Rare 1970s Honda e400 Generator - Will it Run and Make Power?
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- Опубліковано 21 чер 2023
- A subscriber found this 70s model vintage Honda e400 generator on Facebook Marketplace. He bought it from the original owner who said it has not run in over a decade. It looks to be in pretty good shape for its age. Lets see if we can get it to run again.
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Generator Model: Honda e400
Air Filter: 17211-836-000
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Air Filter, Alternator, Auto Choke, Carburetor, Compression Test, EM400, Fixed, Generator, Hertz, Honda, How To, How-To, Load Test, Load Test, No Output, No Power, Oscilloscope, Pilot Lamp, Pilot Light, Repair, Small Engine, Spark Test, THD, Total Harmonic Distortion, Troubleshooting, Volts, Wide Open Throttle, Will it Run and Make Power, Will it Run, e300, e400, er400 - Навчання та стиль
Thanks for taking this on Jim and you did a great job on the video. I will be using this little unit in the future for camping to run some lights and other odds & ends. I have gone though and done a complete clean up and while the unit isn't perfect cosmetically, it starts on the first pull and runs like new. Like others have already commented..."It's a Honda!" and you brought it back to life. 😀
It’s a great little machine. A piece or art and history. Someone pointed out it may require leaded gasoline. Also I did not know the torque spec for the fan. I guesstimated. If you have the spec would be best to double check that,
@@jcondon1 Agreed. I love the information for auto-choke / linkage adjustment. I will be checking my other older units for this issue since they run a little rich despite carb adjustments.
Well said thumbs up, I've fixed a couple of those tiny Honda machines, a light and small radio is all that they were needed for, great video
Saw sparkimaploog
@@jcondon1Do you repair those portable diesel generators?
A 50-year-old machine running like a dream and basically starts with one pull. Honda was amazing in the 70s and still is to this day.
Agreed 100%! 👍🏻
the japanese do make some great machinery
I don't 100% agree with that Honda is just as good today than back in the 70's. A lot of the generators they manufacture in this day are "digital" and they have a electrical panel that is sealed with epoxy. For one they are not serviceable and second if they have any age to them and the panel goes out they do not make it anymore. If they do not make it the only way to get one is used and they are usually really expensive and not worth fixing. I do agree they make a good motor just they do not supply parts for everything they should.
@@spagsketti That is a good point and do agree that they obviously are not as good. I just didn't want to straight up say "Everything was better back then" If you know I mean? 😅
On a sidenote, repearability is the number one reason I don't want cars that I can't fix myself. I mean, my current steed is a 2006 Citroen C2 😏
Yeah except I love their motorcycles and small motors, but you gotta keep it a buck with them because their newer vehicles are so horrendous to look at.
My grandad bought one new.
He used it extensively with his camper in Arizona deserts.
My brother has it now. Still uses it often.
Mr. Honda must be proud of himself.
The gasoline oil mixture just makes sure that you aren't over oiling the filter and that the oil gets evenly spread throughout the filter. Really small engines can struggle to draw air through a filter that has too much oil in it and mixing it 10 to 1 ensures that it's very lightly oiled.
Amusing story. In the early '70's, when I was about 12 or 13 years old, my Dad purchased one of these Honda E400 compact generator sets. It was easy to start, very quiet running, and easily portable, etc.
After a year or so of trouble free operation, the little Honda became hard to start. When it was needed to run something like a power tool or lighting, and it was difficult or would not start, this was a major problem.
One day, my Dad had been drinking a lot, and he got frustrated with the little E400's failure to start. Being unreasonable like drunks always are, my Dad took the little Honda down to the beach in front of our house and tossed it as far as he could down the stony beach almost to the low tide line.
After awhile, I retrieved the little Honda from the beach and took it apart. I discovered that the crankcase engine oil was very overfilled and was most likely the cause of the hard or no start problem. Unfortunately, physical damage to the little generator was beyond repair. ):
However, I learned a lot about small engines from this. (:
I can help here!
