gaped per the manual.
What
should
I
do
to
properly
store
my
Genconnex
®
generator
for
6
month
or
longer
?
If
your
generator
has
a
battery
make
sure
it
is
left
on
a
battery-maintainer
(trickle-charger).
As
of
2021,
all
7000’s
must
have
a
charged
battery
to
start
due
to
the
new
inclusion
of
a
secondary
fuel
solenoid
shut-off
inside.
It
will
no
allow
fuel
to
flow
without
12Vdc
from
a
charged
battery
or
equivalent.
Other
than
storing
your
generator
in-doors
in
a
relatively
dry
location,
to
keep
any
possible
rust
or
corrosion
from
forming
long-term, there is really nothing more you need to do to the fuel system. Please consult OEM manual for storing 1 year or more without use.
Please note we are not a Honda dealer. Honda is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co.
EU7000is GENERATOR SPECIFIC
(generators and kits made 2014 through 2020)
POOR STARTING TIPS
1.
Check the oil level. To do so, you do not screw the oil stick in - just put it in then remove it and read the level.
2.
Check your air cleaner foam element to make sure it’s not pushed into the air cleaner cover air inlet and blocking the incoming air. See Picture 1
3.
Check that your air cleaner element is not flooded with oil. This can happen if your generator tips over. If it is, squeeze filter between paper towels, then properly
dispose of oily paper towels. (oily rags can spontaneously combust in garbage or in pile - hang until dry, then soak with water and detergent before discarding)
4.
USE ONLY THE ORIGINAL MFG BATTERY. Check your battery voltage especially when below 40 deg F. If the battery voltage drops below approx. 10.4Vdc while
cranking it may not turn the engine over fast enough to get the vacuum actuated fuel system to allow fuel to flow. In extreme negative cold temperatures we recommend
adding a second battery (car battery) in parallel with the generator’s battery or jump starting with a car battery.
5.
Check that quick disconnect from hose to unit is fully seated and locked.
6.
Do not prime it unless you are trying to pull start it. In the event you have to pull start it, listen for slight “hissing” sound for 3 seconds before starting when pulling up
on purge ball knob located on top of lid inlet. This also lets you know if fuel is flowing to the generator.
7.
If using propane,
a.
Check that propane tank connection is fully screwed on and tight.
b.
Turn your propane tank off then back on slowly to check/reset tank internal valve.
c.
If your propane tank tipped over, the tank valve may freeze up. Return tank to upright position and let it sit for a while without use to let valve thaw and/or drain.
d.
Check that your propane tank isn’t empty, or near empty. If you shake the tank slightly you should hear the liquid propane slosh around a bit.
8.
Change the spark plug. We now recommend the Champion RC12YC gapped to .028-030 inches. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen
from the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
9.
If your generator is connected to a remote start/stop device through the remote port on inside the front battery compartment, disconnect it and re-install the Honda
shorting plug back into the connector and try to start the generator. If the generator starts and runs fine then you know the problem is with the remote starter.
POOR RUNNING TIPS
1.
Make sure the generator is not being run sitting flat on the ground or hard surface. There is a clear vent tube exiting out of the bottom of the generator that must be open.
2.
Check that the battery strap is fastened down and not sucked into the air intake at the back of the battery compartment.
3.
For IMPROVED ECO MODE OPERATION - email us at sales@genconnex.net us for our free EU7000is upgrade kit. This is if your generator runs fine on natural gas or
propane when ECO MODE is off, but runs rough, occasionally sputters, or even occasionally turns off with ECO mode on. It takes about 5 minutes to install and it solves
this by re-routing a vent tube and having you re-gapping the spark plug.
4.
Check for shipping damage inside your generator. Open the side door and locate the top of the engine and look to see that the main brass pipe and Tee fitting hanging
down from the top of the generator is not touching the top of the engine. This can happen if the shipper had an accident and another heavy item fell on top of the generator
box causing the top metal lid to push down into the generator. This can be gently fixed with a large flat blade screw driver by prying up between the top of the engine and
the bottom of the heavy duty brass fitting to get an approximate ½” of clearance.
5.
Change the spark plug. We now recommend the Champion RC12YC gapped to .028-030 inches. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen from
the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
6.
If your generator turns off (and you may get an “EOA” code on your generator’s display and or oil light):
a.
