Honda EU2200i Propane Conversion

This is the best and most complete video I’ve come across for installing a propane conversion kit on the EU2000i and EU2200i Honda generators.

Video Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etOBuzmByvk&t=37s

Add an Hour Meter to Your Generator

I feel generators are an important Prepper tool. They can be expensive to buy or replace so following the manufacturers' maintenance recommendations will assure you get the most trouble-free life from it.

One of the ways to maximize the generator (or any small engines such as roto-tillers, lawn tractors, etc) life is using the proper ‘weight’ and ‘type’ of oil and change the oil at the recommended intervals. In my case for the Honda EU2000i is every six months or 100 hours.

The only way I know to keep track of the running hours is with an hour meter which most small engines don’t have! I installed an aftermarket hour meter on my Honda at a cost of just $11.00. It was a very easy install. Now I have an accurate way to check the engine hours and get the maximum life from my investment.

The finished install.

I located the meter off-set so I can ratchet-strap the generator securely through the handle to my cargo hitch platform without the meter head being in the way.

Here you see I removed the spark-plug access plate so I could attach the impulse wire to the plug wire.

A close-up of the connection.

I wrapped the wire four times around the plug wire then tied a slip knot. To keep the connection snug I added two wire ties and trimmed the excess.

A quick test run shows the meter is working.

The meter head came with two screws to mount it to the generator housing. However, I didn’t use them as the fuel tank is under where the head needed to be mounted. In place of screws, I used a 5-minute epoxy and glued it on.

Source to buy, Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2JigXUi

Cost: $10.99

Seller Description:

Brand New Inductive Hour Meter for Marine, ATV, Motorcycle, Dirt, Ski Track the Service Life of Your Vehicle-Oil Changes, Valve, Adjustments, Spark Plugs, ect.

Easy Installation-peel & stick, no wiring necessary, or attach with enclosed hardware. No Battery Required-connects to spark plug wire.

Works on Any Gas Engine

Records and Displays to 9,999.9 Hours. Stand-by Time up to over 20,000 hours. Hour Glass Symbol Appears and Flashes on/off to Indicate Counting Time

Automatic Roll Over Resolution 0.1 Hour.

100% epoxy encapsulated casing resists water, shock, stand fire of 85 Celsius degree

No Battery Required-connects to spark plug wire

Propane/Natural Gas Conversion Honda EU2000i & Eu2200i

As most of you know, I own and love my Honda 2000i generator. Lately, I’ve been hearing some chatter about a Propane Conversion kits for the Honda. A reader, Bob from Nevada, and I exchanged some e-mails about the conversion. I went to the manufacturer's website https://hutchmountain.com/ and was pleased with their conversion kit. I especially liked how fast it is to convert from propane back to gasoline, it only takes a few seconds to do, see the video below.

For those of you wanting a Propane, Natural Gas or Gasoline generator their kits at around $260.00 looks like the answer, especially if you heat with propane and have a large amount of propane on hand to tap into.

Thanks Bob, for bringing this company to my attention! Below are some of Bob’s hands-on experience e-mail:

(Mike,

Bob, from Nevada here.

“I ordered a Hutch Mtn. conversion kit. After a cut finger, much cussing, and about 2 hours, I got the thing installed. (Shipping from their company was very fast). All I can say is that it works - no propane smell or other problems that I'm aware of..

I do like the convenience of propane, especially since I'm clumsy and old, and tend to spill gas over everything - especially with these damned vent-less cans. 

Can't say if it's a viable alternative to gasoline, but as you say, availability and storage are the determining factors. Like you, I treat my stored gas, and after a year or so, dump it into my van and then refill the cans with fresh gas and preservative.

It may be an option for some of your readers, assuming they have all the facts. I'm in my mid-seventies, not particularly skilled with mechanical things, but I do have a few basic tools and can read and understand directions.

Anyway, thought you might be interested in my propane conversion experience. It's not for everyone, but might be a good option for some. One other thing to consider, I'm real fond of my little Honda generator, but I'm sure their excellent warranty is now void due to the propane modification.”

Regards,

Bob, from Nevada)

Addition to post above 7-02-2018:

As you've read above I’ve been communicating with Bob from Nevada, about his conversion of his Honda 2000i to propane. Bob is as old as I am and for us to carry our Hondas any distance (like to a neighbors house) is dangerous for our backs. Bob came up with an easy way to move the Honda any distance using a collapsible two-wheeled truck. Just put the Honda on the truck with the propane tank on top then strap them on and you’re ready to go without straining your back. Good idea Bob!

Source to Purchase link:

https://hutchmountain.com/

Demonstration Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=63&v=Ewb-f_ZUL9k

Liquid Fuel Transfer Pump, Battery Powered

I’ve been looking for a safe, spill-free way of filling my small engine fuel tanks. I’ve tried the gas cans with the on/off valve in the can spout. The first couple of uses it was fine but after a year of use the valve became difficult to use and it dripped gas onto the engine when filling. I even thought about making my own transfer pump using an old 12volt fuel pump and a couple hoses, but thought if the on/off switch were to spark it could be a disaster.

For a couple years now I have been looking at this Battery Operated Transfer Pump shown below but was hesitant to buy because so many of these inexpensive pumps are junk. This one doesn’t appear to be.

During Matthew the hurricane, I needed to fill the generator several times using a gas can I had a small spillage issue each time. After that hurricane it was time to order this Transfer Pump and see if it worked and was of reasonable quality.

Does it pump 5-6 quarts per minute as advertized?

Yes, and a lot more. For a flow test, I filled a five-quart jug in 24 seconds!

I used a five-gallon bucket with water and took this photo to show the stream of water the pump produces. That’s a ½ inch diameter stream that flows three gallons per minute.

Battery Life:

The pump is designed to run off two, “D” size batteries. How many gallons will it pump on one set of batteries? I don’t know, but I did empty three five gallon buckets and was still pumping strong. “D” size batteries are expensive and I didn’t want to waste them for a duration test. I’m quite happy with this limited test, I’d guess the batteries could pump 50 gallons, far more than I would ever need for a hurricane season, I hope!

Pump Storage after use:

Because the pump impeller and fuel lines have no inline valves it will completely self-drain immediately after use. Just stand or hang it vertically and you’re done

What Do I like most of all about this pump?

It works, is spill free and easy to use.

For seasonal engine storage, I am now able to pump all the gas from the small engine fuel tanks into a larger 5-6 gallon storage gas can. Then run the small engine until what little is left in the tank is gone leaving the entire fuel system dry reducing possible fuel gumming-up in the carburetor and filters.

Summary:

Best for small engine tanks and Portable Kerosene Heaters.

It appears to be a quality built product but only time will tell if it will last say 5+ years.

Source to Purchase:

Sierra Tools Battery-Operated Liquid Transfer Pump:

https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-Tools-Battery-Operated-Liquid-Transfer/dp/B000HEBR3I/ref=pd_sbs_263_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000HEBR3I&pd_rd_r=N5S2J89KEXJAHXJJYW1B&pd_rd_w=wGfOB&pd_rd_wg=X03Nz&psc=1&refRID=N5S2J89KEXJAHXJJYW1B

Cost: $15.99

Manufacturers Spec’s:

Move liquids safely and easily with this convenient handheld pump.

Pumps gas, water, oil and other non-corrosive liquids.

Use in garage, aquariums, home and yard.

Pumps up to 6 quarts of liquid per minute.

Requires two "D" size batteries (not included).

Honda 2000i Generator Exhaust Extension

During heavy storms when the power goes out, I wanted a way to keep the generator running inside a garage (with the door open about a foot and yes I have a carbon monoxide detector in the garage and in the house) or in a tool shed so not to have the generator running unprotected outside getting wet during rain/snow from the storm when the generator power is most likely needed. I didn’t want a complicated permanently attached exhaust pipe. I wanted to maintain the generators portability because I use it for power tools including my new WORX electric chainsaw.

This is what I came up with, a simple exhaust extension using simple hand tools, hardware store pipe components and a little help of a welder friend.

Materials used in exploded view:

• 5 feet of 1¼in ID Flexible Stainless Steel Exhaust pipe. (What's not shown is a 12-foot long exhaust pipe that couples to the flex pipe to get the exhaust even further from the garage).
•  http://www.summitracing.com/parts/wlk-40001
• ¾ in npt x 4 in nipple
• ¾ in npt pipe coupler.
• ¾ in npt x 2 in long pipe nipple.

