Found a use for the Honda EU1000 generator [Archive]

Brian894x4

09-24-2006, 04:00 AM

Been doing some excavation work at some abandoned logging RR/camp sites looking for artifacts, but now that it gets dark earlier, it just always seems that right when the sun goes down we find a promissing site.

Well now we don't have to dig by flashlight. Instead, haul out the 30lb generator (so long as it's not too far of a hike) and plug in just about as many lights as we could possibly want and dig away. Just did that last night. Very handy to have.

By the way, anything we find is usually photographed and recorded and left at the site, or if it's significant enough, donated for public display at a local musuem. We keep nothing...as it should be.

At first I wondered if I could justify buying this thing, but I was happy to have it.
http://www.brian894x4.com/HondaEU1000generator.html

Fun stuff.
:archaeolo

erin

09-24-2006, 06:25 AM

Brian894x4

09-24-2006, 09:30 AM

:coffee:
More and more uses everyday. Having used many sizes of generators for construction over the years, I have been considereing a small unit like yours for some time, just something handy to have. Are they really as quite as people say?

I wish I had something else of similier size to compare it too. It definately makes noise, but it's quieter than I think you would expect. I wouldn't, for example, want to run it in a close quarter camp ground with neighbors over night (nobody would notice it during the day) but I wouldn't have a problem running in the middle of nowhere with no neighbors over night. It's quiet enough, that I could fall asleep with it running.

I could hold a normal tone of voice conversation with people around me as it was running. Perhaps the closest thing I can think of that sounds about the same level is a typical little autoparts store 12 volt compressor is probably louder than this generator. With the eco-switch, the engine runs only as fast as the power requires, so with minimal draw it's quieter.

Power is only about 900 amps constant, so always consider the next size up, like the EU2000, if you think you might need it. They apparently sound about the same, with the biggest difference between more heft and size. What I like most about the EU1000 is that I can literally carry it down a trail with one hand and my lights and pick ax in the other...for example. :) And it doesn't take up much more room in the truck than a loaded mid sized duffle bag.

You could probably go to an equipment rental place and pick one up to try out or at least hear for yourself.

Grim Reaper

09-24-2006, 02:59 PM

Power is only about 900 amps constant, so always consider the next size up, like the EU2000, if you think you might need it. They apparently sound about the same, with the biggest difference between more heft and size.

What a stout little generator...I could run my whole streeet on 900 amps! :wings:

Brian894x4

09-25-2006, 05:48 AM

What a stout little generator...I could run my whole streeet on 900 amps! :wings:

:D whoops! That's what I get for typing that out a little too early in the morning...that would be watts...yes watts. ;)

DaveInDenver

09-25-2006, 01:30 PM

:coffee:
More and more uses everyday. Having used many sizes of generators for construction over the years, I have been considereing a small unit like yours for some time, just something handy to have. Are they really as quite as people say?

Hard to argue that they are fairly quiet for a generator, but I still find them unpleasantly loud anywhere but an established commercial campground where you'd find RVs anyway. Just my $0.02, but beyond the hiss of a Coleman lantern or the sound of a bottle being uncapped, I'd rather not hear much else man-made. This of course is completely hypocritical since I ride my mountain bike and ski squeaky bindings in the backcountry.

beemerchef

10-19-2006, 07:13 PM

As I am getting ready to leave... soon if not again postponed... I went ahead and bought the 2000Ie... I use to have a 1000 on a sailboat... but now... MORE power!... Ah! consumerism... I agree with the noise... but... at "Echo Throttle" setting it is very quiet... I figured no one ever camps near me... and it will be for emergency... real hot day use of... the air unit!... Just had to have it!

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/93524260-S.jpg

I cannot hear the gen set when inside the camper...
If ever camping in a real campground... then of course no need for it if a power outlet is near by...
And then again, I think one of the best purchase as been the Xantrex 600HD Power pack.

http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/182/p/1/pt/29/product.asp

with 3 AC outlets... one DC and cables to jump start a battery or run my Winch as I keep the Power Pack in the Sidecar's trunk when riding in rough terrain...