Check that you have the correct fuel orifice installed if your generator is hard to start and runs very rough then turns off. It is possible to run from natural gas with
the propane orifice installed, for instance, but it will idle very poorly, have very little power and will shut off after the first 10min of running or so (once warmed
up) then quickly on subsequent attempts to run. The number on the individual orifice bags corresponds to the drill bit size used to make it. I.e. the #25 orifice is
made with a #25 drill bit measuring 0.149 inches. Propane has a higher energy density than natural gas so the holes size should be noticeably smaller than the
natural gas orifices.
b.
Make sure you have the correct temperature orifice installed. There are 3 orifices available (free) for natural gas and 3 orifices available for propane. High temp,
normal and low temp. If you are running at or near 100deg F outside then you should install the high temp orifice. If you are running at or near 0 deg F you should
install the low temp orifice. Most installations should not need this but it depends on your area. See the temperature recommendations on each orifice bag.
c.
Check that the upper air box is not cracked or has broken open if your generator will not start or run for very long. It is located behind the left side door (when
facing the outlets) and is to the upper right of the main air filter box. It is approximately soft-ball size, shaped like a clam shell and has 4 small clips holding it
together at the corners. This damage can possibly happen if you did not turn off the fuel as we recommend first before turning the key off, or for off-grid and
remote start units your plumber did not install per code a secondary lock-off fuel solenoid. Note we now sell a lock-off solenoid that have gas quick disconnects on
both ends so they can be easily connected to the top inlet of the generator then connect to your hose. It’s powered from the generator’s un-used fuel pump wire
harness so no electrician or plumber may be needed. Click here for our Tech note on how it’s installed.
d.
If you are using your generator above 5,000ft you should install our free high-altitude orifice to correct for operation in a thinner atmosphere
7.
We do not recommend running your generator inside of any other enclosure, building or facility without making sure to meet all town, state and federal gas and fire codes.
We also do not recommend this or changing the airflow into or out of the exhaust with exhaust extensions that are not professionally designed and tested for this specific
generator. Note all of these issues can be dangerous a person’s health, and cause poor running (and it may be sporadic).
a.
If you are operating inside of a shed, garage or building that space can fill with carbon monoxide and most importantly become a death trap. It may also re-route
some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
b.
If the shed’s air inlet is too close to the exhaust port it can re-route some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
c.
Modifying the exhaust or removing it can change the back pressure and significantly change the engines performance or ability to run
8.
If you cannot seem to get all of the available power out of your generator for powering your home or equipment check that the voltage selection switch is in the correct
position and make sure that you are not trying to get more than half of the available power from one of the generator’s two power legs. This inverter generator that has
two separate inverters that are either placed in series for 240Vac or parallel for 120Vac operation. So, for instance if you are powering your home, make sure you do not
have 4000Watts of load on one leg and 2000Watts on the other. Even rows of breakers in your main panel are on one leg and odd rows are on the other. They make your
main panel this way so a double breaker for 240Vac appliances is a double breaker that catches both legs when installed. The 4 prong 30/30Amp outlet on the generators
front panel has 1 Neutral prong, 1 Ground prong and two Hot prongs (leg 1 and leg 2).
EU2200i and EU2000i GENERATOR SPECIFIC
(generators and kits)
POOR STARTING TIPS
1.
Check the oil level. To do so, you do not screw the oil stick in - just put it in then remove it and read the level.
2.
Check that the side run switch is set to on and that ECO mode is off for starting.
3.
Check that quick disconnect from hose to unit is fully seated and locked.
4.
If using propane,
a.
Check that propane tank connection is fully screwed on and tight.
b.
Turn your propane tank off then back on slowly to check/reset tank internal valve.
c.
If your propane tank tipped over, the tank valve may freeze up. Return tank to upright position and let it sit for a while without use to let valve thaw and/or drain.
d.
Check that your propane tank isn’t empty, or near empty. If you shake the tank slightly you should hear the liquid propane slosh around a bit.
5.
Check that your air cleaner element is not flooded with oil. This can happen if your generator tips over. If it is, squeeze filter between paper towels, then properly dispose
of oily paper towels. (oily rags can spontaneously combust in garbage or in pile - hang until dry, then soak with water and detergent before discarding)
6.
