What do you think? Worth a little garage tinker time to muffle the sound a little? I think the Maxpeedingrods generator sounds really good now. And the Honda is even quieter!
You can try first to spray some noise reduction undercarriage coating and then the other stuff. We have done that in many Rv's and it really reduce the engine,road and generator noise.
The decibel scale is logarithmic. Every three decibel increase is a doubling of the sound intensity. Therefore a decrease of one or two decibels is still a considerable amount.
A person can only tell if the sound has gotten louder at 3dB(A). You want to go from 75 dB to 55 dB a 100 time decrease. Build a sound reducing box please.
Great video! I want to try this on my Honda EU6500. It has a ton of open space inside, with both doors that swing open. Lowering the sound is more than just dB. There are harmonics that can be cancelled out, so even though the meter shows only a small difference, the "perceived" difference can be much more! Well Done!
Exactly!!! That’s why the Maxpeedingrods generator sounded so much better. The honda did as well but not as much as I didn’t add nearly the material. I think if I did the other side main panel, which would require some disassemble it would have had even more of a effect for over all perceived and sound pressure level. Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
👍🏻 anything to make them quieter is a bonus, I'm looking for a good exhaust add on to cut the droning noise. I'm surprised no one has come out with another chamber that can be bolted onto the spark arrestor.
Don't worry about the EU2200i "rattle", I had the EU2000, no rattle, then the EU2200i, it has just a bit more random rattle, I think it's harmonics between the crankshaft and the generator input, will come and go. Nobody has problems, and it doesn't get worse. Just something you get from a stronger machine. You have to take in account the engine is much more robust.. with robustness, comes strength. And sometimes a random rattle. :)
Great idea and good results. Another mod might simply be to use a vibration-absorbing pad for the generator to sit on. Or how about building a spacious wood box lined with thick sound-absorbing material for the generator to sit in, taking care to allow good airflow. Or: just put a bunch of that material on the outside of the case. Yeah, it would look funny, but if it works ... You could make a video trying various approaches to see what works best.
One thing to note is the muffling stops higher frequency noises easier. The loudest sound is likely lower frequency. It's likely as loud but subjectively less noticeable.
I think the overall ton of both generators especially the max generator sounds way better now!! I’m excited to use it more because it’s compact power output. Thanks for the comment and thanks again for watching 👍🏼😀
It would be interesting to know how the noise level of the Honda will change if you put it on a soft cotton wool mat (the kind of cotton used to insulate houses). Could you do such an experiment?
Well there are several way to dampen the sound and like you said rubber mats, dirt, grass and more will help absorb the noise. Obviously concrete is like the worst so it will only get quieter with anything soft under it or around it. But it would be fun to play with a few items and see the difference 👍🏼
Hi Johnny! A great hypothesis! Thank you for demo’ing this! I don’t think that I would do this to the generator. But then again, mine hasn’t arrived yet…..sonI don’t know how much it would annoy me yet hehehe Safe travels!
I decided to try it. I think of you run your generator in hot conditions all the time then I would skip this. In mild to cooler or cold temps it won’t be a issue.
Yes but it takes several DB for a human to be able to determine it. I think it’s around 3-4 db is when a human perceives a notable drop or gain in something. Hmm I may have to research that again. Been a while lol
The cooling ability is thefore reduced and may affect the engine longivity because obviously it will run hotter and everybody knows heat is an engine killer... my opinion only.
It’s true, this may retain more heat. But I mentioned in the description and I think the pinned comment that if using in higher temps I would skip this. But in cold climates this could help retain some heat for a more optimal operation temp. My Canadian and Alaska friends like this 😀👍🏼
So basically you are insulating the heat along with the noise and so what is happening with internal engine temperature and how does that impact the lifespan of the unit including all the electrical parts and wires? SO did anyone look into running 2 units at the same time one insulated one not, and what about in high heat situations like 90 and 95 degree days? What does it do to your warantee?
As I said if you live or use your gen in high heat high load areas I would avoid this. If under warranty avoid as well. In normal conditions it will be fine as it still moves a ton of air from front to back with the engine fan inside. Or if it is hot take off spark plug access port for more air. Or even the side panel in extreme conditions if you decided to do this. I don’t camp in high heat areas. So temp is not a issue Common sense helps to
No problem, part of the info could be in the description but yea normally I do talk about things in the video that may already have some suggestions on what ya may not wanna do.
