Honda Generator help

[69-CHVL]

Hi guys.

My Honda EB5000x makes 120v and 60hz no load, but as I apply loads the rpms drop apprx 200 per load. Rpms no load is about 3700, and if I plug in a shop vac and a space heater, rpms drop to 3400. Voltage does stay about 120v, but I know the hz has to be off. I dissassembled the unit to inspect the governor after adjusting it per the Honda manual, but it looked good and I reinstalled it.

Seems the gov isnt sensitve enough. Compression is 90 cold, 100 warm. Spec is 85-120. Engine otherwise runs excellent, no noise or smoke.

What else can I look for?

Vince

[crazyman]

Most generators produce voltage squared. More RPM, more voltage. No fancy current limiting stuff. Sounds normal to me. Most things are rated 50-60 Hertz. If it worrys you that much, buy a meter that measures Hertz.

[69-CHVL]

So you would say the rpm dip is normal? I would think the governor would readjust for that.

[Brian P]

The governor on a generator like that is not a precision instrument by a long shot. Given that most normal power-driven stuff is good for 50 - 60 Hz, it is not a problem. Heaters and lights don't care about the frequency at all. Motor-driven stuff will run a little slower than nominal, but not normally enough to cause a problem. If you are operating an old fashioned clock that is synchronized to the line frequency, it will go out of time - that's about it.

[4sfed]

A little late on this one, but . . . how old is the generator? If it's 10 or more years old, it's likely tuned to run on gasoline . . . not E10. It's already tuned to run on the lean side of stoicometric to extend running time, and the alcohol in the fuel has pushed the mixture lean enough it won't respond to the governor . . . especially in cold weather. I've re-jetted more than one.

[woody b]

3400 rpm is fine. As others have stated 50 to 60hz is acceptable. 3600 rpm = 60hz. 3400 rpm =56hz. 3000 rpm = 50hz, so as long as it stays above 3000 rpm you'll be fine.