We have been receiving a few emails about the Honda EU generators giving people problems, everything from erratic idling to not starting at all. Some people have found that running the generator with the choke partially open or by turning off the echo throttle has helped some, however this is not a long term solution.
At this time the NTM Tech Center feels that most of these problems are related to dirty or poor quality fuel. It is ESSENTIAL that you pre-filter your fuel BEFORE you put it in any generator. You also need to remove any water from the fuel; fuel drums are prone to ingress of water. (In addition some fuel suppliers prefer to sell water mixed in with their fuel!) To assist in this the NTM Tech Center is recommending a fuel filter funnel (GEN010). In addition we also sell replacement air and fuel filters for the Honda EU generators (GEN007, GEN008, GEN009). However, because the stock Honda EU fuel filter is very small, it may be wise to replace the stock Honda EU fuel filter with a larger aftermarket in-line filter. These can be purchased in many countries and the NTM Tech Center stocks them as well (GEN011). Do NOT run your generator without a fuel or air filter!
A while back we did a good bit of research on the erratic idling problem some people were having and offer the following and also provide links to a YouTube videos we made.
It seems like this erratic idling problem is growing worldwide. We did a bunch of research, and talked to some people about their problems and the situation you’re describing seems to be fuel related. We’re guessing not many people know where or how to check their fuel filters, so start there first. Then the spark arrestor, and finally, if those don’t work you may need to clean your carburetor.
On the top of the carb is a large black plastic screw, if that has worked out it will also idle erratically. That’s the idle and also keeps the governor from having too much freedom. While it’s running turn that in (tightening) a little bit and see if it helps. If it just idles faster but still erratically then turn it back out. Keep careful watch how many turns you’re going. A quarter turn goes a long way! The carb overhaul should be the last thing because it’s the hardest and most time consuming.
If you find that none of these fixes works, then it’s probably in your electronic governor and you’ll have to talk more to a Honda repair person about that. But first you need to make sure these things are working right.
Attached are two links to YouTube videos we made of the process. Should make it easy for you to figure out. You should take pictures of stuff during disassembly to help with reassembly. Watch the movie this YouTube all the way through first, and then make sure you have carb cleaner before you start the carb project. And a small inline fuel filter before you start the fuel project. It’ll help you immensely!
Fuel Filter and Spark Arrestor
Carb Overhaul
God Bless all of you.