I was given one of those here in the UK as a gift for helping an old retired professor. The one I was given was still boxed in original packaging and was in mint condition.
The old professor had kept it after a planned project never came to fruition many years beforehand. That project was that he'd been tasked to head to a jungle (I forget which country) and to collect flying insects by attracting them to a light powered by the generator.
(the professor was involved with tropical disease collection during his career)
There's actually a great bit of information about those generators. The full story can be found in many places and is a key turning point in the history of Honda. Mr Honda himself being important in the story. The generator was a new idea and an upcoming engineer at the company was tasked with designing and creating this machine - I think he did an incredible job!
The design ties in beautifully with the era. Remember all of those transistor radios that Japan was churning out? The generators design was purposeful to match the design of transistor radios!
The original documentation that came with the generator showed farmers using it to power sheep shears and other smaller electrical farm tools.
The unit I was given was never used by me. The output was low, I already had generators for my work and the one I had was in mint condition and needed to be kept that way.
Eventually I put it out for sale on the bay of evil. It sold immediately (I forget how much) and the buyer traveled quite some distance to collect it. The buyer explained that they were the main Honda generator importer for the UK and within their business unit, they had shelves displaying the various Honda generator models that formed the Honda generator story. The one I had was to be added to that lineup!
I always wondered if you would find one of these models. Thanks for the memories!
In 1965 my step-dad bought a mini Honda generator that would power a 100 watt bulb for $50 at the Honda motorcycle store. The reason for buying was it also had a 12 Volt charging system. 3-4 amps I think. We used CB radio's for communication with my grandmother who lived "off grid". It would keep her battery charged.
I have a lead on a Honda e40. Honda's first generator I think made in the 60's. 21cc, 40 watts! Yes only 40 watts.
Probably the 300
To remove the flywheel you simply remove the 8mm bolt and screw in a 14mm bolt. It screws into the flywheel and pushes against the shaft.
I think I still have a new set of points in shop for it
Jep and, simple ist best.
I'm really surprised that James didn't know this. I'm 61 and many engines (motorcycle) have always had this. Also, the plug looks like a small plug that many wheed whackers I've had use. Surprised he didn't mention that. I cannot tell but it could be smaller.
Contrary to what Taryl thinks, Honda builds AMAZING stuff!
@@thewayidoit8895 I know, I worked in the racing department there for 15 years.
That was satisfying to watch. Your demeanor and attention to detail is only surpassed by Honda's engineering.
These old generators are great for power tools or lights, stuff with no sensitive electronics. Neighbor just had roof work done and I saw the roofers using a very old generator to power the compressor, perfect for those type of machines.
I use it for basic needs at the campsite. It’s portable enough to bring along to compliment my larger EU3200i. It’s a great talking piece and I swear everyone smiles when they see it running.
Hello James, I once had the German version of this generator (E300, 220V / 60Hz) which I bought in 1979.
Actually rarely used but it was part of my motorhome. In 1982 at an off road GP in Finland I had the generator running late in the evening, just for lights and a small radio. I parked the genrator 25m away because of the (quiet) noise in a forest.
After a while the light went out, clear, no more gasoline. So, took gas can and trudged into the forest in the dark and .... no generator more😒 Some Finn was probably very happy with it.
But ... was a great thing.
Sad day
@@harryfp1494 Yep, but the E300 was replaced with a Honda E3500 water cooled inboard generator. Ran very quietly and also had enough power to run the air conditioning. Oh yeah, long time ago.
@@waltervonoer9190I saw a motorhome one time that use the water cooling from the generator to heat heart of the motorhome
With a heater core how ingenious I thought
nooooooo 😭
as a finn, i feel you, some entitled asshats here will grab anything that isnt unattended because "they have a better use for it"
aw man, that first start, it was trying so hard to live... just needed a little TLC. Excellent work
I love the vintage look of this machine. You can definitely see how Honda improved on the repairability design over time.
