3 Common Honda Generator Eco-Throttle Problems

Generators manufactured by Honda are some of the best. This company offers a wide range of generators. Their products include a variety of useful features. All of these features are designed to eliminate any problems users may encounter. Also, the efficiency of these generators is far better than that of most other models.

Newer Honda generators come with an Eco-Throttle, which is one of the best features. You can have your engine speed adjusted to match the appliances you are using. This means you will save a great deal of fuel because the generator will not be running at 100% power all the time. Despite its amazing uses, this feature can also present some problems. You’ll be more likely to prevent them if you know about them and to fix them if you run into one.

Honda Generator Eco-Throttle Problems

1. Incorrect Fuel

When users are using the wrong fuel for their Honda generators, they often experience Eco-Throttle issues. If this is the case, it will likely cause trouble with nearly every device you own. With Eco-Throttle models, devices normally start to surge when they are switched on.

No matter how much load is on it, it will adjust its power according to its own needs. Therefore, if you are experiencing the problem, there is a high likelihood that your generator has been using the wrong fuel.

You can fix this problem easily by replacing the fuel with a new one. Before you pour in the new one, make sure to remove the old one completely. The store clerk can tell you which fuel is best for your generator model if you ask them. If you’re unsure, you can check online for recommendations.

2. Sudden Load

Your Honda generator might also have troubles with its Eco-Throttle if you have suddenly put a lot of load on it. All the appliances start the moment the generator is powered on when you have a lot of equipment connected to it.

For most larger generators, this is not a problem, but it may not be true of portable generators. If you are using too many appliances, you can try lowering their number to avoid the problem from happening again. When your appliances receive a sudden current from the generator, they are likely to get damaged.

3. Faulty Pump

The problem of a faulty pump is also another reason for having Eco-Throttle problems. Your pump may be causing the problem, so you should check its condition . If you are not sure how to do so. The manual can even be consulted for help.

A new pump will need to be installed if your problem is with the pump. However, you should also be aware that the generator pump tends to get damaged if you don’t check on it regularly. That’s why it is so important to keep the equipment checked and inspected regularly so that malfunctioning can be detected earlier.

What Is The Best Time To Start Eco-Throttle

According to the user manual of the Honda generator, the Eco-throttle should not be used when you have to run high power using appliances. High energy or high power using appliances may include toasters, washing machines, water heaters, etc.

You should avoid using Eco-throttle when you are just starting the generator, it can also cause problems. If you use the Eco-throttle when starting the generator, it will take more time to warm up and start producing proper power. You should wait for two to three minutes after the start of the generator and then turn on the Eco-throttle. In this way, you will be starting Eco-throttle after the generator has warmed up.

Another best time to turn on the Eco-throttle of your Honda generator is just after you have started the appliance you want to run. As your generator’s Eco-throttle might not be capable of producing the required energy to start the appliance.

Mistakes That Leads To Eco-Throttle Problems

Honda generator’s Eco-throttle problems can be avoided if you don’t make some common mistakes that lead to these issues. In this way, the hassle of taking your generator for repairs can be minimized. Sometimes it’s you who is responsible for causing problems to the Eco-throttle of the Honda generator by poor handling or operating. There are certain mistakes you might make that lead to problems with the Eco-throttle of your generator.

Improper Use Of Fuel

One of the most common mistakes you make while using the Honda generator with Eco-throttle is the improper use of fuel. There are two things related to this aspect; one is the type of fuel you use and the second is how to store the fuel.

Almost all devices and machines of Honda are designed to work on unleaded fuel that has ethanol of up to 10%. You can learn what fuels are best supported by your generator from the user manual or can ask someone. The user manual has a list of fuels and additives that are recommended for your generator.

Secondly, how you store fuel in your generator is also very crucial to avoid problems. If you are not going to use your generator for the next 15 or 20 days, you should not let the fuel stay in the tank. It is recommended to empty the fuel tank and carburetor. The complete procedure for doing this is explained in the user manual of your Honda generator with Eco-throttle.

Fuel problems can lead to issues like a damaged fuel system, decreased performance, and the generator may not start properly. Remember, fuel mistakes are usually not covered by the generator’s warranty so make sure you avoid them.

Always Running Eco-throttle

When your generator is running on Eco-throttle it usually doesn’t run at its full RMP capacity. If the Eco-throttle will always keep on running, it can cause problems. Your generator will not be burning off all the carbon deposits that keep on piling up in the exhaust system.

If it continues to happen, you may need a muffler replacement, which is usually not covered by the warranty. You can avoid this issue by running a full tank at full throttle after every 3 to 4 tanks (it means don’t use Eco-throttle for one full tank after running it for 3 to 4 full tanks).

Improper Oil Maintenance

Oil usage is another crucial thing that can lead to issues in generators with Eco-throttle. Eco-throttle generators may use more oil than normal generators. If the oil is not properly maintained or changed regularly, it can produce poor lubrication.

This poor lubrication can lead to premature wear on the engine’s internal surface (which can cause permanent engine failure). It is recommended to change the oil of your Eco-throttle generators every 100 hours of running time. Proper oil maintenance is very important to keep your generator’s engine healthy.

Not Considering Watt Requirements

Calculating the total amount of power that commonly used appliances draw can make you surprised. The total amount of power can be very high depending upon the nature and watt requirements of your appliances. You have to keep this amount of Watt requirement in your mind while running them on a generator. Eco-throttle generators can not power all the appliances at once.

You have to be careful while turning on the appliances while you are getting power from a generator. A generator can stop working if it is overloaded and your safety circuit can trip. Make sure you only use the most required appliances while using a generator. If you face an overpowering problem, turn your generator off and try restarting it after closing some appliances to lessen the overall load.

Eco Throttle Switch And Motor Replacement

The most common problems that your Eco-throttle generator encounters are either related to the switch or Eco motor. If the Eco mode is not starting as it should start after turning the switch on, the motor of the system might be facing some problems.

Sometimes both the motor and throttle switch run out of order. In this case, you might need to replace the motor and switch. But ensure that your mechanic makes sure that both things are not working. Sometimes only the Eco-throttle motor can be the one that is causing the problem, not the switch.