Owner’s Manual

EM3000•EM4000

©1994 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. — All Rights Reserved

Thank you for purchasing a Honda generator.

This manual covers operation and maintenance of the EM 3000 and EM4000
generators. All information in this publication is based on the latest product
information available at the time of approval for printing.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without
notice and without incurring any obligation.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.

This manual should be considered a permanent part of the generator and

remain with the generator when sold.

Pay special attention to statements preceded by the following words:

m Indicates a strong possibility of severe personal injury or loss of

life if instructions are not followed.

CAUTION: Indicates a possibility of personal injury or equipment damage if

instructions are not followed.

NOTE: Gives helpful information.

If a problem should arise, or if you have any questions about the generator,
consult an authorized Honda dealer.

w The Honda generator is designed to give safe and dependable

service if operated according to instructions. Read and understand the
Owner’s Manual before operating the generator. Failure to do so could result
in personal injury or equipment damage. I
CONTENTS

CONTENTS
1. GENERATOR SAFETY ................................... 1
2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION ............................ 2
3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK ................................. 4
4. STARTING THE ENGINE ................................... 8
5. GENERATOR USE ....................................... 11
6. STOPPING THE ENGINE .................................. 14
7, MAINTENANCE ......................................... 16
8. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE ............................... 25
9. TROUBLESHOOTING .................................... 27
10. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................ 30
11. WIRING DIAGRAM ...................................... 31
 1. GENERATOR SAFETY

To ensure safe operation -

l Place the generator at least 1 m (3 ft) away from buildings or other

equipment when operating the generator.
l Operate the generator on a level surface.
If the generator is tilted, fuel spillage may result.
l Exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide.
Never run the generator in an enclosed area.
Be sure to provide adequate ventilation.
l Know how to stop the generator quickly and understand operation of all
the controls. Never permit anyone to operate the generator without proper
instructions.
l Keep children and pets away from the generator when it is in operation.
l Keep away from rotating parts while the generator is running.
l The generator is a potential source of electrical shocks when misued; do not
operate with wet hands.
Do not operate the generator in rain or snow and do not let it get wet.
 2. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION

VOLT METER PILOT LAMP

VOLTAGE SELECTOR AC CIRCUIT BREAKER

SWITCH
\ DC CIRCUIT
ENGINE SWITCH

FUEL VALVE ,\ \
RECEPTACLES

RECOIL ,/
STARTER,
GRIP

-
OIL
FILLER
CAP
I
ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUi;

2
 SPARK PLUG COVER

FUEL GAUGE
FUEL TANK CAP
\ \ /

tkJFFLER

3
 3. PRE-OPERATION CHECK

CAUTION: Be sure to check the generator on a level surface with the engine
stopped.

1. Check the engine oil level.

CAUTION: Engine oil is a major factor affecting engine performance and

service life. Non-detergent or vegetable oils are not reommended.

Use Honda cl-stroke oil, or an equivalent high detergent, premium quality

motor oil certified to meet or exceed U.S. automobile manufacturer’s
requirements for Service Classification SE or SF. (Motor oils classified SE
or SF will show this designation on the container.)
SAE low-40 is recommended for general, all-temperature use.

Remove the oil filler cap and check the oil level.
If the level is low, fill to the top of the oil filler neck with the recom-
mended oil.

CAUTION: Running the engine with insufficient cil can cause serious
engine damage.

-20 0 20 40 60 60 1OBF
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40-c

FILLER HOLi OIL FILLER CAP

j 4
NOTE: vyhen the oil runs lower than the specified level during operation,
the oil alert switch automatically turns off to protect the engine from
overheating.
If this occurs, add oil to the top of the filler hole neck, then turn the switch
on and restart the engine according to the instructions.

OIL ALERT SWITCH

5
2. Check the fuel level.
Use any regular grade automotive gasoline (unleaded gasoline is preferred)
with a pump octane rating of 86 or higher.

Never use an oil/gasoline mixture or dirty gasoline. Avoid getting dirt, dust
or water in the fuel tank.

