QuestionQUESTION: I have a Honda EU3000IS-EXGF-1175526 generator in the shop that came in with a no-fire condition. Found that mice had gotten into it and really made a mess. I have replaced the coil (30500-ZL-32) and suppressor cap (Honda original parts) and still no fire. Air gap for the coil is .012 to .020 per Honda. No luck with any adjustments between those parameters either. The resistance values on the primary and secondary windings are within Honda spec and almost identical on both coils using a Fluke 21 III and my trusted old Simpson 260. The magnet on the rotor (flywheel) 'seems' to be strong enough, at least it will grab and hold a screw driver or hacksaw blade with no problem there appears to be no visible damage. Additionally, I taped off the grounding wire to be sure that it was isolated. The only thing left that I can see is a weak trigger magnet on the rotor. I have experienced bad magnets (rarely) on a couple of the old K series Kohlers in the past. I'm stumped.
Thanks in advance.
Bill
ANSWER: Hello Bill:
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL at this Site Addy,
http://www.emerichsales.com/pages/parts/viewbybrand/16/HondaPowerEquipment.aspx. Now Fill Out the OEM Part Diagrams Look Up by Model Fit Section.
>>Before I go on, I Wish to Apologize for Asking/Answering some Questions in the Diagnostics that you May have Already Performed.
>>I Understand you have a Shop and I Don't want you to Think I am Trying to be Smart with you, I am Trying to Cover All the Bases as I Tend to Forget Things at Times Also.
>>I Hate it when I'm Too Close to a Problem to See the Solution. LOL.
>>A New Coil, the Gap is Correct.
>>Removed Shut Off Wire and Taped the Pigtail Of the Coil Shut Off With Electrical Tape.
>>Inspected Magnets, it/they Hold a Screw Driver or a Hacksaw Blade.
>>Will the Magnet/s Hold a 6" 9/16" X 1/2" Combination Wrench? A Heavy Duty One, Not the Cheap Thin Ones.
>>Try Running Ground Wire from the Coil Ground (Usually 1 of the Mounting Bolts) to a Blower Housing Mount Bolt or Any Bolt/Nut you can Use to Ground to the Engine and Check for Fire at the Plug.
>>If All of the Above was Performed and Still No Fire at the Plug, then
>>Replace the Flywheel/Rotor with a Known Good Replacement.
>>I was Taught by Other Small Engine Mechanics, Trade Courses and from Experience that if the Magnet/s will Hold the Wrench Described Above, then it will Fire the Coil as Long as the Coil is Good and is Not Grounded by the Stop Lead.
>>I am going to Mention this to Other Mechanics and See What Feed Back I get.
>>If Any of the Above Diagnostics Did Not Correct the Problem, then
>>Please, Please, Let met Know.
>>I Love a Challenge. LOL.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Received Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi John,
Tried all of your recomendations above and rechecked the resistances - All within Honda tolerances. Checked the magnet with a 9/16, 5/8 and finally 11/16" wrench. I didn't see a problem there either. I got a a bit of bravado and grabbed the sparkplug while cranking and didn't get a tickle. Without the noise suppressor you can feel a good tingle but nothing that would normally knock you on your rear. A new rotor/flywheel is over $200 and I'd like to try that but I'm hesitant ot spend that much of the customer's money on a hunch. Anything you can help me with is certainly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill
AnswerHello Again Bill:
>>Try Mounting the Coil Opposite from the way it is Mounted Now.
>>Flip the Coil Over.
>>The Direction of the Windings in the Coil Determine if the Coil will Fire when the Magnet is Sweeping Clockwise or Counter Clockwise Across the Face of the Coil.
>>I have had Some Briggs, Tecumseh and even Kohler Coils that were Marked, "This Side Up", but when Mounted Correctly the Coils would Not Fire; when Flipped, they Worked Fine.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. I Hope you Had a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
