Honeywell HW2000i - 2000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Jim Baugher,
Product Expert
Bolingbrook, IL

Well, I am not sure what to think...First of I read all the reviews on this unit before purchasing so I knew what I could and what I could not expect...which was great...In particular the starting instructions were very helpful.

On that note, mine started on the 3rd pull out of the box, and has since then between 3-8 pulls. Considering that I drag this thing along bumpy gravel roads, starting has not been an issue.

What I have found though is that it will NOT run my microwave -( 1460w)... it surges, and I have not even attempted my AC unit. It will run the TV, and the heater fan and charge the batteries with all lights on in my unit, but I could not get it to run just the microwave, with nothing else on. Did I mention I have 27ft BH Tango?

So all and all, so far, it is doing 3 out of the 5 things, so I guess it deserves a 3 out of 5. I will let you know how it starts in hunting season, when it gets 15 below.

Well, I am not sure what to think...First of I read all the reviews on this unit before purchasing so I knew what I could and what I could not expect...which was great...In particular the starting instructions were very helpful.

On that note, mine started on the 3rd pull out of the box, and has since then between 3-8 pulls. Considering that I drag this thing along bumpy gravel roads, starting has not been an issue.

What I have found though is that it will NOT run my microwave -( 1460w)... it surges, and I have not even attempted my AC unit. It will run the TV, an... more

Needing a good camping and light duty emergency generator, I was taken in by the 2000i. I got it at a local big box store, took it home and eagerly unpacked it.

Being a mechanic and electrician and having read a lot of hard starting reviews, I took it to my shop bench. First the Delo 15W-40 oil and 1.5 gallons of fuel per the manual. Full choke and it took about 50 pulls to start. But it ran nicely and produced good power...

I tried many things to try to lessen the 50-pull start. I studied the gravity feed fuel system, the height of the carburetor and the height of the fuel tank. I noted how the hoses dropped way down to the valve and then up again to the carb.

Then I remembered one sentence I had read in the book "Unit starts more easily on a full tank of fuel".

Thinking it couldn't be that easy, I added about another quart of fuel, so I had about 12" deep at the bottom of the fuel strainer, pulled the rope and it started on the first pull!

Gravity fed fuel systems can be a bit of a pain especially when the carb is mounted as high as it is in the 2000i.

Summary - Fill the fuel tank!!!

Needing a good camping and light duty emergency generator, I was taken in by the 2000i. I got it at a local big box store, took it home and eagerly unpacked it.

Being a mechanic and electrician and having read a lot of hard starting reviews, I took it to my shop bench. First the Delo 15W-40 oil and 1.5 gallons of fuel per the manual. Full choke and it took about 50 pulls to start. But it ran nicely and produced good power...

I tried many things to try to lessen the 50-pull start. I studied the gravity feed fuel system, the height of the carburetor and the height ... more

I am on my second one; Honeywell replaced the first one due to surging.

This one is hard to start- I can pull for hours and nothing happens. If I let it sit, sometimes it will start- the fuel primer system does not work well.

I have 3 other generators, I bought this one for my emergency ham radio station. I think it is worthless Chinese junk, and Honeywell should be ashamed to put their name on it.

EGD RESPONDS: Honeywell will stand behind their 2 year warranty, even on a replacement unit. Please give them a call at (888) 494-3571 and let them make it right.

Folks may also want to take a look at our video "How To Start An Inverter Generator" from April 14, 2010; it may save some frustration.

I am on my second one; Honeywell replaced the first one due to surging.

This one is hard to start- I can pull for hours and nothing happens. If I let it sit, sometimes it will start- the fuel primer system does not work well.

I have 3 other generators, I bought this one for my emergency ham radio station. I think it is worthless Chinese junk, and Honeywell should be ashamed to put their name on it.

EGD RESPONDS: Honeywell will stand behind their 2 year warranty, even on a replacement unit. Please give them a call at (888) 494-3571 and let them make ... more

I have to agree with some of the other comments on this model.

After I brought my new unit home I serviced it and started it. It took quite a few pulls the first time but I attributed that to it not having gas in it when I got it. It did start and does run slightly rough and is just a little noisy.

But like others have stated, for the price the noise can be lived with. I wish it was a little lighter but it is what it is. I too noticed this generator seems to need to be choked every time, even when warm.