Pull the starter cord faster. Too slow a pull will not create enough vacuum in the system to allow the fuel to flow through the vacuum actuated internal regulator.
7.
Change the spark plug. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen from the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run
rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
POOR RUNNING TIPS
1.
If a EU2000i made roughly between 2017 and 2018 is running rough or turns off, change the rubber boot around the spark plug cap. Honda put out a service bulletin
mentioning that under certain conditions th boot can become conductive and partially or fully short out the spark plug.
2.
Check for shipping damage inside your generator.
3.
For EU2200i generators made starting in 2021, make sure the pink vent tube just below the large side door is not clogged.
4.
If you are trying to run your EU2000i generator on natural gas, please contact us at sales@genconnex.net for our updated fuel injector and natural gas orifice.
5.
Check that you have the correct fuel orifice installed if your generator is hard to start and runs very rough then turns off. It is possible to run from natural gas with the
propane orifice installed, for instance, but it will idle very poorly, have very little power and will shut off after the first 10min of running or so (once warmed up) then
quickly on subsequent attempts to run. The number on the individual orifice bags corresponds to the drill bit size used to make it. I.e. the #25 orifice is made with a #25
drill bit measuring 0.149 inches. Propane has a higher energy density than natural gas so the holes size should be noticeably smaller than the natural gas orifices.
6.
If you are using your generator above 5,000ft you should install our free high-altitude orifice to correct for operation in a thinner atmosphere.
7.
Change the spark plug. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen from the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run
rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
8.
We do not recommend running your generator inside of any other enclosure, building or facility without making sure to meet all town, state and federal gas and fire codes.
We also do not recommend this or changing the airflow into or out of the exhaust with exhaust extensions that are not professionally designed and tested for this specific
generator. Note all of these issues can be dangerous a person’s health, and cause poor running (and it may be sporadic).
a.
If you are operating inside of a shed, garage or building that space can fill with carbon monoxide and most importantly become a death trap. It may also re-route
some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
b.
If the shed’s air inlet is too close to the exhaust port it can re-route some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
c.
Modifying the exhaust or removing it can change the back pressure and significantly change the engines performance or ability to run.
9.
If your your generator still is running rough and lacks power or shuts off please email us for a free upgraded fuel injector module at sales@genconnex.net.
EU7000is BLUE TOOTH VERSION GENERATOR SPECIFIC
(generators and kits made after 2020 without a top primer and with new internal secondary fuel solenoid)
POOR STARTING TIPS
1.
Check the oil level. To do so, you do not screw the oil stick in - just put it in then remove it and read the level.
2.
Check your air cleaner foam element to make sure it’s not pushed into the air cleaner covers air inlet and blocking the incoming air. See Picture 1 above.
3.
Check that your air cleaner element is not flooded with oil. This can happen if your generator tips over. If it is, squeeze filter between paper towels, then properly
dispose of oily paper towels. (oily rags can spontaneously combust in garbage or in pile - hang until dry, then soak with water and detergent before discarding)
4.
USE ONLY THE ORIGINAL MFG BATTERY. Check your battery voltage especially when below 40 deg F. If the battery voltage drops below approx. 10.4Vdc while
cranking it may not turn the engine over fast enough to get the vacuum actuated fuel system to allow fuel to flow. In extreme negative cold temperatures we recommend
adding a second battery (car battery) in parallel with the generator’s battery or jump starting with a car battery.
5.
Check that quick disconnect from hose to unit is fully seated and locked.
6.
Check that you hear a “click” at the top of the generator after you turn the key on and push the start button but before the starter cranks the engine. This ‘click’ is the
secondary fuel shut-off solenoid inside that is opening. No click means it is not opening and the generator will not start. Please call us at 1-800-341-0792.
7.
If using propane,
a.
Check that propane tank connection is fully screwed on and tight.
b.
Turn your propane tank off then back on slowly to check/reset tank internal valve.
c.
If your propane tank tipped over, the tank valve may freeze up. Return tank to upright position and let it sit for a while without use to let valve thaw and/or drain.
d.
Check that your propane tank isn’t empty, or near empty. If you shake the tank slightly you should hear the liquid propane slosh around a bit.
8.
Change the spark plug. We now recommend the Champion RC12YC gapped to .028-030 inches. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen
from the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
9.
