QuestionQUESTION: Hi John. I have two Honda EM5000SX generators I purchased from an estate sale. They will start up and idle but when you turn the switch from "auto" to "off" (idle control) they will die. I disassembled one of the carbs and cleaned/checked for bad needle or float and those are great. For S&G, I shut the switch off while feeding it starting fluid and it will then "idle up" while running off that, take it away though, and it dies. They are both doing the same thing?? What is the electric needle in the center of the bowl? Does it adjust fuel input for off idle?
Please help.. lol..this has me stumped.
Thank you kindly
Ryan
ANSWER: Hello Ryan:
>>The Solenoid is an Anti-Diesel and is Supposed to be in the Out Position when the Engine Switch is in the Off Position.
>>This is Supposed to Prevent Engine Backfire and Run On.
>>I have a Smaller Wattage Honda Unit in the Shop and it has the Idle Until Load Feature on it.
>>This Units Switch Stays in the Auto Position and Idles Until a Load is Placed on the Generator.
>>Then the Engine Revs up to the Required Speed.
>>Other Honda Units I have Worked on have a Constant Speed Carburetor System and the RPM's are at Full from the Start of the Engine.
>>If this is the System on your Engine, then
>>Check the Governor Arm for being Frozen to the Engine Block.
>>A Slight Amount of Heat and Liquid Wrench usually will Correct this Problem.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select Click Here For The Parts Menu. Now Select H. Then Select "CLICK HERE" If You Don't Have Your Part Numbers We Have Illustrated Parts Lists For Most AYP Lawn Equipment Models! Model lookups will open in a new page.) In the New Window Enter your Model Numbers and Click "Search". Now Select your Model and Download the Breakdown for Online Viewing or can be Downloaded to your PC for Further Reference.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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. All Follow up Questions are Accepted at Any Time. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks John.
The governor arm you refer to is the one coming from engine and controlled by the vacuum diaphragm correct? If so then yes this is fully functional.
Thank you
ANSWER: Hello Again Ryan:
>>Sorry for the Delay. I had to Assist the Shop Personnel Winterize Some of the Equipment and it Took Longer than Expected.
>>When you Change the Position from Auto to Off, Does the Engine Try to Rev or Simply Shut Down?
>>Is the Power to the Carburetor Solenoid still Present when you Turn the Switch to the Off Position?
>>Usually when a Generator has the Vacuum Diaphragm Control, the Generator is Designed to Speed Up when a Load is Placed on the Generator.
>>I am Trying to Locate the Shop Manual for this Unit so I can Better See how this Unit is Designed to Operate. I should Locate Over the Weekend and will Follow up to you as soon as I have Located it.
>>Thanks.
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 Accepted at Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you for replying again.
Whenever the "auto" switch is turned to off it immediately dies. I have moved both portions of the governor (one arm on the cylinder head and one on the engine crankcase) and it doesnt change the engine idle at all. These have both been stored inside so they are not a case of bad oxidation problems, they look new actually. I also plugged a tool into the 120v outlet of the genset while it was operating and it bogs the engine down and dies. Please let me know what you come up with. I cant believe these 2 generators exhibit the same sympton.
Thanks for your time
AnswerHi Ryan:
>>I haven't had any Luck Locating my Manual on this Unit, however,
>>I have a Confermed Conference with a Honda Generator Technician about your Problem at 2PM Today and will Follow up to you Shortly After.
Respectfully
John
Hi Ryan:
>>I Just saw your Post about the Carburetors Not being Cleaned Completely.
>>I was going on the Impression the Carburetors had Already been Soaked and Cleaned.
>>Thanks for the Comments and Ratings.
>>I will Explain this to the my Tech Today when I Speek with him.
>>Thanks for Using All Experts.
>>Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and as Always, May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
jbridger (John)
