69 replies to this topic

[shen2000]

We're having a problem using our new Honda EU2000 to run our air conditioner.   It runs for awhile but then cuts off (red light comes on).  We believe it must be when the compressor in the air conditioner unit kicks in (may involve some kind of start-up surge but we don't know).  Seems like it runs longest without kicking off the lower we set the air conditioner.  If we set it way down to "3" level, it seems to run longer.  Anyone have any idea of what we need to do.  The air conditioner is about a 5900 BTU and 6.7 Amp unit.

[chino]

Make sure all of your other power users are off or set to propane. I have to turn my converter off and refer to propane to get mine to start. Outside temperature and elevation play a big role on if an AC unit will work off a generator.  Chino

[Joe Z]

Instead of hooking my Honda 2000 to the converter I just run a short 10 foot extension cord directly to the air conditioner which is just below the closet up front. If you have roof air do like the previous poster stated and be sure to turn off all AC electrical draw, especially electric hot water heater......also don't use the microwave while on.
Joe

[shen2000]

Thanks everyone.  We've determined that if we put the choke on about 60% and leave it there, that keeps the generator running.  So believe that's the solution.  Welcome any other comments.  We do have everything else turned off or on LP. Appreciate the advice.

[star gazer]

shen2000, on 30 June 2012 - 05:00 AM, said:

Thanks everyone.  We've determined that if we put the choke on about 60% and leave it there, that keeps the generator running.  So believe that's the solution.  Welcome any other comments.  We do have everything else turned off or on LP. Appreciate the advice.

Sounds like your carb is dirty.  If you get on line a do a search for cleaning it, you will find it is very easy.  Mine did exactly what yours is doing, which is not good.  Or at least try some Sea Foam fuel treatment as it will help clean out some of the gunk.  I now run my empty before storing it for prolonged periods of time.

And mine runs my AC with converter going just fine, but nothing else.

Dean

Here is a great thread with pics on how to clean yours;
http://forums.woodal.../pging/1/page/1

Edited by star gazer, 30 June 2012 - 05:41 AM.

[shen2000]

Awesome, Thank you Dean!!!

star gazer, on 30 June 2012 - 05:39 AM, said:

shen2000, on 30 June 2012 - 05:00 AM, said:

Thanks everyone.  We've determined that if we put the choke on about 60% and leave it there, that keeps the generator running.  So believe that's the solution.  Welcome any other comments.  We do have everything else turned off or on LP. Appreciate the advice.

Sounds like your carb is dirty.  If you get on line a do a search for cleaning it, you will find it is very easy.  Mine did exactly what yours is doing, which is not good.  Or at least try some Sea Foam fuel treatment as it will help clean out some of the gunk.  I now run my empty before storing it for prolonged periods of time.

And mine runs my AC with converter going just fine, but nothing else.

Dean

Here is a great thread with pics on how to clean yours;
http://forums.woodal.../pging/1/page/1

[shen2000]

star gazer, on 30 June 2012 - 05:39 AM, said:

shen2000, on 30 June 2012 - 05:00 AM, said:

Thanks everyone.  We've determined that if we put the choke on about 60% and leave it there, that keeps the generator running.  So believe that's the solution.  Welcome any other comments.  We do have everything else turned off or on LP. Appreciate the advice.

Sounds like your carb is dirty.  If you get on line a do a search for cleaning it, you will find it is very easy.  Mine did exactly what yours is doing, which is not good.  Or at least try some Sea Foam fuel treatment as it will help clean out some of the gunk.  I now run my empty before storing it for prolonged periods of time.

And mine runs my AC with converter going just fine, but nothing else.

Dean

Here is a great thread with pics on how to clean yours;
http://forums.woodal.../pging/1/page/1

[KevinB]

shen2000, on 29 June 2012 - 07:03 AM, said:

We're having a problem using our new Honda EU2000 to run our air conditioner.   It runs for awhile but then cuts off (red light comes on).  We believe it must be when the compressor in the air conditioner unit kicks in (may involve some kind of start-up surge but we don't know).  Seems like it runs longest without kicking off the lower we set the air conditioner.  If we set it way down to "3" level, it seems to run longer.  Anyone have any idea of what we need to do.  The air conditioner is about a 5900 BTU and 6.7 Amp unit.

With a a little calculations from Ohm's Law, you are correct...Your Honda gen is probably the problem...Your demand is 1729 watts non surge and your gen is only able to put out 1600 watts non surge..When its running, its running on the high side of its limits. When the A/C kicks in, the surge is what's taking it offline. Try taking everything else offline, to help with the surge or get a slightly larger gen...

[KevinB]

I've been looking at a Dometic LW-3000p..It has 2800 watts of power, is cheaper than the Honda's and from the reviews I've seen is the perfect selection for a Casita...Online, typically $750-850 online...Beats the heck out of a thousand or more...

[shen2000]

KevinB, on 01 July 2012 - 03:50 PM, said:

shen2000, on 29 June 2012 - 07:03 AM, said:

We're having a problem using our new Honda EU2000 to run our air conditioner.   It runs for awhile but then cuts off (red light comes on).  We believe it must be when the compressor in the air conditioner unit kicks in (may involve some kind of start-up surge but we don't know).  Seems like it runs longest without kicking off the lower we set the air conditioner.  If we set it way down to "3" level, it seems to run longer.  Anyone have any idea of what we need to do.  The air conditioner is about a 5900 BTU and 6.7 Amp unit.

With a a little calculations from Ohm's Law, you are correct...Your Honda gen is probably the problem...Your demand is 1729 watts non surge and your gen is only able to put out 1600 watts non surge..When its running, its running on the high side of its limits. When the A/C kicks in, the surge is what's taking it offline. Try taking everything else offline, to help with the surge or get a slightly larger gen...

Thanks!  Have turned off everything else and with choke aboove mid-way it keeps running.  Don't really wanta invest more money in generator. Just paid over #1000 for this one.

[Joe Z]

Glad to hear you got it running but if you have any further problems Larry and Debbie Gamble on this forum operate a casita store called "Little House Customs" and they have an item there that many use called a "Hard Start Capacitor"  which is a fairly easy installation for someone with a little handy experience.
Joe

Scroll down to it
http://www.littlehou...stoms.com/store

[shen2000]

Joe Z, on 10 July 2012 - 07:39 AM, said:

Glad to hear you got it running but if you have any further problems Larry and Debbie Gamble on this forum operate a casita store called "Little House Customs" and they have an item there that many use called a "Hard Start Capacitor"  which is a fairly easy installation for someone with a little handy experience.
Joe

Scroll down to it
http://www.littlehou...stoms.com/store

[shen2000]

Thank you, Joe!!  Regretfully, I'm not "really handy," but will check it out.  Assume it's to smooth out the "surges" in the generator operation as compressor comes on to cool the air?

[Joe Z]

shen2000, on 10 July 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

Thank you, Joe!!  Regretfully, I'm not "really handy," but will check it out.  Assume it's to smooth out the "surges" in the generator operation as compressor comes on to cool the air?

yes...... that's what it does and everyone that uses one really likes it. My 8000 btu LG ac/honda 2000i work fine without it.
Joe

[shen2000]

Joe Z, on 10 July 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

shen2000, on 10 July 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:

Thank you, Joe!!  Regretfully, I'm not "really handy," but will check it out.  Assume it's to smooth out the "surges" in the generator operation as compressor comes on to cool the air?

yes...... that's what it does and everyone that uses one really likes it. My 8000 btu LG ac/honda 2000i work fine without it.
Joe