Assembled components. I’m waiting for my mail ordered 1¼ dia muffler clamp to secure the flex pipe to the nipple.

Generator before exhaust modification.

Rear grill removed showing the muffler.

Holding the short nipple onto exhaust port to show you how/where the short nipple will be welded on.

Muffler removed, just three bolts.

Close up of the muffler exhaust port.

Close up of exhaust port with nipple ready to be welded onto the exhaust port. 
In the photo it appears I cut off some of the threads of the nipple. I didn't, what I did do was grind the threads on one end so the nipple metal was thinned down to about 1/32 inch thick. This was so the sheet metal of the muffler and the end of the nipple were about the same thickness. This lesson the chance of too much welder amps needed to melt the nipple and not burn holes in the muffler steel.

New welded exhaust nipple through grill.

The flex pipe adapter nipple and coupler that thread onto the welded nipple.

Flex pipe installed.

Flex pipe installed and on the ground. 5 feet of flex pipe used. ( not shown is another 12-foot long exhaust pipe)

Honda 2000i Generator Test Run for 2015 Hurricane Season

About 5 months ago I downsized my generator from a Onan 4000 to a Honda 2000i for several reasons:

1. Quietness.

2. Fuel Economy.

3. Providing just enough wattage needed to survive comfortably.

4. Light weight and easily portable.

5. Highly reliable and a long operational life.

At the time of purchase I did a fuel consumption vs wattage output test and a very brief test back-feeding the power from the Honda into the house circuits to verify all functioned fine.

This week I did an hour long power run back-feeding into the house breaker panel and was very pleased with the results. I can just like in normal everyday living, have on normal interior lights, TV’s, Sat TV receivers, computers and ceiling fans all using less than 400 watts, if the House Refrigerator and Garage Freezer turn on that only adds intermittently 230 more watts (630 watts total) that is easily handled by the Honda. All loads have been verified with a Kill-a-Watt meter.

Bottom Line:

I can live a normal life during a grid down scenario using just 1 gallon of gas a day! That 1 gallon will allow me to run four, 2 hour segments powering the refrigerator and freezer, all communication needs, water pump and battery chargers.

For a month of power that’s just 30 gallons of gas or a couple gas cans and a siphon hose to get the rest from my vehicle.

Compared to my Onan and other 4000-5000 watt generators that consume ½ gallon an hour, using those would require 4 gallons for an 8 hour day and 120 gallons of stored gas for 30 days.

I am extremely pleased with the Honda 2000i’s performance and my decision to purchase it.

Here is the Honda 2000i and the RV power cord used to back-feed into the house along with the Kill-a-Watt meter used to verify the actual wattage being delivered.

Honda 2000i Generator

Typically while growing our emergency preparedness we evolve to more appropriate equipment or better quality equipment or better storage methods.

The other week I decided that it was time to look at a new generator that's better suited for my back-up emergency power, especially for long black-out periods.

The new generator will be affordable, runs on gasoline, is fuel efficient and has just enough power to run (one at a time) what I feel are important appliances such as:

• Refrigeration
• Be able to run it 8 hrs a day for a week to keep the frozen food frozen until we eat all of it.

• 9500 btu garage window a/c
• Should we get overheated from outdoor storm repair work we can cool down for a few hours and avoid a heat stroke.

• 1600 watt microwave.
• Need it for cooking.

• Air compressor
• 1.5hp Craftsman seems like the bike tires always need air. A bicycle may be the only transportation if in a long term grid-down situation.

• Water well pump (110v)
• Need water to live.

The generator I chose?

It's the HONDA 2000i because of its brand recognition, reliability, fuel efficiency, light weight, produces a true sine wave current, it's low dB and 3 year warranty.

Needed to do a fuel consumption test of the HONDA 2000i:

To know how many gallons of gas to store I need to confirm what the fuel consumption actually is with different loads. Max rated continuous load for the Honda 2000i is 1600 watts continuous and up to 2000 watts for 30 minutes. This test will target four wattage loads:

• 1600 watts full load
• 800 watts 1/2 load
• 400 watts 1/4 load
• 200 watts 1/8 load

Eco-Boost was 'on' for all testing. However, in a separate test below it was surprising how much slower the engine runs and still maintains proper voltage/wattage to run the load with the Eco-Boost on.

