The Honda EU2000i Generator

The Honda EU2000i Inverter type generator is a significant improvement over previous technologies. It weighs under 50 pounds and produces 1600 watts (2000 intermittent) of AC power. The frequency is precisely 60 hz regardless of engine speed. The voltage and waveform are electronically precisely regulated for compatibility with all load types. The Economy throttle mode allows the engine to slow down when light loads are supplied and extends the runtime considerably. And most important, the sound level of this generator is so low that in the outdoors it can be run without bothering your campsite neighbors.

Adding a Secondary Fuel Tank to the Honda EU2000i for Extended Runtime

for less than about $20

Also works for the EU1000i since it uses the same fuel cap.

Buy an extra fuel cap for the EU2000i from the dealer.

Remove the hairpin clip from the underside of the cap. Remove all the pieces of the vent valve, leaving a hole through the cap. Take the cap to the hardware store and select a brass double-ended jag type tubing joiner that fits into the hole in the cap. Epoxy this in place with fuel resistant epoxy (I used Devcon 2-ton epoxy). Make an airtight seal.

Buy some fuel-resistant hose that fits the jag, enough to reach from the fuel cap into the bottom of an adjacent gas can, about 4 feet or so. I used polyethylene hose which allows me to see the fuel in the line.

Attach a tube to the jag and put a weight on the other end of the tube to keep it on the bottom of the can. I used another brass fitting that had a jag to fit the tubing, and a larger threaded end, just to weigh it down. I filed a slot into the bottom so that when it lies on the bottom of the tank it cannot develop a seal on the flat surface of the tank. Whatever you use, it should be fuel-compatible since it will be totally immersed.

Fill the EU2000i tank before starting up, and insert the weighted end of the line into a gas can sitting next to the generator. Start the generator. As the fuel level drops in the EU2000i tank the vacuum pulls fuel out of the extra fuel can and keeps the generator tank full. If your fuel line is clear you can observe the fuel rising in the line on the supply side.

If you are concerned about things falling into the supply fuel can (since the cap is off), stuff a rag or plastic shopping bag in the opening, use aluminum foil or a plastic bag to cover it, etc.

I ran my EU2000i continuously one Field Day this way. Extremely convenient.

When that external fuel can is getting low, swap to another without danger of spilling or need to turn the genny off.

A marine fuel tank can be used instead of the gas can, and appropriate fittings installed on the hose to attach to it. The 6 gallon tanks are commodity priced and very inexpensive. The 9 gallon marine fuel tanks are reasonable. Beyond that they get expensive.

Works like a charm.

Paralleling Honda EU2000i Generators

These Honda inverter generators can be paralleled as well. I built a paralleling kit and borrowed another EU2000i and ran the RV A/C, Microwave, etc with it. The connectors and parts cost about $50-75 to do it properly. You can purchase the units already made up from a number of sources. Look in the RV catalogs.

-- AlanB, WB6ZQZ
-- www.AntennaLaunching.com∞

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