15
Dec

Honda Generator Troubleshooting Guide – Common Problems & Fixes


Honda generator problems

 

Are you having Honda generator problems? Is your Honda generator not starting? As an Authorised Honda Generator Service and Repair Centre, we’ve fixed it all!

We asked our service experts to list the most common Honda generator problems that they repair here at Kelvin Power Tools. They explain the possible causes for each problem, how you can fix your generator and how to prevent problems from occurring.

Read on to see what they said.

Honda Generator Problems & Causes

Honda generators are extremely reliable and designed to withstand tough working conditions. However, like any power equipment, they can still experience issues. These are the most common Honda generator problems that we see.

The generator won’t start.

Possible causes for a Honda generator not starting are:

  • An engine fault, e.g. it has seized
  • The engine oil level is too low
  • There isn’t enough fuel in the tank, the wrong type of fuel has been used and/or fuel has been left sitting in the tank for a long time without use
  • A problem with the carburettor, e.g. it’s clogged
  • A problem with the battery or the battery needs charged (not all Honda generators have a battery)
  • The fuel valve, choke and/or engine stop switch are turned off
  • A blockage in the air filter
  • The spark plug is fouled, e.g. it’s dirty
  • The generator is being used in the wrong environment, e.g. there isn’t enough air flow or it’s on an unlevel surface

The generator is running but it isn’t putting out power.

Possible causes for a Honda generator not putting out power are:

  • Overloading has caused the alternator to cut out
  • An electrical fault, e.g. damage to the stator, a short circuit or a loose wiring connection
  • A problem with the capacitor

The generator runs for a few seconds and then stops.

Possible causes for this are:

  • Overloading
  • The engine oil level is too low/high
  • An engine fault
  • An electrical fault
  • A problem with the capacitor
  • A problem with the carburettor
  • A problem with the battery and/or the battery needs charged
  • The choke is turned on
  • A blockage in the air filter
  • The spark plug is fouled
  • The generator is being used in the wrong environment

The generator’s engine/power is fluctuating up and down.

This is called surging or hunting. Possible causes for a Honda generator surging are:

  • Overloading
  • An engine fault
  • An electrical fault
  • A problem with the carburettor
  • The choke is turned on
  • A blockage in the air filter
  • The spark plug is fouled
  • The generator is being used in the wrong environment

Fuel is leaking from the generator.

Possible causes for this are:

  • The gasket and/or seals are worn
  • Wear and tear in the fuel hose
  • A problem with the carburettor

There is smoke coming from the generator.

Possible causes for a Honda generator smoking are:

  • The wrong type of fuel has been used
  • The engine oil level is too high or the wrong type of engine oil has been used
  • There’s an oil leak, e.g. the seals on the oil tank are worn
  • The valve guide seal and/or the cylinder bore are worn
  • The piston rings are broken/worn, e.g. oil is leaking in the piston head
  • A problem with the carburettor
  • Carbon has built up in the exhaust muffler
  • The generator has been tipped on its side, e.g. there’s oil in the housing, filter, muffler, etc.

The generator’s starter mechanism is sticking/seized.

Possible causes for this are:

  • The recoil is broken
  • The engine is seized

The wrong type of fuel has been put in the generator.

This problem is self-explanatory. It’s an easy mistake to make!

How to Fix Your Honda Generator Problems

You’ll have received a user manual with your generator which contains troubleshooting information. Read through it and see if a solution is provided for your problem. If you can’t find your manual, you can download one here.

The manual will walk you through a checklist for different problems to ensure that you’ve tried everything possible to resolve the issue. For example, if you’re having Honda EU10i problems, the manual will ask you to check that there’s enough fuel in the tank, oil in the engine, the engine switch is on, etc.

If the manual doesn’t resolve your problem, Honda recommend that you get your generator repaired at an Authorised Service Centre. That’s where we can help!

Authorised Honda Generator Repair Service

We’re authorised by Honda to service and repair their power equipment as we meet the high standards that they set for service and expertise. We’ll expertly test, clean, service and repair your generator, then return it to you working like new again.

Why should you choose our Authorised Honda Generator Service?

  1. It’s authorised by Honda. Our fitters have been trained by Honda and our service is conducted as Honda recommend, with only official parts used.
  2. It’s effective. Our expert fitters provide the highest standard of service. All of your Honda generator problems will be solved.
  3. It keeps your warranty valid. An annual service and any repairs MUST be conducted by an Authorised Honda Generator Service and Repair Centre in order to keep your warranty valid.

Click here to find out more about our Honda Service and to enquire about a service or repair.

How to Prevent Honda Generator Problems

Our experts have serviced and fixed thousands of Honda generators over the years, and they warn that most problems are caused by a lack of proper care. Honda generators require regular maintenance to upkeep their performance and last as long as possible.

As mentioned, an annual service must be conducted by an Authorised Honda Generator Service Centre in order to keep your warranty valid. In addition to this, you should conduct the following regular maintenance:

  • Change the engine oil
  • Clean the filter
  • Check and clean the spark plug

Your Honda generator troubleshooting manual provides instructions on how to conduct this maintenance and how often it should be conducted. The video below from Honda also demonstrates this and is a great help if you’re unsure about anything.

It’s also crucial that you drain the fuel if your generator’s being stored for an extended period of time. Ideally, you should let the fuel run down after each use to avoid contamination.

Lastly, our experts warn, NEVER tip your generator on its side! Doing so can cause an unbelievable amount of problems.

We Hope Our Honda Generator Troubleshooting Guide Has Helped

We hope you’ve found our Honda generator troubleshooting guide helpful and have been able to successfully diagnose your generator’s problem. If you’re unable to fix your generator with the solutions provided in your user manual, then we’re here to help!


Tags:

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Get the latest news, special offers and up-coming events from Kelvin Power Tools delivered direct to your inbox.

Our website uses cookies so that we can provide a better service. Continue to use the site as normal if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies.