rebuilding a honda generator

[plotthound]

hey all.ive got an older Honda generator that needs to be freshened up.its an EX 650 and was used when I bought it 17 years ago.i cant even imagine how many hours are on it.its burning quite a bit of oil now and really labours under load.is it WORTH REBUILDING?ive never had a generator apart before and would like some advice before I tear into this little baby.

cheers

[KE4AVB]

All depends on what valvue you put on it, how are you will to spend, and do have the necessary tools. Parts looks to be around 200 usd, just a rough estimate without seeing the engine itself in my shop. Hondas are known to be very good generator sets; although, this particular generator was phased out around 1998-99.

As far as the rebuilding it is not much different than any other horizontal single cylinder engine with the exception the power alternator assembly must be removed first.

I found a couple problems noted on the net about these engines. First have you decoke the engine; otherwise, know as cleaning out the carbon build-up? A way to tell if might just be needing cleaning is to plug something in that is about 550 watts if the engine speed drops drastically then it might just need a good cylinder cleaning. See where you said using oil so the strikeout text doesn't relate to this problem; although, it can still have a good amount of carbon buildup.

Another problem that is reported to happen is that the EX650 had a tendency to lock up the bolt nearest the exhaust due to high temperature in that area, metal from the engine fuses with the bolt so as you undo it locks, further turning breaks the bolt so you have to drill out and insert a helical thread. One missing bolt will lower the compression due to the head gasket leaking.

[plotthound]

thanks for the info.if I can get away with 200 bux worth of parts that would be a cheap fix.the only thing I don't have is valve grinder or seat cutter tools.looks like the best thing to do is tear into it and see whats shakin in there.do you have any good sources for Honda parts?


cheers

[bgsengine]

All depends on what valve VALUE you put on it,

Fixed it for ya

[KE4AVB]

I would give http://www.jackssmallengines.com/ a try for the parts look-up and the parts. Once you get your numbers you can always google those numbers to if there is a better deal overall on parts. Sometimes http://www.boats.net/ have them priced better but not always.

As for valve seats you probably can hand grind them or at least that I what do here as I don't have the seat cutters here either; just don't do enough rebuilds to even justify the cost of those tools.

[HondaG100]

I have been very impressed with the prices on Honda parts from http://www.partspak.com/ . My second order is on its way.

[plotthound]

that's great guys,parts are fairly reasonably priced.this little generator is well worth spending a few bux on.way cheaper then buying a new one.


thanks

[plotthound]

so I got a pleasant surprise today.phoned the local Honda powerhouse here in barrie Ontario and parts prices are about the same as in the states.actually cheaper without the exchange and shipping.

[38racing]

so I got a pleasant surprise today.phoned the local Honda powerhouse here in barrie Ontario and parts prices are about the same as in the states.actually cheaper without the exchange and shipping.

What is the business name? My binlaw is just north of barrie and has some honda equipment. He could ship me stuff too.

[plotthound]

pm sent 38racing