@@johnnysweekends You wouldn't want to run any of the suitcase style generators with a side panel off for more than a few minutes, for test/work. They all seem to pull air in the front, where it hits the inverter heat sink (finned aluminum tub, right behind the front grille). Solid state electronics do not like getting hot. With a side panel off, the fan in recoil starter housing would no longer be pulling air past the inverter heat sink. I've done some similar applications in a couple of 2K inverters. The air flow management with shrouds over engine and exhaust components is well designed, and keeping the absorptive stuff against inside of the "suitcase" doesn't seem to raise internal temps. I even made a dog house for wet weather operation, from a Walmart plastic storage bin. Cut a 10"x4" opening in front end, and a large port in rear (about the same size as entire exhaust grille)--not as worried about rain hitting that end--and generators run fine in it. I set the generators on a couple of 4x4 blocks, so bottom edge of bin is maybe 4" above ground. Tiedowns on each corner, and four tent pegs to keep it secure, even in high winds. Tested it on a sunny 95* day, no problems.
Great video and good suggestions; however, I am loathe to try this on my MXR3500 or my Honda EU6500 because I would be worried about an increase in engine heat which you have no way of measuring, but which could decrease the life of your gennie (especially the Chinese made one).
One thing I made sure was to not insulate around the inverter board and leave room for exiting air flow. Adding air in high heat conditions is easy for any gen just pop open any access panel. Best thing is to keep it shaded though. But not a bad idea to check the temps before and after to see if there is much difference
I would rather let air try to move around and through the unit as much as possible because then you really are insulating it and trapping air flow all the way around it. But it depends on conditions if it’s cold out then sure but medium to hotter temps then of course not. Depends on the situation but I would rather use a generator tent. Quick easy and makes them quieter as well.
Works a little for soundproofing which is very good but will it not affect cooling? Overheating - if happens in this case - might shorten engine's longevity.
I made sure not to restrict air flow as much as possible, and also did not cover the engine it self at all or air intakes. I also advised if you use your generators in high temps alot you may wanna skip this or pull a panel out spark plug access panel to add a little more air flow when in high temps.
@@johnnysweekendsSome ideas for you tube content. Could you do a before and after adding insulation tempature laser gun test. And use a laser gun on several points idleing and with max load temps. Intake temp, exhaust temp, muffler temp, intake air temp, exhaust air temp. They also have a cheap air speed measurement tool do a before and after test. Measure wind speed on intake and exhaust. One guy had a generator he bought new on you tube. he was in the desert he had his 1000 watt suit case style inverter generator in some shade. He was off grid and he used the generator a lot during the hottest days of summer running a 5000 BTU non digital window air conditioner on 1000 watt generator 40cc engine. He put a fan on the generator and he removed the whole side panel on one of this inverter style suitcase generator. This little generator didn't make it much longer after that it started smoking. Luckily the company sent him a brand new generator because he bought the extended warranty. But the point is if you slow down air flow you will make these little air-cooled engines run hotter. From what I've learned these suit case style inverter generators suck in the air mostly in the front and some on the bottom and run the air all through the generator and blow it out the back. Whenever you start drilling holes in these generators or taking the side panels off you don't get as much air flowing over the engine and then over the generator and hot air out the back. This is something you could do with a laser gun test before and after removing panels and seeing if it makes a real difference. I don't mind modifying something if it works. but if insulation falls off inside generator over time it will block air flow. But proven results with a air speed meter and laser gun if air speed meter increases air speed and laser gun has cooler temps. If proven I will make swiss cheese out of my generators. Thanks
I agree could put a fan at back of generator to pull hot air and exhaust out of generator. But check temps with laser gun and air speed with air speed meter the one that has a little fan on it it's a hand held unit. Change oil, spark plug and air filter often especially running gasoline. I run propane you don't have to do tune ups as often as all. Propane engines run cleaner and last way longer. No carb or treating fuel ever!
