Honda extended run. To bulb or not

[Headhog]

In configuring my extended run tank for my Honda 2000, I am wondering what the feeling is about installing a primer bulb. I've seen both ways, with and without. I'm thinking you may not need one, but would greatly appreciate any thoughts pro or con. Thanks, Bill

[mefly2]

You don't need a primer bulb. The EU2000 has a fuel pump and will even pump fuel a reasonable distance "up" from your extended tank. Use quality components for an airtight seal to the vented tank or the pump will not provide continuous tank fill from the aux tank.

[Headhog]

Thanks Mefly, does it matter how much gas is in the gen set tank to get it started? I wanted to test my setup, but didn't know if it was necessary to have the gen set full. Some instructions I have seen say to fill both tanks. Didn't know if this was actually necessary to get the setup to work. Bill

[dznf0g]

I installed a bulb just because I added a fuel filter in the line and my hoses are pretty long. I want to ensure that the lines are full, since I have a lot of distance and restriction. I bought outboard boating connecters for the caps and tank so I can double duty the tank with my 10hp boat motor, so one section of the lines had a bulb already anyway.

[Wazbro]

The bulb can be helpful if you don't want to mess with poring gas into the generator you can fill the hose and the tank some with the hose before you tighten the cap on the generator.

Any air in the system will reduce the effectiveness of the fuel pump (not quite as much once the fuel starts flowing) so getting as much air out of the system as possible helps, this is why they recommend starting with a full tank on the generator (an empty tank is a BIG air pocket).

[Headhog]

I like the idea of being able to fill the gen tank with the bulb. Also, I do intend on installing a filter, so think I will go with a bulb. Pros and cons. Thanks. B

[Orlop]

you know I have not been very successful in getting my extention tank to start drawing even with both honda's full ..... so am thinking of going with the bulb and filter unless someone can tell me what my operator error is

[dznf0g]

The gennie caps and the lines must be absolutely airtight. Any air sucked into the system downstream of the extended run fuel tank fill cap will break the suction and it will not draw fuel.

[Sav'h Steve]

... with a 2400 Yamaha.

Has anybody tried using an extra tank with a boat type bulb?

[Orlop]

thanks DZNF0g ...... I will do a test this week

Cheerz

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by Headhog

Thanks Mefly, does it matter how much gas is in the gen set tank to get it started? I wanted to test my setup, but didn't know if it was necessary to have the gen set full. Some instructions I have seen say to fill both tanks. Didn't know if this was actually necessary to get the setup to work. Bill

Your gen will fill from the aux / extended run tank. Just be sure that there are no air leaks in the fuel line between the Honda cap and external tank ... no real minimum fuel level needed in the Honda that I have noticed. I have hooked up the aux tank with barely visible fuel in the Honda many times. We do the same as dzn - and use the aux tank with our motor for our Zodiac as well.

With the airtight connectors on our fuel line connecting the Honda to the aux tank, it is not possible to fill the fuel line with a primer bulb unless BOTH ends are connected. I have yet to run the aux line dry; so, once it got filled, it has stayed filled ... not so with the outboard which must be primed.