I love seeing the old machines come back to life. Quality builds last for a very long time Great job!
Cool seeing this old generator doing pretty good.
What a beauty of a retro litele generator. Almost a work of art.
Nice going James. Amazing how you figured out that choke problem. You're like Sherlock Holmes.
We will all be dead and gone and the modern Honda generator will still be running! Great video!
Honda engine. What a classic. Fun to watch it wobble inside the cool green retro case.
Dude , your channel ! I just discover this . AMAZING JOB ! Is relaxing and i learn a lot ! Keep going !
I’ve never seen a cool looking generator, that thing is actually sharp
I have worked on something VERY similar to this. It was a red Honda genny. I took the Frame completely apart and cleaned it. It was a simple removal. You should have taken the frame completely off so you could get all the dead bugs and junk out of the bottom since the blower just blows it all over the place anyway. Another thing you should have done is add some dialectic grease to the wiring so it slows the corrosion. Other then that I am Very impressed with the job you did on this. Nice job brotherman.
Honda was way ahead of time on almost everything. That little generator was well engineered.
Wow. This was a cool find. There can't be very many of these left. That is awesome that your subscriber sent it in so we could all see it.
I miss quality products, this is the reason that genny was able to be resurrected. Nice work James.
If only we built machines to last as we used to where maintenance and replacement parts were the primary reason for failure instead of just throwing them away and getting another, nice video James. 50 years old and still going remarkable!
You must remember that we still build machines that last ages, bit they always were, are and will be significantly more expensive than their lower-grade counterparts. For the last 50 years all kind of home appliances, small machines, gasoline powered tools got unimaginably cheaper. For example, nowadays you can buy Miele washing machine for $1500; it will last 30 years. Same money will buy you FOUR washing machines of other brands. Each of those would last 5-7 years. So most people would choose the second option.
In terms of economy it makes sense, in terms od ecology and sustainability it doesn't.
what a beautiful little machine
the design of the case, simple, elegant, color pallet is on point, not for honda mind, but the green is nice, and the condition is to die for its just simplistic, and i LOVE it.
looked at it for the first time and imediatly liked the way it looked, such simplicity.
Luckily planned obsolescence wasn't a thing back then, companies still took pride in well made, long lasting machinery. Great video, thank you.
Probably the best looking generator ive seen on the channel!
Magneto flywheel EASY removal... In Australia, late 1980's I owned an already old Honda "Kei" tiny panel van (1967-77 model TN360 I think) . 360cc air cooled engine, mounted under the van's rear floor. Two front seats and panel sliding sidedoor and liftup rear door.
I think the engine/gearbox unit was almost the same as the very popular 1970's model CB-350/CB-360 twin cylinder motorcycles, modified to run power to the rear diff. Working on it, I had need to remove the flywheel magneto part. I went to the local Honda (Car) Dealership parts and service counter, and smiled sweetly....
A helpful guy there either sold me a bolt, or told me exactly which size to go buy from a local hardware store. Inserting the bolt into the flywheel centre hole and turning it with a spanner while holding the outer from turning EASILY removes the fly/magneto.
Somewhere in the bottom of a toolbox, I would still have that bolt. In a little plastic bag with a note "Honda 360 magneto removal bolt" ! (I could offer to find it, but there's half a tonne of stuff on top of that toolbox).
The engine/gearbox unit is almost the same as Honda's tiny 360cc 4 seater car of the same era. Portland Oregon USA UA-camr "2stroketurbo" has several such small Kei and other small and some 2 stroke cars, in running and road legal to use condition.
Multiple smiles on this one James. E.g., seeing that it had spark, that it had life on the first pull, that it ran with minimal TLC, *and then;* hearing/seeing this 50yr old run smoothly! A true testament to *all Honda's* in general regardless of the application-though honestly, I'm not surprised. 👍 to another great job/video. God bless.
