Extended Run Generator System

[Adeline]

A while back an enterprising C-Brat was working on an extended run setup for his generator. I think it was Sea Wolf and I think the generator was a Honda. My searches failed and I wondered if this was ever perfected. As I recall it involved a replacement cap, some fuel hose, and some fittings. I remember there were some issues with fuel starvation and then I lost track of the thread.

The reason I bring it up now is similar setups are being offered online older offering and a newer contender .


A cheaper version of the newer offering is available without the fuel tank http://midwesthuntandfish.com.



This looks like a promising candidate but I wanted to see if the "homemade" version from earlier ever worked out.

BTW, I have a Yamaha EF1000is.

[Sea Wolf]

Pete- I did get the "homemade" version to work, but found I really didn't need the extended capacity that often. The real issue was achieving an air-tight seal all along the tubing and connection route, particularly at the gas cap intake for the Honda generator.

I didn't use the separate tank route, but plumbed it into the C-Dory's existing fuel tanks/supply system at one of the unused connections on the Racor filter's stainless screw-in base and inlet-outlet fixture.

It would be easier to not lift the fuel up so high to the generator, such as when the generator is up on top of one of the lazarettes, and you're feeding from the floor mounted tanks.

With the tank and the generator are at the same height, there's less pressure difference, of course, and less pressure difference throughout the travel of the hose, which makes a siphon spoiling air leak less possible.

If I were to do it all over again, I'd just buy the $90, second, or the third, more recent choice, you've listed above.

I got the inspiration to start the project for a "Honda 2000i" website of owners of that generator who have re-invented hundreds of such systems to power a pair of those generators through the night to run AC units in RV's. The site was on a Yahoo or MSN type of free forum that's now closed, but should be findable in it's new form.

Pictures of my hose connections are at the bottom of page 2 of my album.

Joe.

[toyman]

Here is a link to the Yahoo group.
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Honda_EU2000_Generators/?yguid=90126819
The fuel tanks work well, if as Joe says, they are well sealed between the fuel and the generator. Don't forget to open the tank vent, and check the oil when the tank is MT.

[Adeline]

Thanks Joe,

I checked out your photos. They were very vivid on that red background. Easy to pick out detail and helpful descriptions. I saved them for future reference.

That's pretty much what I remembered. I'll crunch the numbers of assembling my own (as you did) versus simply purchasing the finished assembly from Midwest.

Thanks for the link Dave. That gets bookmarked.

[Adeline]

Update:

I'd just left my reply (above) and started my search for a yamaha generator fuel cap when I immediately found this HONDA Eu2000i GENERATOR EXTENDED RUN FUEL GAS CAP for just $35.00. It doesn't work for me but it looks like a good option for the Honda guys.

[thataway]

I have been using the "extended run" tank of 6 gallons for over 3 years now. I just purchased an extra Honda generator fuel tank and converted it. Works great. I keep the fuel tank and generator at about the same level. As I recollect I paid about $20 for the extra cap. The tubing is 3/16" and I have a shut off valve near the tank and near the generator.

I don't like to have the tank more than 6" below the generator. The basic system works by displacement of fuel or a minor vacuum--no pump involved., so it is more of a siphon.

Works well; never had a problem with hundreds of hours of run time.