Honda EU2200i Generator - Another recall possible

[smithcreek]

Just a heads up. Went to buy a Honda EU2200i a couple of days ago and the dealer said he could not sell any of his stock since there is a new recall. He was not quite correct, at least not yet.

I found another dealer and decided I would buy one and deal with the recall later. I called Honda today to get the skinny and was told it's not a recall yet, but there is a stop sale order issued to all sellers. This was issued on Thursday Jan 30th. They are investigating an issue and at this point have not decided on a course of action.

Apparently there is an issue if/when water (especially salt water, not sure how that happens) getting into the inverter and can cause a short. So, if you have one they recommend not using it, but myself, I'm going to use it on the trip I'm currently on and make sure to keep it dry especially if I am close enough to the ocean that a wave might get to it.

[kittmaster]

Originally Posted by smithcreek

Just a heads up. Went to buy a Honda EU2200i a couple of days ago and the dealer said he could not sell any of his stock since there is a new recall. He was not quite correct, at least not yet.

I found another dealer and decided I would buy one and deal with the recall later. I called Honda today to get the skinny and was told it's not a recall yet, but there is a stop sale order issued to all sellers. This was issued on Thursday Jan 30th. They are investigating an issue and at this point have not decided on a course of action.

Apparently there is an issue if/when water (especially salt water, not sure how that happens) getting into the inverter and can cause a short. So, if you have one they recommend not using it, but myself, I'm going to use it on the trip I'm currently on and make sure to keep it dry especially if I am close enough to the ocean that a wave might get to it.

Salt is conductive, if it is vaporized and lands on the circuit board, the salinity will allow circuits to conduct energy where it doesn't belong.

One way to deal with this is conformal coating which basically seals up any exposed electrical connections. This is not a cure all as you can't conformal coat pins on surface mount or QFN parts due to thermal lifting. Then you also have dendritic growth if there are any impurities during the PCB manufacturing that can cause shorting to any given power source....and added with salinity can just make matters much worse.

It most likely depends on what exactly is happening on the number of failures they are seeing under this exact condition.

I can see why they are concerned.

[DougFelts]

Oh, THAT explains it! We just got back from a weekend of winter camping, and a windstorm knocked out the power to the park. So, I was ready to buy the e2200i I have had on my wishlist, only to find it missing from the usual retailers! I promise not to use mine in salt water...

[smithcreek]

Kittmaster, that makes sense. The first dealer told me that he might have parts to fix it as soon as early the following week, but when I spoke with Honda that did not sound like the case at all. Maybe they have a fix already for units in stock a dealers but are not ready to roll it out for a full recall yet?

[kittmaster]

Originally Posted by smithcreek

Kittmaster, that makes sense. The first dealer told me that he might have parts to fix it as soon as early the following week, but when I spoke with Honda that did not sound like the case at all. Maybe they have a fix already for units in stock a dealers but are not ready to roll it out for a full recall yet?

If it's made it to recall status, that means they have been/are aware of the issue and have some sort of fix for it. It may not be for every single unit, so they are probably using a serial number list to triage incoming units instead of just updating them all.

It will be interesting to see what their fix is.

[CaptbobL10]

Just an FYI. The EU2200 and the EU2000 are extremely popular with 20 to 30 foot sail and powerboat crowd as an auxiliary generator. They generally operate the units on the transom platform or the bow. This would easily explain any salt problem here in Florida or the Caribbean.

[AdvToaster]

Anyone heard anything new about this?

[SYC2Vette]

Originally Posted by kittmaster

Salt is conductive, if it is vaporized and lands on the circuit board, the salinity will allow circuits to conduct energy where it doesn't belong.

One way to deal with this is conformal coating which basically seals up any exposed electrical connections. This is not a cure all as you can't conformal coat pins on surface mount or QFN parts due to thermal lifting. Then you also have dendritic growth if there are any impurities during the PCB manufacturing that can cause shorting to any given power source....and added with salinity can just make matters much worse.

It most likely depends on what exactly is happening on the number of failures they are seeing under this exact condition.

I can see why they are concerned.

Also checkout articles on Tin Whiskers (NASA and others). A big issue following the lead free solder and electroplate initiatives starting in the EU and then the USA. Some band aid fixes. Just another reason consumer electronics have such a limited lifespan.

[kittmaster]

Originally Posted by SYC2Vette

Also checkout articles on Tin Whiskers (NASA and others). A big issue following the lead free solder and electroplate initiatives starting in the EU and then the USA. Some band aid fixes. Just another reason consumer electronics have such a limited lifespan.

I've seen that and usually that is caught during a "smoke" test when bring up occurs in manufacturing. I assume they turn on the "unit" at least once at the factory to ensure it starts/regulates...etc...tin whiskers "usually" are caught then....but can be problematic if they break off under vibration or mechanical shock.....which can't be caught and show up over time.....

Electronics......can be a tricky business if not controlled and usually indicates a problem in your ir/reflow & assembly process.

Good addition the conversation, thanks for bringing that up.

[GMFL]

Anyone have any updates on the stop sale?

[AdvToaster]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Anyone have any updates on the stop sale?

I found this today. It’s a recall notice for the eu2200i in Canada, posted last month. I’m guessing it’s the same issue here, though I couldn’t say why they haven’t started a recall in the US yet.

https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recal...72335r-eng.php

[GMFL]

Here is the link for the Honda Recall
https://cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Americ...d-Burn-Hazards

[smithcreek]

Thanks for the update. Time to call the local Honda dealer.

[smithcreek]

Not sure how many people got the official recall email, but I did a few days ago. I called the local Honda dealer and they said they received the parts yesterday so I dropped off the generator today. Hopefully there will be a camping season this summer, or maybe I'll just be prepared to run my home fridge when the covid-zombie apocalypse really gets into gear.

[wingingit]

Mine has been in longer for recalls than we've used it. Honda is now competing with Harbor Freight quality.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by wingingit

Mine has been in longer for recalls than we've used it. Honda is now competing with Harbor Freight quality.

That’s UNFAIR!

MY “Predator” generator from Harbor Freight has been durable, dependable and affordable.... UNLIKE HONDAS!

[DCPAS]

Genconnex is shipping a base model to me today. I had been on its wait list.

[Walstib]

Originally Posted by Boxite

That’s UNFAIR!

MY “Predator” generator from Harbor Freight has been durable, dependable and affordable.... UNLIKE HONDAS!

While I agree to a degree.... These recalls have been very minor and Honda simply being diligent. I think likely as not Predators could have same issues and simply ignored as they realistically could have been with the Honda.

From what I gather on this latest simply a small dab of dielectric grease on a connection and an insulation pad. Less than 10 minute fix from what my local Honda dealer tells me.

BTW I tend to get suckered into RV and sporting goods store sales but found cheaper at Honda dealers. I bought one yesterday for $940 with total set up as well... So they are becoming available.

[Landshark]

Just as a point of info on the salinity issue: was returning home about 11pm one night in a blowing snowstorm and saw a transformer and power pole by the road on fire, was afraid to pass by because lean had started and the power line crossed the road.

Anyway, found out next morning that several such fires had occurred in the county due to 1) snow being blown into transformers and 2) snow was carrying salt from the Great Salt Lake. The snowstorm had traveled N to Idaho and had picked up the salt on the way.

Interesting!

Vivian

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by Boxite

That’s UNFAIR!

MY “Predator” generator from Harbor Freight has been durable, dependable and affordable.... UNLIKE HONDAS!

I apologize for failing to leave an emoticon that would indicate my tongue-in-cheek.