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/98705800-S.jpg

Great for not running the gen set every five minutes... for laptop... coffee grinder... XM Boombox... recharging camera batteries... maybe too much comfort... but it works... rechargable with the gen set or while driving/riding!

Be well... Ara

http://beemerchef.smugmug.com/photos/100828748-S.jpg

hinoranger

10-31-2006, 05:39 PM

anyone have any experience in long term maintainance and overhaul of the 1000i? How many hours should it run without maintainance and has anyone had one apart?

Also, somone out there posted the high-capacity fuel tank; how is that working?

TIA

chet

10-31-2006, 10:27 PM

my buddy works at a honda powersports dealer and he rebuilds these all the time as they have plastice cranks and valves etc!:yikes: They are not as robust as the older Honda gennies that is for sure. He said not to buy one when I enquired and suggested one of the older used ones would be better

Brian894x4

11-02-2006, 09:12 AM

Ouch...I did not realize that. :( That's explains why they've dropped in the price the last few years.

hinoranger

11-02-2006, 05:15 PM

I hadn't noticed prices coming down that much (~$650). Anyway, my 1000i probably has around 500 hours on it, most at a fairly light load, but I depend on every week, so I'd like to be able to budget my remaining usage.

Brian894x4

11-02-2006, 06:30 PM

I thought the older ones cost in the $1000 range. But even if prices didn't change, Honda would have to cut cost somewhere to offset inflation. Usually manufacturing costs are the first to get cut, with outsourcing to China, etc.

Perhaps, the plastic crank/valves were part of that, to keep the price per unit the same or slightly lower. I also wonder if there's any advantage of the plastic crank/valves...perhaps in terms of noise reduction?

Robthebrit

11-02-2006, 06:45 PM

I have taken a number of small engines apart and plastic components are common across all makes. Its not until you get to the larger engines (10+hp) that you get an all metal engine.

I very recently rebuilt my briggs 6hp lawn mover engine and it had lots of plastic parts and its getting on for 10 years old and hundreds of hours. The good news is they are dead easy to rebuild, the plastic makes them even easier as lots of places that had bearings or even worse shimmed bearings are now simple plastic to plastic or plastic to metal journals.

Rob

hinoranger

12-11-2006, 03:55 AM

Nothing new here, just wanted to bump this thread up a little.

I still havn't found much information concerning the maintainance and longevity of small Honda generators, esp. the 1000i.

Anyone?

Desertdude

12-11-2006, 12:48 PM

had my 1000i since 1999 - have not done a thing to maintain it - just added gas and pull the cord - it has run 4-500 hrs a year - usually I spend more time on maintenance but this Honda has not asked for any

RunninRubicon

01-16-2007, 11:38 PM

On the last post you guys were talking about Honda generators and their high price, low noise and little need of maintence. I got for Christmas this year a 1000w Chicago Electric generator. A tiny 2.5hp four-stroke, four cycle engine pulls this one. Just like the Honda it started from out of the box with gas oil and 2 pulls. It has maybe 50hrs on it now and I must say it can become addictive to have power. I believe this model is 6 dbs louder then the Honda or Yamaha models. But this one costs $179.99 on sale. I bought a 2-year free replacement warranty for for $40.00. I find this a hard bargain to beat for what it is. This model weighs 38lbs.:rolleyes:

hinoranger

01-18-2007, 10:55 PM

Sounds interesting; I might have to try one of those- save my Honda for when I really need a quiet generator.

This one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93881

RunninRubicon

01-18-2007, 11:56 PM

Sounds interesting; I might have to try one of those- save my Honda for when I really need a quiet generator.

This one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93881

For the price-even with a warranty, I found it cheap insurance for long camping stays off the grid and away from it all. Water turns into the REAL issue after awhile unless you have a stream or a lake to filter water from.

hinoranger

01-19-2007, 03:57 AM

but is that the model you have? 1000w, 2.4hp, but $300 and 68lbs?

