How to fix a Honda EU2000 or Honda EU2200 if it does not start

These Honda EU2000i's, EU2200i's, and the EU2200i Companion generators are amazing pieces of engineering.  We've sold over 2700 in the last 20 years so its amazing to see these guys keep on running.

Addison does a great job fixing these generators quickly and well.  I love to see them come in because I know most times the customer will be very happy when their generator is fixed.

First 3 Questions for No-Starts 

Is the gas cap fuel switch on?

If it is off, the generator will run for a few minutes then shut off

Is the oil too full OR to empty?

While low oil is one of the most common causes of no-start conditions in EU2200's, overfilling will also cause issues with the generator starting.  The oil should be up to the lip of the fill port, but not running out.  An EU2200 generator takes slightly less than half a quart of 5W30 or 10W30 oil.

Did the CO-Minder light turn on?

EU2200 Honda Generators manufactured after November 2020 have a Carbon Monoxide Detector built in that will shut the generator off if too much carbon monoxide builds up around the unit.  The purpose is so that if someone were to run it inside a house  (BIG NO NO!) that the unit would shut off.  However, many people like to run them in a small shed etc.. during power outages and unfortunately this will not work.  Make sure there is sufficient ventilation where the generator is running and start it up again.

3 Problems that cause No-Starts (and steps we take to fix them)

1) Water in Fuel

Half of generator No Start issues have to do with water in the fuel.  We hear things like "I just get my gas at the gas station and put it in my generator, are they selling bad gas?"  No, Ethanol sucks moisture into the gas can and/or gas cans are left outside.  Ethanol combined with humid or rainy weather can will cause water to get into the gas.

Generators and fuel should be stored inside.  It is also recommended to use a fuel treatment that helps keep the fuel fresh and ethanol from pulling moisture into the fuel.  Many local gas stations sell non - ethanol fuel which is a great option if you can purchase that.

Here is a picture of the fuel from a generator we serviced that shows the fuel and water separated.

To Drain an EU2200i Generator: 

Open the side panel and turn the screw on the carb bowl.  The gas will drain down the tube.  Pull the recoil to drain more gas.  If you drain it into a glass container, you can see the gas and water separate.  Suck the rest of the gas out of the tank through the fuel cap with a hand siphon.

2) Spark Plug fouled or has a piece of Carbon stuck in it.

In approximately 20% of EU2200 no start conditions, a fouled spark plug or carbon build up is to blame.  Replace the spark plug.

3) Carb Corroded or Throttle Motor Bad

In approximately 2 out of 10 EU2200's we replace the $155 Carburetor.  Generally, these carburetors are not worth rebuilding or cleaning and tend to cause issues shortly after a cleaning.