The test protocol:

• The run time was verified by using exactly 8 ounces (1 cup) of gas for each wattage load and logging the time it took to use up the 1 cup of fuel.
• A kitchen timer was used for the timer.
• The generator was not moved between testing.
• The very first cup of gas was run until the generator ran out of gas and quit running. This cup was also the new engine break-in run.
• After that break-in procedure another 1 cup of gas was poured into the tank. The engine was started and the appliances were immediately plugged in and the timer started. The time was noted when the engine ran out of gas. This was repeated for all wattage loads.

Fuel Consumption Actual Test Results:

1599 watt load = 13:30 min on 8 ounces = 3.6 hours run time per 1 gallon of gas.

801 watt load = 23:08 min on 8 ounces = 6.1 hours run time per 1 gallon of gas.

434 watt load = 29:54 min on 8 ounces = 8.0 hours run time per 1 gallon of gas.

221 watt load = 37:30 min on 8 ounces = 10.0 hours run time per 1 gallon of gas.

Miscellaneous:

The Honda also runs anyone of these appliances without issue:

1,633 watt micro-wave

876 watt 1.5 hp Craftsman, 125psi, 3 gallon, air compressor

819 watt load 9,500btu window A/C unit

760 watt George Foreman Grill

500 watt Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

355 watt 25 amp 12volt auto battery charge

300 watt Rice Cooker

122 watt kitchen refrigerator

120 watt 48 inch TV

 22 watt 18 inch TV

Outside temperature of generator enclosure:

84f ambient air in my garage and the case temperature was 88f except at the rear grill where the exhaust exits. There is was a small hot spot/area of 129f at the bottom of the grill. The rest of the grill was 88f-97f.

Does Eco-Boost Really Work???

Testing Eco-Boost comparison on and off using 8 oz of fuel:

• @434 watt load
• Eco-Boost off 23:00
• Eco-Boost on 30:00
• 7 more minutes or 30% additional run time on 8 oz of fuel.

• @221 watt load
• Eco-Boost off 25:00
• Eco-Boost on 37:30
• 12:30 more minutes or 50% additional run time on 8 oz of fuel.

Conclusion:

During a grid-down I will pick and choose what appliances I will need to use. Most likely I'll be using a battery charger, a TV, Refrigerator if there is still food in it, micro-wave, a couple CFL's for interior lighting and probably the computers if we have DSL working. 

Overall actual average running the Honda for 8 hours a day including my refrigerator and small freezer will burn just 1 gallon of gas. This consumption was verified during our last hurricane when the grid was down.

So to make the math easy that's about 1 gallon a day to live a fairly normal life or 30  gallons per month. In contrast, my Onan burns 1/2 gallon an hour with the same watt load or 4.0 gallons a day or 120 gallons a month!!!

I think the Honda was a good move for my preparedness lifestyle. I normally have 25 gallons of gas in stock and another 27 in the van's tank. Altogether I may be able to last 2 months of generator running 8 hours a day :-)

The actual watts being used during the generator fuel testing.

  

Remote fuel tank kit for Honda inverter generators

Here is a clever and high quality patented invention that can give you over 72 hours of generator run time from a common six gallon marine fuel tank. If you’re thinking about buying a 1kw, 2kw or a 4kw generator and only need 120 volts up to 30 amps, the Honda inverter generator units may be something to consider because of this extended run time invention.

72 hours of continuous run time is 3 days. That’s 3-24 hour days on just six gallons of gas! If your grid is down for a week you could run a small electric heater, your furnace if its gas or oil or if you’re living in an RV run the A/C and lights for 72 hours without refueling and on just 6 gallons of gas. By comparison my ONAN 4000kw will only run 12 hours on 6 gallons where two linked Honda 2kw’s will run for 36 hours on 6 gallons producing the same power.


Manufacturers' Comments:
Honda has the quietest and most fuel-efficient generators on the market, they are worth strong consideration. Their higher prices are quickly made up in low fuel consumption (at $4 a gallon it won’t take long) thereby making up the cost difference quickly.