I love the design of this Honda, I'm happy you could bring it back to life.
Love the styling, looks like an old shortwave radio.
Great video! I just renovated a Honda EM600 and converted it to propane. As you saw regulation is rough, but for battery charging or light bulbs. It also runs a corded drill with no problems.
I have one of those spark plugs someplace in my house. I was going to use it as my ignition source for a potato cannon that I never did get around to build.
Another award winning job! An easy resuscitation! And it lives to see another day!
For 50 years old, that little generator is a beast!
Amazing that little unit still lives....good job
What an amazing little generator! Love to see this stuff! It was quite revolutionary probably in 1970! 🙂 Honda has been making 'em for a long time!!
A testament of how good those Honda's are made, makes me happy to see it comes back to life
I just wanted to say thank you for the great video! I've had mine for over 10 years, the exact same one and this helped me bring it back to life after having it charge our 12v batteries off grid. The fuel consumption is unmatched and same for the oil. They truly are efficient and unbeatable for 12 volt "house" batteries.
We had a Honda E600(1967) and up until the house burnt it was an amazing little power plant very quiet running machine
I have a Coleman 1850 watt generator that was missing the rubber feet. I was at the scrap yard one day, and noticed a pancake air compressor that had decent feet on it, and with the other things I bought that day, it was a minimal expense. They might be overkill, but they certainly do the job.
I might add that this generator also came from the same scrap y. It had a saw cut in the gas tank, and I welded it with plastic from oil bottles (the same plastic as gas tanks and is HDPE), and it no longer leaks. The one problem this generator had is typical of most gas generators - the carburetor needed cleaned.
When you pulled it out of the box my initial reaction was "Oh is so cute" lol
Awesome video I hope you and the kiddo are enjoying the Dirtbike, as well as your spring/summer
Jim, Honda got it's start in making generators when Sony needed power for radios (vacuum tube?) When camping, etc. Look how far they've gone. Honda is a major player in the generator market.
I've found cleaner car wax does an extremely good job on paint like this, cleans up a lot of old stains and leaves a nice protective shine and zero smear residue.
That's a great suggestion. I'm sure Honda employed some of the same paint techniques from the automotive side of the business, so that's worth a try. Thank you.
Great save on this little Honda. I also watch John Daniel
As always, thank-you!
And to the YTer that put up the video showing the proper plate bend. We must've all held our breath fearing a fatigue snap!
It would have been expensive to fix if it broke. But did see that the e300 uses the same carb with a manual choke and those were on eBay used. Still a lot of cash but not as bad as the one I found specifically for this machine.
The number of hollow ground screwdrivers you have is inspiring.
It's beautiful! Almost like what a Sony generator would have looked like.
Great addition to your honda and a beach party in the 70's :)
Nice work. Small capacity, but if the power is out, those 300W could be a life saver.
Another great Video James. I hope your not getting rid of your mechanical torque wrench? The click, click of it is very satisfying 🤣🤣.
Still have it. Needed to upgrade to one that can torque in either direction for left and right hand threads.
James, good job once again with filming and editing. Dealing with such a small piece and finding all the best angles for a good shot can't be simple. Most enjoyable.
The damn thing looks like a radio more than a generator. Kind of cute, I like it.
That old thing runs great. 85psi compression for that little engine is good. Nice fix. I think the over $500 price tag for that new carb is ridiculous though.
I did find cheaper alternatives. Looks like the e300 has the same carb but a manual choke. Manual choke would have been better. 3 minutes for the auto choke to come off is a little slow.
To fix the starter problem, I’d be putting a hole through the grill so you can get to the nut on the flywheel. It’s how I start my mower, built a ratchet 1/4” hex drive adapter with the right sized socket for the nut to start with a cordless drill. I only have one arm and a buggered shoulder. Works great for me. Loved your work and have subscribed 👍🏻
I love watching these videos and proving you can fix instead of throwing away everything.