CAUTION: Gasoline substitutes are not recommended; they may be

harmful to the fuel system components.

l Gasoline is extremely flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

Refuel in a well ventilated area with the engine stopped.
l Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the generator
is refueled or where gasoline is stored.
l Do not overfill the tank and make sure the filler cap is securely closed
after refueling.
l Be careful not to spill fuel when refueling. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may
ignite. If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before starting the
engine.

LEVEL GAUGE

6
3. Make sure that the AC circuit breaker is OFF and that nothing is con-
nected to the DC terminals.
The generator may be hard to start if a load is connected.

AC ClRCUlT BREAKER

DC TERMINALS
 4. STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Turn the fuel valve on.

FUEL VALVE

2. Pull the choke rod to CLOSE.

CHOKE ROD
3. Turn the oil alert switch on.

4. Turn the engine switch on.

ENGI

9
5. Pull the starter grip until compression is felt, then pull briskly.

NOTE: Do not allow the starter grip to snap back. Return it slowly by
hand.
STARTER GRIP

6. Push the choke rod to OPEN as the engine warms up.

CHOKE ROD
 5. GENERATOR USE

w To prevent electrical shock from faulty appliances, the generator

should be grounded. Connect a length of heavy wire between the ground
terminal and the ground source.

CAUTION:
l Limit operation requiring maximum power (EM3000: 3.0kVA. EM4000:
4.0 kVA) to 30 minutes.
For continuous operation, do not exceed the ‘rated power of 2.8 WA
(EM3000) and 3.8 kVA (EM4000).
In either case, the total wattage of all appliances connected must be
considered.
l Do not exceed the current limit specified for any one receptacle.
l Connections’for emergency power to household circuits must be made by
a qualified electrician and must comply with all applicable laws and electri-
cal codes. Improper installation may result in personal injury or damaget0
equipment or property.

11
AC applications

1. Start the engine and make sure the pilot lamp comes on. If not, the
filament may be burnt out.
2. Turn the voltage selector switch to either position as required. When the
switch is turned to “120V ONLY” position, you can use only 120V AC.
At “12OVf24OV” position, you can use both 120V and 240V sources.
3. Switch on the AC Circuit Breaker.
4. Plug in the appliance.

CAUTION: Be sure that appliances do not exceed the rated load for more
than 30 minutes, and never exceed the maximum load. Substantial over-
loading will switch off the circuit breaker. Lesser overloading will not
switch off the circuit breaker and will shorten the service life of the gen-
erator.
NOTE: This generator is equipped with an AVR (Automatic Voltage
Regulator) for stable voltage supply.

PILOT
LAMP
I
VOLTAGE
SELECTOR
SWITCH

12
DC application

The DC terminals may be used for charging 12 volt automotive-type batteries

only.

m Batteries produce explosive gases. Keep sparks, flames, and

cigarettes away. To prevent the possibility of creating .a spark near the
battery, connect charging cables first to the battery, then to the generator,
and disconnect cables first at the generator.

CAUTION:
l Do not attempt to start an automobile engine with the generator still
connected to the battery. The generator may be damaged.
l Connect the positive battery terminal to the positive generator terminal. Do
not reverse the charging cables, or serious damage to the generator and/or
battery may occur.

NOTE:
l The DC terminals may be used while the AC power is in use.
l An overloaded DC circuit will trip the DC circuit protector (push button
comes out). If this happens, wait a few minutes before pushing the circuit
protector to resume operation.

NEGATIVE POSITIVE
TERMINAL TERMINAL
(BLACK) (RED)

13 '
 6. STOPPING THE ENGINE

To stop the engine in an emergency, turn the engine switch OFF.

In normal use:
1. Turn the AC circuit breakers OFF and or disconnect the charging leads at the
DC terminals.

AC CIRCUIT BREAKER

2. Turn the engine switch OFF.

-ENGINE SWITCH

14
3. Turn the fuel valve OFF.