Also, someone out there was going to try an auxilury fuel tank for the 1000i?
Are you around/any luck?

Desertdude

01-19-2007, 01:42 PM

I did buy the tank and brought it along to Surf n Turf but did not have a chance to use it - the Honda used only .5 gallons per day.

The tank has the supply tube coming from the bottom, and has two on/off valves. It goes into the gas cap on the generator in to the air closing valve.

Carrying 5 gallons is really over kill for this generator, as it weighs more than the Honda.

RunninRubicon

01-19-2007, 01:54 PM

hinoranger

02-01-2007, 03:11 AM

So I've only done preliminary troubleshooting of my own, but anyone have some suggestions here? I use my 1000i for living on-site in my "expedition vehicle" and usually run it at least twice a week, usually for 3-6 hrs, and it quit running today.
I ran it for about three hrs. a couple of days ago, left it about 2/3 full of fuel, and went to start it today. Air temp was about 15F, although it was down to 8F recently.
Generator started with the choke on, ran for 30 sec., ran for 20 sec. without the choke, then sputtered to a stop and wouldn't restart.
Somtimes the low oil sensor will turn it off after running for a few seconds if it's not on a perfectly level surface, but oil level is fine and I tried starting it on the garage floor. Nothing. The generator probably got warmed up to at least 40F while it was in the garage and I topped off the fuel, too. (As an aside, anyone know if overfilling the oil is much of a concern on one of these?)

I then tried getting it to fire using starting fluid. I don't know if I've actually heard of using starting fluid on a small motor like this, or whether it might be bad for the motor, but nothing happened anyway.
Didn't get around to checking the spark- kind of tough by yourself without an electric starter, so I guess that's my next step.

Ideas, anyone?

Desertdude

02-01-2007, 03:34 AM

try an not to use starting fluid, it can be pretty harsh... there is a rythm to starting it, sometimes it does take a bit of choke to get it warmed up. I usually keep the automatic idle off to rev it up

have you always kept the filter in the gas filler neck? this is imperative to keeping the gas clean.

The motor is very simple - spark and gas - I would check the spark first, if that is good, then fine out if you are getting gas. Sometimes a simple new spark plug can help out.

hinoranger

02-01-2007, 04:13 AM

Yeah, I know starting fluid is a little extreme, but it didn't hurt anything this time. It's cold out, and I need to get this thing started.

Belive me, I've started this thing many, many times and there's somthing not connecting. The low oil sensor gets me pretty often- funny how it'll be running fine one day then shut itself down as soon as it's started the next- but the oil level is not the problem today.

Yeah, I've filled it without the screen a few times and I'm a little worried about that but..

it seems like a fuel problem might cause it to run poorly, but you really think it would keep it from running at all? especially after it was running just fine?

Desertdude

02-01-2007, 04:29 AM

when i first got mine I found it too slow filling the gas so i took out the filter for one time, the generator did not like that and ran real rough for few weeks after that. Since then I have always left the filter in. I think the tiny particles can clog things up. I have not ever hat a low oil light come on or stop the gereator from running.

hard to say without doing some tests, I would find out first if I have spark. Try it with a new plug, if you know you have spark, then it has to be fuel.

Take your plug you have now out, connect it to the plug wire and hold it tight to the engine head ( or ground it solid to the metal engine part, pull the cord and see if you can see any spark.

also;

if you try and start it a bunch, stop and take out the plug, see if it is wet?
a wet plug will indicate that it is getting fuel of some type just not sparking and burning.

hinoranger

02-01-2007, 04:46 AM

hey desertdude-

thanks for the ideas. I just went back to the online user's manual and found out that it's actually pretty hard to overfill the oil, maybe that's why I was always running low (too careful). I've run it at night for 4-5hrs, had it cut out the next day, and run then fine after adding oil more times than I can count. Ok, not that many times, but a lot.
And I hate to admit it, but I've never changed the spark plug, even once, and I'm sure I've got ~600hrs on my machine, maybe more. Keep meaning to but guess I'll have to try a little harder.

