Honda generator starting problem

[H-D]

I have a like new EU3000 generator that I purchased for a near hit hurricane a couple of years ago. My parents ended up needing it then so I fueled it up for them. For the past two years I've started it up every month or so just to keep it going on that same fuel. Well last month it didn't start. I read up in the manual and checked the sediment cup which was clean. I drained all the fuel and replaced today with Stabil treated fuel, check spark plug (looked good), made sure there was fuel flowing to carb (it was) and the darn thing wont start!!
Doesn't even show any signs of wanting to start either. I hate to take it to my local Honda shop because of the cha-ching they are going to nail me with, but dang it irritates me because I know its got to be something minor.

Tomorrow I'm getting a new spark plug just for grins, but I know it's not going to fix the problem.


Any thoughts from the brain trust on what it could be??

[locoengineer]

make sure you have spark probably pilot jet stopped up in the carb if you drop the bowl off the carb the main jet is the one in the center the pilot jet is under the needle they are notorius for clogging

[centex hunter]

I had trouble like you said, the problem was with the on _ off switch. If not try stater fluid on air filter.

[mchildress]

Check the plug for spark. The simplest problems I have helped people with on generators low oil shut off,fuel turned off,switch not turned on.

[Dieselman]

Low Oil level ? On/Off switch ?

[Needmo]

You should also check the oil level as small Honda engines have a low oil sensor wired in with the on/off switch. If the oil level is low and/or the machine is on a steep incline it won't crank. If it's not the pilot jet, spark plug, or oil level, I would check the on/off switch last.

[Tubby]

You should also check the oil level as small Honda engines have a low oil sensor wired in with the on/off switch. If the oil level is low and/or the machine is on a steep incline it won't crank. If it's not the pilot jet, spark plug, or oil level, I would check the on/off switch last.

The low oil level will drive you NUTS on a Honda but it's a good thing they have it for when it does run low.

Another thing is the fuel. With today's fuel you really need to add Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer.

Another thing on these generators is the fuel shut-off switch is the same switch as the choke. Make sure it's in the correct location.

[H-D]

make sure you have spark probably pilot jet stopped up in the carb if you drop the bowl off the carb the main jet is the one in the center the pilot jet is under the needle they are notorius for clogging

This makes the most sense as far as the problem.
Do I have to replace it or can I simply unclog it somehow??

Oil level is fine, choke pulled out properly, fuel valve on and sending fuel (I checked through the drain hose)...and switch turned to "on".

Tomorrow I'll replace the plug then take it from there, second will be pilot jet and 3rd will be the on/off switch....I hope they aren't too difficult to work with.

Thanks for all the help thus far guys.

[H-D]

Up

[TGuin]

Oil level is fine, choke pulled out properly, fuel valve on and sending fuel (I checked through the drain hose)...and switch turned to "on".

First Hondas have to be choked, even if you just turned it off ten minutes ago. Here's the thing, remove the air filter and then pull the choke out and look into the carburetor throat and verify that the "butterfly" choke is closed. The choke linkage can be reversed and it will not start.

This is one of three possibilities.

If you have fuel and fire On some models the rocker arm cover has to be removed to "easily" remove and install the spark plug. Check this to see if the rocker arm of off. It should be obvious

The oil sensor can be disconnected, on most models, and it will start and run. Just keep a close eye on oil level.

If you have fuel and fire (remove spark plug, attach plug wire, ground plug and plug rope, you should see fire across the gap,) oil switch is working.

Choke would be next and rocker arm can be checked when removing or installing the spark plug.

Other then that Hondas start on the first pull when choked.