FUEL VALVE

15
7. MAINTENANCE

The purpose of the maintenance schedule and adjustment is to keep the

generator in the best operating condition.
Inspect or service as scheduled in the table on the next page.

m Shut off the engine before performing any maintenance. If the

engine must be run, make sure the area is well ventilated. The exhaust
contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

CAUTION: Use only genuine HONDA parts or their equivalent. The use of
replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may damage the
generator.
Maintenance Schedule

erform at every indi-

Spark arrester Clean every 100 operating hours.

NOTE (1) : Service more frequently when used in dusty areas.

(2) : These items should be serviced by an authorized Honda dealer, unless the
owner has the proper tools and is mechanically proficient. See the Honda
Shop Manual.
 Tool kit
The tools supplied are necessary for performing some periodic maintenance,
simple adjustments and repairs.
Always keep the kit with the generator.

Changing oil
Drain the oil -while the engine is still warm to assure rapid and complete
draining.

1. Remove the drain plug and filler cap, and drain the oil. Retighten the plug
securely.
2. Refill with the-recommended oil (see page 4) and check the level.

DRAIN PLUG

FILLER CAP

18
Air cleaner service
A dirty air cleaner will restrict air flow to the carburetor. To prevent
carburetor malfunction, service the air cleaner regularly (page 20). Service
more frequently when operating the generator in extremely dusty areas.

m Never use gasoline or low flash point solvents for cleaning the air
cleaner element. A fire or explosion could result.

CAUTION: Never run the generator without the air cleaner. Rapid engine
wear may result

1. Unsnap the clips, remove the air cleaner cover and remove the element.

AIR CLEANER CLIP AIR CLEANER

ELEMENT
\ l

‘CLIP

19
2. Wash the element in a non-flammable or high flash point solvent and dry it
thoroughly.
3. Soak the element in clean engine oil and squeeze out the excess oil.
4. Reinstall the air cleaner element and the cover.

20
Fuel filter service
The filter prevents dirt or water which may be in the fuel tank from entering
the carburetor. If the engine has not been run for a long time, the filter should
be cleaned.

I. Turn the fuel valve OFF. Remove the filter cup.

2. Clean the cup thoroughly.
3. Reassemble. Do not damage the rubber gasket.

m After installing the filter cup, check for fuel leaks and make sure
the area is dry before starting the engine.

FUEL VALVE

21
Spark plug service
Recommended spark plug: BPR4HS-10 (NG K)
W14FPR-ULlO (ND)
To ensure proper engine operation, the spark plug .must be properly gapped
and free of deposits.

1. Remove the spark plug cover.

2. Clean any dirt from around the spark piug base.
3. Remove the spark plug cap.

PLbG CAP

22
4. Use the wrench supplied in the tool kit to remove the spark plug.
5. Visually inspect the spark plug. Discard it if the insulator is cracked or
chipped.
6. Measure the plug gap with a feeler gauge.
The gap should be 0.9-1.0 mm (0.035-0.039 in). Correct as necessary by
bending the side electrode.
7. Attach the plug washer. Thread the plug in by hand to prevent
cross-threading.
8. Tighten a new spark plug l/2 turn with the wrench to compress the washer.
If you are reusing a plug, it should only take l/8-1/4 turn after the plug
seats.
CAUTION:
l The spark plug must be securely tightened. An improperly tightened plug
can become very hot and possibly damagethe generator.
l Never use a spark plug with an improper heat range.

PLUG
GAP
0.9-l .O mm
(0.035-0.039 inl

23
Spark arrester maintenance

w If the generator has been running, the muffler will be very hot.
Allow it to cool before proceeding.

CAUTION: The spark arrester must be serviced every 100 hours to maintain
its efficiency.

