Honda EM5000IS generator starts fine, runs exactly, 3 seconds, shuts down. Any clue?

Here are some common troubleshooting steps to help you identify and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Fuel Supply:
   • Check the LP (propane) fuel supply. Ensure that there is enough propane in the tank.
   • Check for any obstructions or kinks in the fuel line.
2. Air Intake and Exhaust:
   • Make sure the air intake and exhaust are not blocked. Lack of proper ventilation can cause the generator to shut down.
3. Choke Position:
   • Check the position of the choke. If it's set to "Choke" for starting, make sure to gradually move it to the "Run" position once the generator has started.
4. Fault Codes or Indicator Lights:
   • Look for any fault codes or indicator lights on the generator control panel. These can provide clues about specific issues.
5. Oil Level:
   • Check the oil level in the generator. Some generators have a safety feature that shuts them down if the oil level is too low.
6. Spark Plug:
   • Inspect the spark plug for fouling or damage. If needed, clean or replace the spark plug.
7. Fuel System Issues:
   • Inspect the fuel system for any leaks or issues. LP generators may have a fuel filter that needs to be checked and, if necessary, replaced.
8. Carburetor:
   • The carburetor may need cleaning or adjustment. If it's clogged, it can lead to stalling issues.
9. Battery Voltage:
   • Ensure that the generator's battery has sufficient voltage. A weak or dead battery can affect the starting process.
10. Generator Load:
    • If the generator is under a heavy load, it may shut down. Try starting it without any load and then gradually add loads.

Always use ONLY fresh fuel... (page 32 of owners manual) it is very easy to forget about because HONDA is such an awesome machine... but EVEN MORE LIKELY...

HONDA has a very sensitive self protection device

Your oil pressure cut off switch could be responding to the WRONG OIL...
DIRTY OIL...
LOW OIL or WORSE... OVERFILLED Oil.

Check it out in your owners manual. ((below) http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/manuals/31Z07610.pdf


Honda Generators Generator Operation

Honda Power Equipment Owners Manuals

http://powerequipment.honda.com/generators/generator-operation#fuel

Honda Generators Generator Operation

http://cdn.powerequipment.honda.com/pe/pdf/manuals/31Z07610.pdf

• The Auto Throttle System switch needs to be in the off position.
• If the generator has not been used for awhile than the fuel is stale and the generator may be slow in responding to the load change. Replace fuel with fresh fuel.
• Attach a second load such as a 100 watt light bulb standard bulb with a tungsten filament. Observe the light as the heater cycles. If the light goes very dim than the generator is slow responding to a load change. Generator carburetor needs to be cleaned, tune-up. Run fresh fuel under load to see if carburetor will clean itself.
• Try adding choke to see if richer mixture reduces voltage dip. Check manual for mixture adjustments.

The running on choke is caused by a fuel restriction. Check the fuel flow from the tank to the carburetor.Change the fuel filter if it has one. If its good, then the restriction is in the carburetor. The generator is shutting down due to the low rpm coming from the engine. A carburetor rebuild may need to be done.

It appears you have eliminated all of the fuel related issues. That would leave the generatoor safety circuits as a possible reason for the unit shutting down.

The Low Oil Level Sensor is the major reason that generators shut down when your sure there is not a fuel supply problem. Make sure the unit is fully servied with OIL. If the problem persists disconnect ONE wire from the low oil level sensor and see if the problem persists. If you still have the problem inspect the black or green wire from the Start run switch all the way to the Air shroud on the engine looking for signs of chaffing.
If you can not find anything then you will have to re-focus your attention on the fuel system once again. If you have a solenoid on the base of the carb.. the solenoid can be WEAK and stop remaining open once hot. This will cause the engine to lean out and die.
You should also check fuel flow to the carb. The flow should fill a spary paint can lid in under 10 seconds to the point your worried about it overflowing. Most honda engines have a metal sediment bowl under the fuel selector. Remove the sediment bowl and dump the contents. Check fuel flow again.
- Carb. With the float bowl removed fuel selector ON check fuel flow again by holding a spray paint can lid under the float. It must fill up in about 10 seconds to the point your worried about over-filling the lid. If you do not have a good flow rate here the float needle float needle rubber seat and the fuel manifold are the prime suspects.

I know this generator has the Honda GX270 engine. Some have solenoids (Item 49 this link)
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Honda/Engine/0/GX270%20VPX5%20ENGINE,%20JPN,%20VIN%23%20GCAB-2000001%20TO%20GCAB-9999999/CARBURETOR%20(2)/parts.html
^- No details!

Honda engines by model and VIN can be found here:
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Honda/Engine/0/parts.html

At this time I think the low oil level sensor (sending uint) may be the culprit causing your problem.
Item 2 this link:
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Honda/Engine/0/GX270%20VPX5%20ENGINE%2C%20JPN%2C%20VIN%23%20GCAB-2000001%20TO%20GCAB-9999999/CYLINDER/parts.html

Thanks for choosing FixYa,
Kelly

Possible that the engine is not getting sufficient fuel for running and so the choke action is needed. You need to check if the oil switch is cutting off the power, - if so replace oil.
Secondly the fuel settings might need a check up. You might need to clean/reset the plugs/spark gaps and also overhaul the carburator to solve this issue.

Tank filter not blocked? (Take tap off tank) Enough oil in motor? Try overfilling it slightly

could be a number of things but this mainly points to a fuel system problem , check all fuel lines for free flow , remove carb bowl and remove any collected rust/debris/water etc , fill with fresh petrol/gasoline

Bascially you need to completely remove the old, stale fuel to start with. (you can use the old fuel it in your lawnmower mixed 50:50 with fresh fuel to use it up).

Then once you've drained the fuel tank, you'll have to clean out the carb with a Fuel Injector and Carb cleaner. Really spray the carb till it's soaked, since you've got a schellaced fuel system.

Make sure you remove the air cleaner so you can get the spray into the carb. Also, with the spark plug removed, and the power switch turned "off", so the generator won't try to start during this process. You can also slowly crank the engine with the pull starter, to help work the cleaner through the system.

Then let the unit set for about 10-15 minutes, so the cleaner can evaporate, etc. and then you can reinstall the spark plug.

Now add about 1/2 gallon of fresh fuel and you can try starting the generator. You might have to use some starting fluid to get it started, by carefully spraying it into the carb in very small bursts to keep the motor running

Once it's running smooth, you should always use fresh gas and make sure to add a quality fuel stabilizer, such as Sta-bil, to the gas you use in the generator, as it will keep the fuel system protected for up to 2 years.

I also always turn off the fuel shut-off on my generator to use up the gas in the line before storing it. Also, you should get the generator out at least every 3 months and run it for 15-20 minutes to keep everything working and lubricated, so it will work when you need it.

Just be sure to always add more Sta-bil to your fuel and turn off the fuel shut off and let it run out, before storing.

I've done this with my generators and they're now over 14 years old and always start on the first pull and run like tops!

If you can't get the unit running smoothly, you may have to take it to a small engine service shop for them to do a "tune-up" for you.

Hope you find this Very Helpful and best regards!

I would look for the fuel filter. Blow it our. I know you have a new tank of gas, but you might want to empty it out and make sure the clean and put in new. Even with Stabil in the gas you might just have to much condensation in the tank