After I warmed it up I shut it off and tried to restart. With no choking it would not start. As soon as I choked it started within a few pulls. Seems like 3-8 pulls will be normal for starting.

It runs my RV AC and that is what I mainly bought it for. That and charging my batteries. Plus maybe my electric chain saw when I can't use the gas one. Now I may not ever have to take my gas saw camping.

I have to agree with some of the other comments on this model.

After I brought my new unit home I serviced it and started it. It took quite a few pulls the first time but I attributed that to it not having gas in it when I got it. It did start and does run slightly rough and is just a little noisy.

But like others have stated, for the price the noise can be lived with. I wish it was a little lighter but it is what it is. I too noticed this generator seems to need to be choked every time, even when warm.

After I warmed it up I shut it off and trie... more

The unit runs well when you get it started, but it takes 8 to 12 pulls to get it to fire.

It should start a lot easier than that- fuel doesn't get to the carb when cold.

EGD RESPONDS: You may want to take a look at the video we produced on "How To Start An Inverter Generator" for some tips- we used a Honeywell unit for the demo.

Just click on the "Buyer's Guides" button at the bottom of our web site, then select Storm Stories and scroll down until you see the title.

You could also give the folks at Honeywell Tech Support a call (toll free) at (888) 494-3571 to see if they have any advice on easier starting.

The unit runs well when you get it started, but it takes 8 to 12 pulls to get it to fire.

It should start a lot easier than that- fuel doesn't get to the carb when cold.

EGD RESPONDS: You may want to take a look at the video we produced on "How To Start An Inverter Generator" for some tips- we used a Honeywell unit for the demo.

Just click on the "Buyer's Guides" button at the bottom of our web site, then select Storm Stories and scroll down until you see the title.

You could also give the folks at Honeywell Te... more

Electric Generator Direct delivered on time, great job.

This unit is junk unless you are a mechanic or live next to a service center. It will not start without at least 50 pumps at full choke and 10 pulls. Then it runs real lean and quits running when the electrical load is applied.

I am a licensed mechanic, so I called Honeywell to explain the issue of excessively lean fuel mixture. They are sending me a fuel bulb because they have many air leaks through them which cause a lean mixture.

Also, when you get it to run, if spraying WD40 at the carburetor to manifold joint the RPM goes up, it indicates an air leak there. I have another call into them on this. I may have to make a new gasket for that if I can't get a replacement.

I have had to adjust the idle mixture screw to keep it running. Once I get the carb air leak fixed it may run OK and carry an electrical load.

If I was not a mechanic I would be out of luck like many others have reported on numerous sites. My advice- buy a Honda or Yamaha unless you want a project to tinker with.

Electric Generator Direct delivered on time, great job.

This unit is junk unless you are a mechanic or live next to a service center. It will not start without at least 50 pumps at full choke and 10 pulls. Then it runs real lean and quits running when the electrical load is applied.

I am a licensed mechanic, so I called Honeywell to explain the issue of excessively lean fuel mixture. They are sending me a fuel bulb because they have many air leaks through them which cause a lean mixture.

Also, when you get it to run, if spraying WD40 at the carbu... more

Just received my new 2000i and after reading some of the reviews, I was concerned about starting it for the first time.

Followed all the prep instructions prior to starting and was pleased to hear the unit spring to life on the 4th pull of the starter cord. Should also mention that it was 15 degrees outside. Two hours later, I tried it again and it started on the third pull (still 15 degrees outside). The next day, after sitting in the garage all night, the unit started again with no problems (10 degrees outside).

Before purchasing the Honeywell unit, I was forced to return a competitive unit that did not run correctly. It started but would not idle or handle a small load. There were no dealers within a 150 miles so it went back to the big box store.

One reason for purchasing the Honeywell unit was the large number of local dealers in my area. I was comfortable that if there were problems, it could be handled without having to ship the unit somewhere.

This new unit replaces a Honda inverter that didn't know how to swim or float. I will report back after putting it thru the paces this summer.

Just received my new 2000i and after reading some of the reviews, I was concerned about starting it for the first time.