1. Loosen the bolts and nuts and remove the muffler.

2. Loosen two 8mm bolts to remove the exhaust pipe.
3. Check the muffler exhaust port for carbon deposits; clean if necessary.
4. Remove the spark arrester from the muffler.
Clean the screen and inspect it for damage. Replace if necessary.
5. Install the spark arrester in the muffler.
Install the muffler and gasket and tighten the bolts and nuts securdy.

mm NUTS EXHAUST PIPE

\

MUFFLER ’ 8yLTS 8mm BOLTS

PROTECTOR

24
 8. TRANSPORTING/STORAGE

w When transporting the generator, turn the engine switch OFF and
keep the generator level to prevent fuel spillage. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may
ignite.

Before storing the unit for an extended period:

1. Be sure the storage area is free of excessive humidity and dust.
2. Drain the fuel -
With the fuel valve OFF, remove and empty the filter cup..
z: Turn the fuel valve ON and drain the gasoline in the fuel tank into a
suitable container.
C. Replace the filter cup and tighten securely.

I FUEL VALVE

FILTER CUP

25
 d. Drain the carburetor by loosening the drain screw. Drain the gasoline
into a suitable container.

DRAIN /
SCREW

e. Pull the starter grip until resistance is felt; the piston is coming up on its
compression stroke. At this position, the exhaust and intake valves are
closed, and this will help protect the engine from corrosion.

STARTER
GRIP

26
 9. TROUBLESHOOTING

A. When the engine wil! not stati:

1. Is there enough fuel?
2. Is the fuel valve on?
3. Is gasoline reaching the carburetor?
To check, loosen the drain screw with the fuel valve on.
m If any fuel is spilled, make sure the area is dry before testing
the spark plug or starting the engine. Fuel vapor or spilled fuel may
ignite.

DRAIN SCREW

4. Is there enough oil in the crankcase? Is the oil alert switch on?
5. Is the AC circuit breaker off and nothing .connected to the DC
terminals?
6. Is the engine switch on?
7. Is there a spark at the spark plug (page 22 )?
 a. Remove the spark plug cover and cap. Clean any dirt from around
the spark plug base, then remove the spark plug.
b. Install the spark plug in the plug cap.
c. Turn the engine switch on.
d. Turn the oil alert switch on.
e. Grounding the side electrode to the stay, pull the recoil starter to see
if sparks jump across the gap.

OIL ALERT
1 SWITCH
GROUNDING
STAY
\

STARTER

ENGINE
SWITCH

f. If there are no sparks, replace the plug.

If OK, try to start the engine according to the instructions.
8. If the engine still does not start, take the generator to the dealer.

28
B. When the engine starts but stops immediately:
Is there enough oil in the crankcase?
If not, the oil alert switch will turn off after starting.

C. No electricity at the AC receptacles:

1. Are the AC circuit breakers on?
2. Check the electrical appliance or equipment for any defects.

D. No electricity at the DC terminals:

1. Is the DC circuit protector on?
2. Check the electrical appliance or equipment for any defects.

29
 10. SPEClFlCATlQNS

Dimensions

Length x Width x Height EM3000: 605 x 425 x 545mm

(23.8 x 16.7 x 21.5 in)
EM4000: 650 x 425 x 575mm
(25.6 x 16.7 x 22.6 in)
Dry weight EM3000: 64.0kg (141.1 lb)
EM4000: 81 .Okg (178.6 lb)

Engine

Model Honda GE300 Honda G E400

Engine Type 4-stroke, side valve, 1 cylinder
Displacement 272cm3 (16.6 cu in) 406cm3 (24.8 cu in)
[Bore x Stroke] [76x60mm (3.0x2.4 in)] [86x70mm (3.4x2.8 in)]
c
Compression Rqtio 6.5 : 1 6.8 : 1
Engine Speed 3,600 rpm
’ Cooling System Forced air cooling
ignition System C.D.I.
Oil Capacity 1.211(1.27 US qt)
Fuel Tank Capacity 16.59 (4.4 US gal)
Spark Plug BPR4HS10 (NGK)
W14FPR-ULlO (ND)

Generator
Rated voltage 12OVf 240v
Rated frequency 60Hz
EM3000: 23.5/12A
Rated ampere
EM4000: 32/l 6A
AC output
EM3000: 2.8kVA (2800W)
Rated output
EM4000: 3.BkVA (3800W)
Maximum -..*-.._ EM3000: 3.OkVA (3OOOW)
output
I EM4000: 4.0kVA i4OOOW)
1
Only for charging 12V automotive
DC output batteries.
Maximum charging output = 8.3A I
 (IINIRAKIR
r----------------------..

