Honda 3000 Handi Extended Run Fuel Option

[MrAgent007]

Hello, will the Honda 3000 Handi work with extended run fuel systems that are being sold with the (6) gallon marine fuel tanks? I ask because today I spoke with the manufacturer that makes the extended run system which makes use of the red colored aluminum cap with associated marine quick connect fittings and fuel line tubing and was advised that this fuel system might only work on the Honda 1000 and 2000 because there is a diaphram type fuel pump in the carb to create a fuel line vacuum. The Honda 3000 handi apparently does not have the built in diaphram fuel pump in the carb and therefore no vacuum is created to draw in fuel from a tank located lower than the generator. Does anyone know what the true story is here? I would like to purchase a Honda 3000 Handi, but not with a 1.56 gallon fuel tank. Thanks!

[utee94]

That is my understanding as well.

I have heard that there are extended fuel tank systems that have their own small electric pumps, which meter the fuel from the extended tank into the onboard tank of the generator. These systems are more expensive than the vaccum ones, but will probably do the trick.

I really like most things about my Handi, but the small tank is a definite drawback. When running my 15K BTU A/C on high, it will run out a full tank after around 4 hours. When running on low, it goes between 5-6 hours.

Hope that helps.

-Marcus

[MrAgent007]

Thanks for the information Marcus!

[UAPachyderm]

I realize I am reviving a thread that is several months old, but has anyone figured out the solution for increasing the fuel capacity of the Honda 3000 Handi?

I found a site that says they have an extended run tank for the 3000 Handi (http://www.vmsales.com/New_Images___Text_Layout_1.html). They represent that it isn't a syphon or gravity system, but they don't tell you it's a pump. I'm just a little skeptical because I don't see typical vendors selling a solution. Thanks in advance for anyone sharing some insight.

[MrAgent007]

Hello UAPachyderm, I emailed the vendor and had asked for pictures of their system. Hopefully these will depict exactly how the system works.
Hopefully someone will develop a store bought solution that is simple, reliable and easy to set up.

[UAPachyderm]

Alex, I phoned the vendor today. What they are selling is the same exact system used for a Honda EU1000 and 2000. They directed me to a dealer near me and I dropped by and spoke with this dealer today at lunch. Both the vendor and dealer explained that the system will work with a Honda EU 3000 Handi; however, the tank must be located higher than the generator. The Handi does not have a "pump" like the 1000 and 2000 but it does naturally create a light syphon, however, the system will only work with gravity assistance. I questioned him thoroughly if gravity would even assure this of working and he seemed to know what he was talking about. I asked him if he had actually seen or heard from someone using this with a Handi and he replied yes ... then he called out one of his generator mechanics who vouched that it works well. He told me that if I bought one, I would see that it works ... he also said he'd refund my money if I wasn't fully satisfied. I'm probably going to get one and give it a try but I didn't pull the trigger just yet. I just need to give further thought to the inconvenience of placing the tank higher .... but I'm thinking that inconvenience is less than getting up in the middle of the night to refill and probably less hassle than juggling two 2000s around.

[UAPachyderm]

Here are pictures of the system I viewed today.

[MrAgent007]

Thanks for the additional information UAPachyderm!

[UAPachyderm]

Originally Posted by MrAgent007

Thanks for the additional information UAPachyderm!

No problem. Please let me know if you learn anything more. I'll post again once I give the tank a try.

[BAB BMRZ]

UAPachyderm & MrAgent007

Were you able to find resolution for this problem. Although I've never had to get up in the middle of the night, I would like a longer run time.

Tnx Lyle & Margie

[jrudd1968]

I just purchased the Honda 2KW and the 2KW companion at Camping World. I ask if they had the Auxillary Fuel Tank kit that I have read about here and other places. They told me they did not carry it because it voids the warranty of the generators. The factory gas tank is sized to run the generator for the period of of time the generator is designed to run continously and not overheat it or over work it. They told me about a local dealer down the road from them that did have it if I wanted to go that way. I stopped there, it was a very large, independant, profesional lawn, care tool (mowers, trimmers, etc), portable generator, dealer. He had the same set up in the pictures above. I ask him if it would void the warranty and he confirmed what Camping World told me. Yes, its use would void the warrenty and it was easy for a professional factory authorized repair shop to tell if the generator was damaged due to over extended use. I did not buy it. I'll live with my 5 hour run time using the eco switch.

[UAPachyderm]

BAB, additional discussion on this subject occurred in a thread titled "Two Honda 2000 gens".

I purchased and use the extended run tank.

FWIW, I own an EU3000, two 2000s and a Handi. I prefer and use the Handi most often because it's very easy to handle and able to power the A/C. When necessary, I use the extended run tank as well. Without going into a long explanation, I have zero concern about the warranty ... I take good care of my gen and my back.

People have various opinions and all of us naturally develop a bias to justify our purchase choice. However, there really isn't a right or wrong choice between the three Honda options above.

[joeru]

For the extended tank to work, do you have to keep it higher than the EU3000i HANDI generator?

[UAPachyderm]

Originally Posted by joeru

For the extended tank to work, do you have to keep it higher than the EU3000i HANDI generator?

Yes

[joeru]

thank you.

[Jack46]

The external tank works with the 3000 Handi. I've used it. But, it should not be set too high above the genny - somewhere within the plane of the genny's top.

[joeru]

I have a EU3000i HANDI but not an EU1000i or EU2000i. Is the gas cap the same for these models?

[MrAgent007]

Originally Posted by BAB BMRZ

UAPachyderm & MrAgent007

Were you able to find resolution for this problem. Although I've never had to get up in the middle of the night, I would like a longer run time.

Tnx Lyle & Margie

Hello, the only configuration of external tank that will work with the Handi is when the external tank is elevated above the Handi so the fuel is fed by gravity. The Handi does not contain a fuel pump therefore the external tank unless it is elevated will not work. Academically speaking, the Handi was a great concept generator except for an important feature that was left out, an extended run time. Perhaps the next generation Handi inverter generator from Honda will contain greater fuel capacity.

[T Reno]

I scored a used HONDA EU3000I HANDI generator today of Craigslist for an awesome price! Need an update on what people are using for the EXTENDED FUEL SOLUTION on these generators? Not worried about warranty as I bought it used, more like a demo unit in awesome shape but want to have the extended run time with bigger fuel solution...

I have the Honda EU3000I but its a beast to load by myself.....

[switz]

Seems a major on line Generator seller sells the extended run tanks for the Honda 2,000 watt pair with never a mention of a warranty issue. That sounds like bovine byproducts to me.

I empty the generator on board fuel under heavy load. Refill in a minute and restart. No cool down time. The warranty is now void?

In a power outage situation with adequate gasoline on hand, the unit could be running 24 x 7.