If your generator is connected to a remote start/stop device through the remote port on inside the front battery compartment, disconnect it and re-install the Honda
shorting plug back into the connector and try to start the generator. If the generator starts and runs fine then you know the problem is with the remote starter.
POOR RUNNING TIPS
1.
Check that the battery strap is fastened down and not sucked into the air intake at the back of the battery compartment.
2.
Change the spark plug. We now recommend the Champion RC12YC gapped to .028-030 inches. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen from
the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
3.
If your generator turns off (and you may get an “EOA” code and or oil light on your generator’s display):
a.
Check that you have the correct fuel orifice installed if your generator is hard to start and runs very rough then turns off. It is possible to run from natural gas with
the propane orifice installed, for instance, but it will idle very poorly, have very little power and will shut off after the first 10min of running or so (once warmed
up) then quickly on subsequent attempts to run.
b.
Make sure you have the correct temperature orifice installed. There are 3 orifices available (free) for natural gas and 3 orifices available for propane. High temp,
all temp and low temp. If you are running at or near 100deg F outside then you should install the high temp orifice. If you are running at or near 0 deg F you
should install the low temp orifice. Most installations should not need this but it depends on your area. See the temperature recommendations on each orifice bag.
c.
If you are using your generator above 5,000ft you should install our free high-altitude orifice to correct for operation in a thinner atmosphere
4.
We do not recommend running your generator inside of any other enclosure, building or facility without making sure to meet all town, state and federal gas and fire codes.
We also do not recommend this or changing the airflow into or out of the exhaust with exhaust extensions that are not professionally designed and tested for this specific
generator. Note all of these issues can be dangerous a person’s health, and cause poor running (and it may be sporadic).
a.
If you are operating inside of a shed, garage or building that space can fill with carbon monoxide and most importantly become a death trap. It may also re-route
some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
b.
If the shed’s air inlet is too close to the exhaust port it can re-route some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
c.
Modifying the exhaust or removing it can change the back pressure and significantly change the engines performance or ability to run
5.
If you cannot seem to get all of the available power out of your generator for powering your home or equipment check that the voltage selection switch is in the correct
position and make sure that you are not trying to get more than half of the available power from one of the generator’s two power legs. This inverter generator that has
two separate inverters that are either placed in series for 240Vac or parallel for 120Vac operation. So, for instance if you are powering your home, make sure you do not
have 4000Watts of load on one leg and 2000Watts on the other. Even rows of breakers in your main panel are on one leg and odd rows are on the other. They make your
main panel this way so a double breaker for 240Vac appliances is a double breaker that catches both legs when installed. The 4 prong 30/30Amp outlet on the generators
front panel has 1 Neutral prong, 1 Ground prong and two Hot prongs (leg 1 and leg 2).
EU3000is GENERATOR SPECIFIC
(generators and kits)
POOR STARTING TIPS
1.
Check the oil level. To do so, you do not screw the oil stick in - just put it in then remove it and read the level.
2.
Change the spark plug. We now recommend the Champion RC12YC gapped to .028-030 inches. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen
from the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
3.
Check that quick disconnect from hose to unit is fully seated and locked.
4.
If using propane,
a.
Check that propane tank connection is fully screwed on and tight.
b.
Turn your propane tank off then back on slowly to check/reset tank internal valve.
c.
If your propane tank tipped over, the tank valve may freeze up. Return tank to upright position and let it sit for a while without use to let valve thaw and/or drain.
d.
Check that your propane tank isn’t empty, or near empty. If you shake the tank slightly you should hear the liquid propane slosh around a bit.
5.
Check that your air cleaner element is not flooded with oil. This can happen if your generator tips over. If it is, squeeze filter between paper towels, then properly dispose
of oily paper towels. (oily rags can spontaneously combust in garbage or in pile - hang until dry, then soak with water and detergent before discarding)
6.
Do not try to auto start stop a propane or natural gas Genconnex
®
modified EU3000is. This configuration requires manual priming to start and we do not support any auto
or remote starting or stopping.
POOR RUNNING TIPS
1.
Change the spark plug. We now recommend the Champion RC12YC gapped to .028-030 inches. A spark plug can have a damaged resister inside that cannot be seen from
the outside. The generator can sometimes still operate but it will run rough and not be able to get over approximately ½ power before dying as the load is increased.