O”N0
AUlNAL

L ______m__________ --------J 1 P 1
L----- _______ -----------L-z. ------
c

I3 . . . . . . BLACK
G . , . . * * .GREEN
RED
k::::: .WHITE
 Warranty Service
Owner Satisfaction

Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your dealer and to us.
All Honda warranty details are explained in the Distributor’s Limited
Warranty. Normally, any problems concerning the product will be handled
by your dealer’s service department. If you have a warranty problem that
has not been handled to your satisfaction, we suggest you take the follow-
ing action:

l Discuss your problem with a member of dealership management. Of-

ten complaints can be quickly resolved at that level. If the problem
has already been reviewed with the Service Manager, contact the
owner of the dealership or the General Manager.

l If your problem still has not been resolved to your satisfaction, con-
tact the Customer Relations Department at the regional office of Ameri-
can Honda Motor Co., Inc. in your area. Regional office locations are
shown on the following page. We will need the following information
in order to assist you:
-Your name, address, and telephone number

-Engine model and serial number

-Date of purchase

-Dealer name and address

-Nature of the problem

After reviewing all the facts involved, you will be advisedof what action
can be taken. Please bear in mind that your problem will likely be re-
solved at the dealership, using the dealer’s facilities, equidment, and
personnel, so it is very important that your initial contact be with the
dealer.

Your purchase of a Honda engine is greatly appreciated by both the

dealer and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. We want to assist you in ev-
ery way possible to assure your complete satisfaction with your
purchase.

32
Regional Office Locations

MIDWEST REGIONAL OFFICE NORTHEAST REGIONAL OFFCE

American Honda Motor Co.. Inc. American Honda Mot01 CO.. Inc.
Cmtomer Relations Depsrtment Customer Rslrtions DsPsrtment
NORTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE P.O. Box 22
(includes Alaska1 P.O. 60x 749
Greendale. Wisconsin 53129 Moorenown. New Jermv 08057
American Honda Motor Co.. Ins. Telephone: 14141421-9300 Telephone: (6091 Z’stlG6
Customer Relations Dspsrtmsnt . I
P.O. 60x 30286
Portland. Ore@on 97220
T&phone: (6031256-l 186

J \ \*

WESTERN’REGIONAL OFFICE
(includes Hawaii)
Americm Honda Motor CO.. Inc.
Customer Relations Department
P.O. Box 420
Gardena. California 90247
Telsphona: (21316042624
/ An-t&an Honda Motor Co. Inc..
SOUTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE Power Equipment Division.
American Honda Motor Co.. Inc. Customer Relations Otttie
Customa Relations Ospsnment
P.O. Box 6406
4900Marconi Drive
Irving. Texas 75062 Alpharetta, GA 30005-8847
Telephone: (214) 266.6663 Telephone: (770) 497-9400
Current customer service contact information:

United States, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands:

Honda Power Equipment dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should
be able to answer any question you may have. If you encounter a problem that your
dealer does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's
management. The Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all problems
are solved in this way.

If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact
the Honda Power Equipment Customer Relations Office. You can write:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Power Equipment Division
Customer Relations Office
4900 Marconi Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005-8847
Or telephone: (770) 497-6400 M-F, 8:30 am - 7:00 pm EST

When you write or call, please provide the following information:

• Model and serial numbers

• Name of the dealer who sold the Honda power equipment to you

• Name and address of the dealer who services your equipment

• Date of purchase

• Your name, address, and telephone number

• A detailed description of the problem

NOTE
 POM 53161

31899010 AHM 00809909

Printed on
00X31-899-0100 Recycled Paper PRINTED IN U.S.A.