Pretty damn good for a 50 yr old genny….can’t see many of today’s lasting that long and still doing what it’s designed for 👍👌🇮🇲
Great video! You have me some valuable information I needed for my em400! Thank you
Honda of Japan has always had a legacy of design and engineering greatness.
Old generators are the best James, they're pretty reliable once you get them running again and as always have a great day
Foat bowl and the brass float corrosion you are seeing is most likely Galvanic. Dissimilar metals IE: Brass/Aluminum in proximity will produce electrolytic corrosion. One metal acting as an anode and the other(s) acting as a cathode. This electro- imbalance of potential in presence of atmospheric or liquid agents can accelerate this process. Hence the unusual appearance of the corrosion you commented upon. Oxygen is by its nature a highly corrosive agent. During your carb disassembly note the corrosion extending up to the brass jet port. (Many small engine manufactures have replaced the brass floats with plastic ones.) On a side note, the use of Ethanol fuel contains higher ppm of free oxygen supposedly to reduce CO and CO2 emissions in internal combustion refined oil engines. I enjoy your videos and respect your methodical approach to Fixing stuff. Peace from west Texas.
James, to remove the flywheel, take out the 8mm bolt, and use the 14mm oil fill plug from underneath the front bulb panel. You don't need any other bolt.
Runs great with a cleaned Carb and it makes power nice
This was a great video. I just picked one of these up. Same color except it's like brand new looking. Looks like mine has never been apart. It came with a spare spark plug, fuse, and tool kit under the side covers. One thing I noticed is the set screw you were having trouble with. It is upside-down. The screw comes up from the bottom. The side panel with the rubber intake boot has just enough play to remove those 2 screws in the carb. So you can keep the boot glued.
I'm going to mess with it tomorrow. Hope it fires just as easily as this one. Thanks again!
Amazing that a 50 year old machine still runs and makes power ! Wish the modern versions that would be a miracle to even start ! Let alone make power !
Amazing to see and hear something this old still run and do as intended without issues
It might be worth cleaning the silencer, my E300 readily runs full output and is older, Terrific little machines, they do recommend they are stored with the engine against compression in order to ensure that the points are closed, about the only issue mine has been dirty points. The oil and gas for the air filter I believe is to use the ensure the oil is thin enough to distribute around the sponge, the gas boils off leaving a thin but even distribution of oil. They are useful machines and well thought out by Honda, the 12v output for battery charging is useful but the connectors are hard to get hold of.
Just saw one of these in person on Friday. Very cool.
54:15 I love the way the front cover wobbles differently to the rest of the generator. It has real character.
Love that little genset.
Ideal for camping.
What a cute little generator.
Thanks James for the great video. I have a similar Honda EM300.
Do you know the secret behind the better THD when the load is increased?
The output voltage regulating mechanism on these old generators is very interesting.
Modern generators are AVR, capacitor excited, cycloconverter or inverter type, but this old Honda generator is neither of these.
The output power of the permanent magnet synchronous generator is wasted by the reactor as required, in order to stabilise the final output voltage.
When there is no load, the THD is heavily distorted because most of the power is consumed by the (internal)reactor. As the connected load is increased, the consumption in the reactor decreases and approaches the output of a pure permanent magnet synchronous generator, resulting in an improved THD.
This is a very inefficient way of doing things, however, it is a very simple and very robust system, consisting entirely of passive elements.
Amazingly, Honda has published an owner's manual for the E400 generator on the web, so please take a look." WIRING DIAGRAM" for a full overview.
I respect for the engineers who came up with this ingenious system and brought it to the world.
James, This brings back memories. you use the drain plug as the extractor. Points are on the generator end.
That is amazing that a generator lasted that long. I have an 18 year old generator that is still in the original packaging. It has never had oil or gas in it. It is definitely a unique situation. It might make an interesting video.
glad you got the echo spark tester!! good stuff as always!
