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Honda EU 20i generator won't start

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Gers32

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Pulled out the above generator last week because of a power cut and filled it with new fuel ready to go, but the mains returned before I started it up. So I was going to drain the fuel and put it away again, but thought I would run it for a while just to test it. So it won't start! Has done 38 hours total and 9 since the last oil change, but hasn't been used for three years. Oil level is correct but there is no spark. There is a low oil level shutoff switch buried in there somewhere, or perhaps the main start switch has failed? I can see this is going to be very difficult to take apart, so before I start has anyone any experience to share about these units?
 
Aspen 2(stroke) or Aspen 4(stroke) go in my gardening tools. I know they’ll start without (much) effort after sitting dominant for a few months. No use to you whatsoever if you’re not getting a spark but I thought I’d throw it out there. Let us know what you find please.
 
If it's been stored in an unheated garage - it may just be condensation. Bring it in and warm it up or use a fan heater directly on it for a couple of hours in the garage.
 
If it's one of the self contained red plastic housing ones with top carry handle, then we used one in the horsebox when out and about at competitions - it failed to start after being unused over winter and turned out to be the coil pack that had failed. Was about £45 for a new one IIRC and they are a b'stard to fit.
 
As above, you need to find out why its not sparking first. Try a different spark plug then if still no spark, take the plug cap off and try with just the HT lead if still no spark work back from there...depending on what ignition system it has and what switches in the circuit just go through it eliminating one at a time. If it has an ignition coil you can test the windings with a multimeter. If its a flywheel magneto then sometimes just cleaning that up can sort it. Honda engines are one of the best and parts should be readily available. Oh and if the spark plug cap has a metal cover on it you can take the metal cover off to reveal a rubber or plastic spark plug cap underneath.
Cheers
Chris.
 
Thank you for all the replies and it has now been run and will be completely drained, including the carb, for storage again in the house free from any damp. I did check the floor level @Mightyrover and it was spot on in both axis as is the oil fill level. As you both said @metalman and @Colesy , started at the plug with a new one, but still no spark. So getting pretty impatient (unlike myself normally) I tried the radical approach of dropping it a few times (only a few inches) and then gave the main switch a good few on and offs. There was then a spark, but not a great one, so I may be going down the same route as you soon @That hurts ? Plug back in, one pull and it started immediately! So the problem was either the main switch or the oil level safety switch stuck, because the floor where it is stored isn't that flat. I hope it isn't needed again for a while and then it starts if it is, because an emergency generator that won't start is absolutely useless. Last time it was used was December 2021. Next time I will take the plug out and pull it over a few times first and check the spark while doing it.
 
You can have a spark at turn over but it's not enough to run the machine. Is fuel getting into the engine its self ?




.
 
Gers32 said:
Thank you for all the replies and it has now been run and will be completely drained, including the carb, for storage again in the house free from any damp. I did check the floor level @Mightyrover and it was spot on in both axis as is the oil fill level. As you both said @metalman and @Colesy , started at the plug with a new one, but still no spark. So getting pretty impatient (unlike myself normally) I tried the radical approach of dropping it a few times (only a few inches) and then gave the main switch a good few on and offs. There was then a spark, but not a great one, so I may be going down the same route as you soon @That hurts ? Plug back in, one pull and it started immediately! So the problem was either the main switch or the oil level safety switch stuck, because the floor where it is stored isn't that flat. I hope it isn't needed again for a while and then it starts if it is, because an emergency generator that won't start is absolutely useless. Last time it was used was December 2021. Next time I will take the plug out and pull it over a few times first and check the spark while doing it.
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It might have been a earth from the switch to the engine or frame that will cause a weak spark clean all contacts before you put it away and if you drain the oil make sure to fill it back up before storing it --you don't want any bearing drying out --it might be wise to give it a start every couple of months ==things like to be kept moving
 
Some 'B3C' fuel conditioner will help too, keeps the fuel fresher for longer and has conditioner for rubber o rings.
 
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