2.
Check for shipping damage inside your generator.
3.
Check that you have the correct fuel orifice installed if your generator is hard to start and runs very rough then turns off. It is possible to run from natural gas with the
propane orifice installed, for instance, but it will idle very poorly, have very little power and will shut off after the first 10min of running or so (once warmed up) then
quickly on subsequent attempts to run. The number on the individual orifice bags corresponds to the drill bit size used to make it. I.e. the #25 orifice is made with a #25
drill bit measuring 0.149 inches. Propane has a higher energy density than natural gas so the holes size should be noticeably smaller than the natural gas orifices.
4.
If you are using your generator above 5,000ft you should install our free high-altitude orifice to correct for operation in a thinner atmosphere
5.
We do not recommend running your generator inside of any other enclosure, building or facility without making sure to meet all town, state and federal gas and fire codes.
We also do not recommend this or changing the airflow into or out of the exhaust with exhaust extensions that are not professionally designed and tested for this specific
generator. Note all of these issues can be dangerous a person’s health, and cause poor running (and it may be sporadic).
a.
If you are operating inside of a shed, garage or building that space can fill with carbon monoxide and most importantly become a death trap. It may also re-route
some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
b.
If the shed’s air inlet is too close to the exhaust port it can re-route some of the exhaust back to the inlet and cause poor running.
c.
Modifying the exhaust or removing it can change the back pressure and significantly change the engines performance or ability to run.
Trouble Shooting
GENERATOR WONT START OR RUNS VERY ROUGH
(All generators)
WONT START ON NATURAL GAS
1.
Check that you have correct fuel orifice installed. We supply both propane and natural gas orifices. The orifice with the largest hole is for Natural Gas. Actually remove
the orifice in the generator and compare to make sure it was sent to you as requested at the factory.
2.
If you generator has the top 1”primer ball do not pull up for more than 3 seconds or you can flood the engine with fuel. If you do this, disconnect the hose from the
generator and turn the engine over by hand a few times, or just wait 5 minutes for the prime charge to dissipate out through the air cleaner. Re-connect and prime for 3
seconds again then pull or push button to start.
3.
Check that your natural gas hose is as short as possible for the job. The longer the hose, the more air will be in it when you first connect it up so it will take more time to
pull start or key start as it will not run until the gas/air mixture works through. We recommend not using a hose longer than 12 feet and not oversizing the diameter such
that it’s bigger than needed. It could take 8-10 pulls to start with a 20 foot hose, where is may still take 5-8 pulls the first time you connect up with a shorter 12foot hose.
WONT START ON PROPANE
1.
Check that you have correct fuel orifice installed. We supply both propane and natural gas orifices. The orifice with the smaller hole is for Propane. Actually remove the
orifice in the generator and compare to make sure it was sent to you as requested at the factory.
2.
If you generator has the top 1”primer ball do not pull up for more than 3 seconds or you can flood the engine with fuel. If you do this, disconnect the hose from the
generator and turn the engine over by hand a few times, or just wait 5 minutes for the prime charge to dissipate out through the air cleaner. Re-connect and prime for 3
seconds again then pull or push button to start.
3.
DO NOT use our propane hose with/regulator in series with any other regulator. If you are connecting to a large storage tank (vs stand alone BBQ tank) your propane
dealer or installer will have either installed a two-stage regulator on the tank to get the propane to household ½” psi pressure, or will have installed a primary stage
regulator on the tank to reduce the pressure to 10-15psi then a second ‘final stage’ regulator on your house to get the pressure further down to ½” psi as used by all
appliances. DO NOT connect the generator to the mid point at 10-15 psi or else you will have uncontrolled propane leaking through the generator which could combust
causing serious injury or death. The hoses with regulators we sell are all designed to operate ONLY from high tank pressure and CANNOT be used as a final stage
regulator by attaching to the intermediate pressure of 10-15psi. The generator may run but it will run very poorly and this could damage the generator.
RUNS VERY ROUGH ONCE STARTED
1.
Check the air cleaner element to make sure it’s not overly dirty or clogged. If your generator tipped over too far the engine’s oil can come out through the crankcase vent
and saturate the paper or foam air cleaner element. If this happens you will need to get a new air cleaner element. Also check that the cleaning element is where it is
supposed to be see picture 1.