Like everything made before 1995, it's not designed to break immediately. Imagine that, a company that actually makes a quality product, wow, what a thing of the past.
It was nice seeing you using hollow ground screw drivers. Most people don’t have them or know why they’re better for slotted screws.
I use them for gun repair all the time so I got a set for shop to
Well this is extremely useful knowledge, thanks!
Another great video. When I first sawn this I thought it was an old school radio.
I have a buddy that collects these old honda generators... that one there is in mint shape !
Wish it was mine.
Honda rocks, have 2 41 year honda bikes that run like new
I just purchased a Honda ER 400 in candy gold, in working conditions very excited. I love your video's
James, can you only use unlleaded gas? Can you not use ethanol free?
To be safe you should use ethanol free if you have access to it. I unfortunately had to use gas with ethanol in it for testing.
Great video - well done!
I. have the E-300 version which runs perfectly.
A few tip...
No need what so ever to use 2-stroke fuel. It is a 4-stroke after all.
When finished using the generator, you have to plan that it will start first time every time by following the following simple procedure.
This applied to all single cylinder engines - even lawnmowers
1-Stop the engine
2-Remove the cover to gain access to the carburettor
3-open the drain screw on the bottom of the bowl
4-close the drain screw after all the fuel has drained
5-replace the panel
6-slowly pull the recoil starter until the engine is on compression
The engine when stored has both valves closed - so less likely to allow moisture into the cylinder/valves and cause rust
Finally - fill the fuel tank to the brim - so no air in the tank - so rust unlikely
Now...
To start the engine turn the start lever to on - which will allow totally fresh fuel into the carburettor
Slowly pull the engine over twice to make sure all is well
Pull cord sharply and the engine will start
Hope this helps
How do I know all this?
I worked for the one and only Honda Motor Company for many, many years :-)
Amazing build quality. Of course its small size makes it less convenient for service, but quid pro quo.
Your gentle and sensible service approach is great.
A few years ago I was given, by my fam, a 09 Honda crv. Had a broken a/c and 119k miles, nothing! So I saved and had the a/c replaced and I’ve just babied her. Awesome awesome car. Made me a Honda guy. I believe she’ll run and make power before I even watch.
Good car. I drive a 2014 CRV and never had an issue other then common maintenance.
Hi James - this video was great showing how good Honda power equipment was in the day - just think of the designers making this - all hand drawn papers etc no CAD and 3d modelling. Very impressive build quality. Well done James. I hope Justin looks after it.
I will be looking after this little unit and I’m happy to have it. I too appreciate the “old school” pen and paper, solid engineering approach of these older Honda products.
What a treat James! This was like going back in time to when I was a kid working on my engines at home! Wonderful video!
I just love that you attacked that engine that is older than you with all the confidence of a five year old wearing a Batman costume! Great work! I eagerly await all of your videos!
I think we are about the same age.
Love seeing your generators running again. Love your show.
that's an awesome looking little unit. that 12v socket could be mistaken for an Australian outlet, even worse the plug that goes into it might fit an Aussie outlet.
This was so good to watch.
I guess in 1970 there wasn't many things that cared about frequency and waveform.
Just gotta love a machine that was young when I was, too 😊 Thanks for whispering it back to life.
Thank you. Thoroughly enjoyed watching you work.
It is so gratifying to see someone work on an older machine that was made well, unlike the flimsy, 70 percent plastic, made in china junk that is being dumped on the U.S. retail market today.
That is a minor miracle how clean that carb came. The real money in this generator is in parts. Or a collector
Nice little generator, James. It certainly held its own for being 50 plus years old. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Brian, I'm just curious if you're cut or uncut?🍌🤭
@@Sebastian16753 Sorry, Sebastian. You'll be staying curious.
Actually that’s very impressive for an old generator 2 thumbs up
Always like the colors they used on these Honda machines, great video, always enjoy
Its a great color.