Adding an hour meter to Honda EU2000i - another project file

Another project done, I have a list of projects I would like to do. I have time, and materials, so another project off the list, and a couple added, someday the list may be empty... Then I will have no motivation to get out of bed. :o(

I belong to a yahoo group called Honda EU2000 Generators

One of the discussions has been adding an hour meter, there are many different styles of hour meters, I had bought an electronic trigger LCD meter/tach off Amazon with it's own battery, but found a mechanical hour meter at Harbor Freight Tools. An hour meter gives you an accurate time span so the oil can be properly changed, not just guessed at. It can also help monitor your usage and calculate future fuel expenses.

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Here is the working face of the Honda EU2000i genset, including the basically useless 8 AMP 12 volt connector/circuit breaker in the lower right corner. Really who needs an 8 AMP/12 volt charger (and you have to have a "special" connector, a trailer converter/charger will put out 30 to 100 amps of 12 volt power when plugged into the 120 volt outlet.

For those with a Honda Companion model and no 12v connector, try searching for "REDINGTON 722-0001" , "Hobbs 20001-17" or even "AC hour meter" on eBay.. and just connect the available 120v to the AC powered (90-240VAC) Quartz Hour Meter.

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

dropping the face reveals the connections and components

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

12 volt connector comes out easily

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

leaving a square hole

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

The 12 volt connector unconnects easily, just press the little pink rectangle tab and the 2 wires just slip out. Make note of the positive (red/white) and negative (red/black) wires.

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Japanese for press here to release?

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

depth of meter vs. 12 volt connector, notice the Jan 06 date code on the 12v connector?

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Specs on the Harbor Freight meter #66754 http://www.harborfreight.com/hour-meter-66754.html

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Bonus, NOT MADE in CHINA, hope India is better. We'll see how it holds up.

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

sizing ring and meter clamp included, ready to cut, I actually cut the three corners at an angle so the meter wouldn't turn.

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Small cuts with multi-tool and it fits

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

clamped in and a bit of permanent marker coverup

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Good physical connection, ready for solder

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Soldered and placed with correct polarity, red/white is positive, red/black is Neg.
Be sure no metal is sticking out, there is a green ground fitting in the back wall of the component enclosure

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

With genset running, hundredths and tenths show, tenths are 6 minutes , and hundredths are 36 seconds.

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

aha, caught the little red blinky LED showing the genset is running, like I couldn't tell. (but I can tell the meter is running)

From Honda EU2000i genset hour meter

Finished project with tools

One of my projects in Seaview, GM 1999-2007 classic Door bushings and hinge pins

GM 1999-2007 classic Door bushings and hinge pins

My door was drooping a bit after 148000 miles, so I spiffed it up.

Using instructions from heymccall on the Diesel Place forum.

1. Roll the window down.
2. Remove door sill plate (pull straight up, starting at the front)
3. Remove kick panel (1st, pull firewall edge of the kickpanel towards the center of the truck to release that edge, then pull the pillar side of cover toward the rear of the truck)

4. Undo rubber accordion in in the hinge area by rolling the edge on the A-pillar away from the A-pillar. (only need to do one side)


5. Depress the two tabs on the white plastic insert (revealed in step 4) and slide it up the harness toward the door.
6. Now unplug the door harness that was made accessible in step three and pull it out thru the hole in the A-pillar.
7. Place the door halfway closed and remove the 10mm headed bolt on the door post that holds the door check.
8. Open the door fully and remove the single 10mm headed bolt in each hinge.
9. Standing in the door opening, grab the inner door grab/armrest and lift the door straight up and carry it away. (or lay it on a handy table)


10. Follow the instructions in this kit that you will have pre-purchased

(a) cut swaged pins off (4.5 inch angle grinder/cutter blade worked well)


(b) pull out pins with Vise Grips and/or light taps from hammer/punch, don't bend the hinges out of alignment...


(c) pop out old cheap GM bushings


(d) install new bushings and pins by pulling them in with a nut, then using a lock nut to hold them per instructions in kit




11. Reinstall door by reversing steps 1 thru 9.

It was rather fun and reassuring the number of people that came around to see what this crazy guy was doing now... One week, the front hub assembly, and the next week the door.