E85Forum.com

ikendu · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Iowa

Hey! I just found this forum!

I'm into renewable fuels (biodiesel has been my passion for the last couple of years).

I'm wanting to run a portable generator on a biofuel.
1. For camping...for my own needs
2. For demonstrating renewable fuels generating power at shows, etc.

So... any ideas on if a Honda EU2000i generator could be converted to operate on E85? My other option would be to buy a diesel generator and just run it on biodiesel but the Honda would be a lot lighter and a lot quieter.

hotrod · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 872 Location: Colorado

Give us a bit more info on the generators setup, is it using a conventional carburator ?

Larry

ikendu · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Iowa

Yup. It is a regular carburetor.

The owner's manual can be found here:

http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/Gen_Own_Web/pages/eu2000i.htm

On page 27, it says this about adjustments:

On page 32, it says this about using ethanol:

I'm no engine mechanic, but in reading the links I found on this forum, it sounds like I could enlarge the carburetor jets by 40% and adapt it to run on E85?

Then...hope that the fuel tank and fuel lines are resistive to the ethanol?
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specialgreen · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 12:01 am Post subject:

It's likely got just one jet, because it runs at a constant speed (no throttle to respond to). If it's got a fuel mixture screw, then you could just enlarge by 20%, and try to trim using the screw. If it runs best with the screw all the way in (or out, depending on the screw), then go to 30%, then 40%.

You can get very small drill bits at a hobby store (where they sell model rocketry, airplane kits and such). Use an exacto knife handle to hold the bit, and use it like a ream. Wear safety glasses, and be very steady. Side-to-side deflection of the bit will produce a very different effect (in fuel flow) from a smooth straight-in drilling action.

You could take out the jet and take it to a small engine shop and tell them you want a couple of jets 20% to 40% larger in diameter, and try them out. That's the "right way" to do it.

If you have any friends with junker lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc., then you can practice with those first Smile

. If you know someone who works on mowers and such in your neighborhood, it may be more productive to get help.

ikendu · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 11 Location: Iowa

specialgreen · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:22 pm Post subject:

Whether it has one or three jets is a bit academic; it can be modified in any case, although it takes longer to modify more jets.

My thought is that it will probably be easier than tuning a car or motorcycle; but harder than modifying a typical generator.

Regarding the fuel system: if you're involved in the tuning process, you will be able to see the fuel hoses, and the carburetor float, and any o-rings in the carburetor. Those are things which could soften or crumble over a couple of years of exposure to ethanol. But they are also easily replacable. If the tank is terne-steel, it could also rust or leak over maybe 5-10 years, but that can happen anyways.

It's not like there are parts that will simply disintegrate; it's all a matter of years.