Honda 2000 generator preventive maintenance

[Calypso52]

Following the advice of Jaime on s/v Totem, I launched into some preventive maintenance on our Honda. I removed the muffler to paint with high temperature Rustoleum paint. Lo and behold, no gasket between the muffler and the exhaust pipe. Someone at the factory was in a rush that day. Might be my imagination but seems to run more quietly with a gasket. Also if yours is still relatively new you might want to take those three bolts off and coat the threads with your favorite anti seize. Mine has just 50 hours on it (4 years old, always covered from salt spray) and they were on the verge of being frozen.

[SV THIRD DAY]

We have 1643hrs on our current first pull start every time Honda 2000.

Here is the link to the SV Totem blog post about the Honda 2000.
Portable generator benefits, and how to care for one aboard | Sailing Totem

When new, we also pulled it apart as much as we could and lubricated all of the bolts. That came in very handy a few weeks ago when we needed to replace a broken pull cord. The guys at the shop said they have never had one come apart so easily.

[Calypso52]

Rich, did you put an hour meter on yours or are you just really OCD about logging your hours. If the former, any tips on doing that? Thanks!

[SV THIRD DAY]

Yes, it was a piece of cake. I bought this one from Honda and just have it zip-tied inside the case since I didn't want to cut a hole in the case to mount it.

[autumnbreeze27]

Not sure how much the honda one costs but I got one from Amazon for $13.

Docooler Inductive Hour Meter for Marine ATV Motorcycle Dirt Ski Waterproof (Orange) Brand change toocooler

Looks like they've gone up $1 in price.

Good thread though, I didn't know I was supposed to lube all the screws and paint the muffler. I'll have to add that to my to-do list.

[svGenesis]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

The guys at the shop said they have never had one come apart so easily.

You paid to have the cord replaced? that might be one of the easiest "boat fixes" Dyneema replacement?

[zboss]

THANKS! I was wondering how to keep track of hours!

[Schooner Chandlery]

Originally Posted by zboss

THANKS! I was wondering how to keep track of hours!

I need to get one of those tacs.

I logged all the hrs on our first Honda eu2000 and when we had 4000 hrs on it (about 7yrs ownership and use) it still looked and ran great and all we had ever done was change oil, plug and the cord. So I knocked on wood thankful that it had done so well. Told my husband I wanted a new one and sold the old one on Craig's list sf Bay Area for $700 and bought a new one from Mayberry online for $949. We bought the old one for $900 so I figure $200 for all that use wasn't bad.

The new one I'm logging hrs on but we've only got about 500 so far. The tac will be great. New one is more sensitive to rain--as in if we don't cover it it can get rainwater inside the case and (probably not unrelated) it won't start if left uncovered in a downpour. Luckily there's a Rubbermaid type bin the perfect size to put (upside down) over it as a cover when not in use. 🙄


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[deblen]

All great suggestions.
But,basically, it's a Honda!!-change oil regularly-burn non ethanol gas only-pull the cord-Enjoy!

[seabreez]

Originally Posted by SV THIRD DAY

Yes, it was a piece of cake. I bought this one from Honda and just have it zip-tied inside the case since I didn't want to cut a hole in the case to mount it.

WOW! Never gave much thought into hour meters. This is very simple. Thank You very much for whom ever posted this. I honestly thought this was more complicated than this. I will be going to bed tonight much smarter. Thanks!

[Calypso52]

Just put my Amazon hour meter on today. 5 minute job, ok maybe 10 minutes.
Thanks again, Rich Boren for the tip. Now I might put one on my Honda outboard!

Has anyone on this thread adjusted the valves? You folks with the multi thousand hours?

It looks pretty straightforward from the YouTube video, maybe an hour or two?

[Schooner Chandlery]

Originally Posted by Calypso52

Just put my Amazon hour meter on today. 5 minute job, ok maybe 10 minutes.

Thanks again, Rich Boren for the tip. Now I might put one on my Honda outboard!



Has anyone on this thread adjusted the valves? You folks with the multi thousand hours?



It looks pretty straightforward from the YouTube video, maybe an hour or two?

Nope. Our first one ran great as is the whole time with same performance and fuel economy as new. Sold it just thinking the exhaust and other parts could not possibly last much longer.


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[chouliha]

We have been very lucky with our Honda 1000 (ok now I jinxed it) but the only thing I could think of for maintenance was change the oil every month. So far all seems good after 5 years of daily use.


Regarding oil changes our friends on "Just A Minute" gave us a great little item that enables us to change the oil without a drop being spilled. Its been one of those "What a great idea"! that we made up a dozen of them and give them out as gift to fellow cruisers. If you re interested I have a description and photo of it on our website in "Other Good Stuff"


Regards


Chuck
Jacaranda

[chouliha]

I wanted to add before finger engaged before brain..... oh I hate when that happens

Using a 4" long piece of 1" diameter sched 40 PVC with a notch cut out of it slips under the rubber lip of the drain and provides a great way of getting the hot oil from the Honda to a container without spilling it. jacarandajourney "Other Good Stuff" for a pdf of the cutout and how it works.

Safe Sailing

Chuck