What makes this invention work is the fact that Honda’s 1kw and 2kw inverter generators have an internal gas tank and they have a fuel pump to pump the fuel from their internal tank to the engine. It’s this fuel pump that makes the remote tank work.

Here’s how:
The Breeze Extended Run Generator System comes with a CNC Machined Aluminum generator gas cap, quality quick disconnect fittings and fuel lines. The Honda generator replacement gas cap has no vent feature. So as the generators’ fuel pump draws fuel from its’ internal fuel tank it creates a vacuum in it and it is this vacuum the draws the fuel as needed from the 6 gallon marine tank into the Honda’s internal tank constantly replenishing the fuel level. It’s the simplicity makes this invention so great.

Check it out at this link:
http://www.wisesales.com/generators-1/honda-generators/honda-generator-accessories/honda-generator-extended-run-fuel-tanks.html

BERGS 6 gal System for Honda, ETQ, All Power $119.99
The Breeze Extended Run Generator System uses a vacuum draw system; no need to elevate a gas can above the generator. The IPI Industries patented product will extend the run time of the generator by up to 36 hours; thus allowing the end user to set it, start it, and forget it!. The tank holds 6 gallons of fuel and is CARB Compliant. Feeds one generator.

Honda EU2000i
HONDA'S MOST POPULAR GENERATOR! The EU2000i, lightweight generator produces 2000 watts/16.7 amps @ 120V of maximum power. It is super quiet, 53-59 dbA and it's perfect for tailgating, RVing, and other recreational activities. This generator is easy to carry, it weighs less than 47 lbs!! It's very fuel efficient and can run up to 9.6 hrs @300watts on 1 gallon of gas. The advanced inverter technology provides reliable power to computers and other sensitive equipment.

Generator Fuel, How Much to Store for 30 Days of Power?

Great! You’re ready to invest in a generator to supply power when the grid is down. So how much gas do you need to store for it? Let’s use a 30 day example: How much gasoline do you need to store to run the generator let’s say 8 hours a day (four, 2 hour segments) for 30 days of power.

The 30 day window seems reasonable and should be enough time to get past a blizzard, ice storm, hurricane, forest fire or an earthquake. During this 30 day window you can assess your situation and make a decision to continue to stay or leave your home for a safe area and wait out the rebuilding and restoration of utilities.

Most people buy the common and relatively inexpensive 5,000 watt generators with a 220 volt and 110 volt outlet. If you have your own fresh well water to pump then the 220 volt outlet may be necessary for water. These generators normally use ½ gallon of gas per hour!

What exactly do you want to provide power for?

Lighting at night and most importantly refrigeration while there is still food in it. On average to keep your food frozen you will need to run the refrigerator/freezer about 8 hours a day. Two hours running segments starting first thing in the morning, two more two hour segments during the day and one more two hour segment at bed time. Do not open the freezer or refrigerator anymore than absolutely necessary, try to limit opening to when the generator is running so it can replace the cold air.

Trial and error testing will tell you how long you need to run the generator for living through your disaster/lifestyle.

During any of the segments you will also have power for lights, battery charging, radios/TV’s etc. so you can have double duty going then.

A typical 5,000 watt generator:
Based on the above you now know you may need about 8 hours per day of run time during a grid down or 240 hours of generator run time for a 30 day off grid survival period. That’s 240 hours of generator run time burning ½ gallon per hour of gasoline equals a whopping 120 GALLONS OF GAS!

For comparison a Honda 2000i generator:
My tested results show I actually use 1 gallon of gas for every 8 hours of run time or 30 gallons per month.

Fire caution:
If you are thinking about using 55 gallon drums keep in mind that a full drum weigh’s nearly 350 pounds. Getting them off a pick-up truck bed can be a chore. Also don’t forget you will need a transfer pump to get the gas from the drum to the generator tank. For safety do not store the drums in the garage or anywhere near the house. This is no time for a fire and this fire would be catastrophic in size.

If you don’t need 220 volts:

Then you can get by with a smaller generator like I do. I have a Honda 2000i, it only uses 1 gallon of gas every day or 30 gallons for the month!   The 2000i is about the smallest you can go because microwave ovens like mine use 1630 watts to run. Worth thinking about…