Followed all the prep instructions prior to starting and was pleased to hear the unit spring to life on the 4th pull of the starter cord. Should also mention that it was 15 degrees outside. Two hours later, I tried it again and it started on the third pull (still 15 degrees outside). The next day, after sitting in the garage all night, the unit started again with no problems (10 degrees outside).

Before purchasing the Honeywell unit, I was forc... more

I don't know who wrote these reviews but here is my story.

I purchased my generator brand new. I can say that NEVER has my generator started quickly (1-2 or 3 pulls). This is one of the worst things I have ever purchased. It takes a minimum of 75 to 100 pulls to start and I'm not exaggerating. The priming is wrong also. I have to prime the dang thing about that many times as well (75-100).

To the non-believers out there, I own two other generators and know how to start them. The main reason I purchased this one is so that my wife can use the smaller. Well, forget about a woman starting this puppy. It is a workout just try to start this unit 3 days a week and your workout is complete.....DO NOT BUY!

EGD RESPONDS: That unit comes with a 2 year warranty from Honeywell. You can contact their tech support (toll free) at (888) 494-3571.

Or, click on the Customer Service button at the bottom of our web site, select Service Centers, then click on the Honeywell logo to find the closest Authorized Service Center near you.

I don't know who wrote these reviews but here is my story.

I purchased my generator brand new. I can say that NEVER has my generator started quickly (1-2 or 3 pulls). This is one of the worst things I have ever purchased. It takes a minimum of 75 to 100 pulls to start and I'm not exaggerating. The priming is wrong also. I have to prime the dang thing about that many times as well (75-100).

To the non-believers out there, I own two other generators and know how to start them. The main reason I purchased this one is so that my wife can use the smaller. Well... more

I purchased this unit from a Big Box store. I un-boxed it and set it up according to the instructions; it started on the first pull.

After running for about 30 minutes it started smoking, running rich, and surging. I let it sit for 30 minutes and tried it again, but it wouldn't start.

I noticed fuel in the primer bulb, which seemed odd. I called the Honeywell Help Line, and they said there shouldn't be fuel in there. My local Honeywell Service Center was not able to find the problem.

I searched the Internet for a solution, and found that a new primer bulb might do the trick. I had the Service Center order and install it, and the unit started up just fine- but it still surged and ran rich.

I took a close look at the carburetor and saw that under the 14 x14 black plastic lock on the side was an adjustment screw. I removed the black lock, and with a small screwdriver adjusted the screw about 1 turn.

Now it runs as smoothly as a Honda 2000I! I am now satisfied with this generator.

I purchased this unit from a Big Box store. I un-boxed it and set it up according to the instructions; it started on the first pull.

After running for about 30 minutes it started smoking, running rich, and surging. I let it sit for 30 minutes and tried it again, but it wouldn't start.

I noticed fuel in the primer bulb, which seemed odd. I called the Honeywell Help Line, and they said there shouldn't be fuel in there. My local Honeywell Service Center was not able to find the problem.

I searched the Internet for a solution, and found that a new prime... more

The Honeywell HW2000i that I purchased from Electric Generators Direct arrived yesterday.

After filling it with oil, gas, and prepping the air filter, this little beast fired up on the second pull! Within 3 minutes it was running our 14' Fleetwood pop up camper with no problem.

The furnace, microwave, TV, fridge, and water pump were all running at the same time. This is a really great machine at an even better price.

Anyone who has researched a 2000 watt portable inverter knows that they cost around $1000 to $1400 plus shipping. I got it for $549.99 with FREE SHIPPING!

A word of warning: READ THE OWNERS MANUAL COMPLETELY. These machines will last a lot longer if you take care of them properly.

We are more than pleased with Electric Generators Direct.com and our Honeywell HW2000i. I would strongly recommend these two to anyone looking for a portable inverter for camping or recreational use.

They get an A+ all the way around!

The Honeywell HW2000i that I purchased from Electric Generators Direct arrived yesterday.

After filling it with oil, gas, and prepping the air filter, this little beast fired up on the second pull! Within 3 minutes it was running our 14' Fleetwood pop up camper with no problem.

The furnace, microwave, TV, fridge, and water pump were all running at the same time. This is a really great machine at an even better price.

Anyone who has researched a 2000 watt portable inverter knows that they cost around $1000 to $1400 plus shipping. I got it fo... more