ok, I picked up a used honda generator model EB3500 off of CL today to use on the farm. While going thru the steps of checking oil etc I fired it up to test the electrical system. It operates fine but idles really high. I have a sneaky suspicion that the fuel in the tank was bad so the PO put in new fuel and cranked up the idle on it so it would run without stalling. It also has a little oil dripping from the air filter housing but cant see where it's coming from. Any idea's, suggestions on what and where to look first? D'Animal?
It should have a switch (depends how old though) on the left side that idles it down when theres no load on it (if on it will run on high idle with or without a load )and will idle up when theres a load (nice for sump pumps and fridges ) saves on gas as for the oil comming from the air cleaner , it maybe from the blowby tube from the crankcase as it runs into the housing to act as a PCV system
Thanks, what are the chances you have a pic or can tell me where it is? Is it near the carb? air filter housing? pull start? The only switches I find are the on off and breaker switch and switch from 120 to 240.
Also, forgot to mention, and this could be due to the high idle, that the choke does not work. It will start fine and run but when you push in the choke nothing happens. It runs at what appears to be full throttle. I wonder if it's crap in the carb? The linkages move freely so not real sure what it could be but couldnt pass it up for the price..
OK,,
Just watched a video on youtube from someone who is selling the same style generator and I located the switch. I will see if that stops the high idle. If so, then I will just change the oil and plug and run it. Couldn't pass it up for 200 bux....
Turning off the switch did not stop the high idle, In fact, it dies when you turn the switch to off. I hear there is a solenoid mounted near the carb that could be the issue. Any ideas?
I have read numerous articles on Honda generators and carb issues and it appears that there is just crap in the carb and it needs to be cleaned/serviced which I will do this wknd. Does anyone know of a good service link for these generators? I have found a few but they are pay sites and well, I tend to be a bit tight and get things for free if I can...... More money for the 40!!!
I have have a 5000 unit I picked up for cheap a little while ago and I just pulled the carb off and took it apart and cleaned it up . Theres really not too much to it . just remember where everything came from (take pixs if needed ).
I just used some really good carb cleaner and air and shot it into all the little ports and passages . You may need to let it soak a little if it really gummed up , just don't use that carb dip stuff unless you got everything off it as it will eat all rubber ,plastic and other stuff (like the carb itself if left in too long ). I also cleaned the bowl under the fuel shut off lever .
The way its acting ,the idle ckt is clogged .
Good luck with it you'll have it running right real soon
Other than the common stuff, Honda's have really small jets. If you do not have a set of extremely small drill bits or a good selection of fine wire, get them before you start. I will defgine "Fine wire" as being smaller than phone cable.
The jets easily get plugged making the ID smaller, just like a waterpipe in your house. Use the butt end of the drill bit and clean the varnish from the ID without making the hole bigger is the key.
took the carb off today and ran carb cleaner etc thru it. It starts and runs fine but the "auto throttle" doesn't work. Not really a big deal. Wonder if there is a way to bypass it or test it? I think they are 90 bux to replace.....
Yeah, w/ the auto throttle off it idles high and when you turn on the auto throttle, it dies. I assume it's the solenoid but from what I've read, it's not really required. I would like to test it though to verify that the solenoid is the issue. Any ideas on how this is done?