Oh, bought mine as a dealer demo (Northern Tool). How was it treated for the first 100h? Or first 300h? no way of knowing that, either.

Desertdude

02-01-2007, 05:01 AM

While we are confessing, I have never completed any maintaienace on the machine at all, have not checked or changed the oil, changed the plug, or cleaned/checked the filter ... not usually like me but there it is

I bought mine new in '99 and used it quite a bit, guess I should try harder too :REExeSquatsHL1:

good luck, and post back your findings

hinoranger

02-01-2007, 05:37 AM

that's crazy, desertdude.

sure, I've never changed my sparkplug, but every time my oil light comes on, I just change the oil. Takes 5 min. to find the oil, take the side cover off, pull the dipstick and fill it, or 7 min. to drain, refill, and put it all back together again.

Guess I've been wasting a lot of oil.:yikes: :yikes:

Desertdude

02-07-2007, 01:47 PM

Did you get that Honda running?

hinoranger

02-10-2007, 06:11 AM

It was the sparkplug.

The guy at the Honda dealer said that excessive use of the choke can cause fouling; I'm usally pretty careful but have been starting/running it at low temperatures almost daily so I use the choke more than normal just to get it going and that might have been a factor.

John von

01-23-2009, 07:59 PM

Tucson T4R

01-26-2009, 04:50 PM

See the previous post just before yours. He was told by a service rep that excessive use of the choke can foul the spark plug.

That being said, I would think if it only runs smoothly with a little choke applied, something else is not adjusted to spec. I would check the air cleaner and plug to be sure they are both clean and that you have fresh gas. Maybe a once over by a service tech if there are other tune up options that need attention.

For the oil, I run Mobile 1 extended performance 10-30W.

BiG BoB

02-04-2009, 12:01 AM

We have one as a spare if the Inverter blows up.

One day when I needed it, it wouldn't start. Turns out some wasps had decided the little exhause pipe was the perfect place to start a nest....

Sean

beemerchef

02-04-2009, 12:06 AM

I have a 1000 that doesn't like to run when the throttle is fully on the "run" setting. It sounds better (smoother) when it is more towards the choke setting. I have the set throttle halfway, just where the engines smooths out.

Has anyone else had this experience? Does this cause any excess wear, or perhaps goes through the oil quicker?

What type of oil does it use?

Appreciated,
John

It has been depending on the altitude... hummm... the higher the more choke! I have mega solar now but still use it for tools or hot air gun when I roast my coffee here in the desert. I use AMSOIL... in everything! I might even start drinking it!!! My bike has 200,000 miles on it and still as new...
That is about it... I use high octane... Love that thing!!!

Be well... Ara & Spirit

BigJim

02-25-2009, 07:37 PM

Of your 900 amp generator and post it up

I wish I had something else of similier size to compare it too. It definately makes noise, but it's quieter than I think you would expect. I wouldn't, for example, want to run it in a close quarter camp ground with neighbors over night (nobody would notice it during the day) but I wouldn't have a problem running in the middle of nowhere with no neighbors over night. It's quiet enough, that I could fall asleep with it running.

I could hold a normal tone of voice conversation with people around me as it was running. Perhaps the closest thing I can think of that sounds about the same level is a typical little autoparts store 12 volt compressor is probably louder than this generator. With the eco-switch, the engine runs only as fast as the power requires, so with minimal draw it's quieter.

Power is only about 900 amps constant, so always consider the next size up, like the EU2000, if you think you might need it. They apparently sound about the same, with the biggest difference between more heft and size. What I like most about the EU1000 is that I can literally carry it down a trail with one hand and my lights and pick ax in the other...for example. :) And it doesn't take up much more room in the truck than a loaded mid sized duffle bag.

You could probably go to an equipment rental place and pick one up to try out or at least hear for yourself.