Lol sounds like a good extensive test. But yes as I have told a few others if you live in a warm climate or that is the primary area of use then skip this. But in cooler to cold temps this would more then likely be a acceptable mod of you want that lower tone putter. But everyone of these small units have a ambient operating temp of 104 degrees. After that they start to suffer greatly. Most are stamped on the side of the unit.
I took all my covers off to cool the engine better, put a box over it, extended muffler nipple outside of box & added a cooling fan with return vent on other side of box so as to cross draft. Db level's are gonna be high because your on concrete. Test should be done on grass to absorb the noise.
Hundreds of thousands of research into making the Honda quieter by highly educated engineers, Honda say their generator can’t be made quieter…. Johnny RU-vid with some $5 insulation, Hold my Beer!
Lol well they do use a a decent muffler but the plastic has no sound absorbing foam or anything. Now granted if you use your generator in hot climates all the time I would skip this. Or just pop the spark plug panel to move more air. But I wonder sometimes if I took it apart and did all sides really well. Ahhh…🤷♂️
@@johnnysweekends we travel full time with a Predator 3500. We are often in 100 degree weather so I don’t think this mod would work for us. However, it is an excellent idea for many who camp in cooler weather!
Air flow comes from fan in recoil start assy, and it's managed with duct work that encloses the engine, generator and muffler, and blown out the grille panel on back end. There's very little heat dissipated through the side panels and cabinet shell.
Ever heard work Smarter not Harder😅 , measure and cut ✂️ some cardboard, leave your necessary air flow holes, wrap the the box with that same sound deadening material and Boom 💥 , way better less time and you can design it to be a universal fit... you're welcome 😊
Yea I advised people who will use it in higher heat conditions mainly skip this or remove the spark plug service cap or side panel if really hot out. Mainly keep them in the shade when ya can.
It already did a decent job at dropping a few dbs and also tone slightly. It’s noticeable if I had two side by side. Is it best thing since slice bread? No but it’s better.
I did a generator project for my semi back in 2010 and used some noise deadening material that worked quite well. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-72L_RCCl0UA.html It's a 10kw diesel gen I set up for an APU Great comparison on the lil gens
Exhaust is only part of it. A lot of noise comes from the engine itself so adding dampin material can help absorb the noise. But I don’t recommend this in high temp areas
@@johnnysweekends Thanks, I appreciate you checking it out. I now have the diesel on a trailer and use it as a welding rig around the homestead. The honda provides backup power and is getting ready to be used in another house build for my brother. I am picking up an EU7000I next week for home backup power.
I mentioned this should not be done in hotter climates and may even benefit in very cold climates as they sometimes have a hard time getting up to a decent temp
in total a complete waste of time unless you are kidding yourself it lowers that teeny weeny bit and makes a difference. Better to have a metal storage container and sound proof that and vent out the exhaust pipe with an extension and vent for intake. Difference will be about 20db not 1
The machine was designed to move a certain amount of air to stay below high temperatures, putting insulation on the inside and restricting air movement raises the temperature and shortens the life of machine. Your “idea” is not worth one decibel.
If you listened I said to avoid this if in higher heat conditions. If you use it in higher temp areas skip it. And after all it was really just a test.
I'm going to repeat this test with a couple cans of spray foam. Everything will get foamed except for the cooling fins... I'll provide the foam if someone sends me cash or Bitcoin to buy a generator.
Im a volunteer/hobbiest audio engineer and know a bit about sound, frequency, sound baffling, and sound absorption. With that said I'm still not an expert so I'm wondering if removing the aluminum foil backing on the foam would help the sound adsorption. Sound tends to either bounce or be absorbed and if it bounces it just goes out other areas. So I think that, possibly, if the foil was removed the sound would reach the foam (absorption material) and be stopped or at least be slowed. But to be honest I can't be for sure...
I agree and thought the same much like sound panels used in recording studios and more. But the foil was not coming off lol so I skipped that. Now of course any material added should dampen the sound some. But I agree I think just a inner liner of foam may have been better
Man I would be really worried about the heat on the inverter adding this insulation. Would love to hear how this works after a year of use. Have you considered modifying the exhaust setup?
I left areas open to ensure it would still move the air. Like in the video on the Honda I left certain areas open to keep as much airflow as possible. In extreme heat conditions I will sometimes remove a panel but I normally stay away from those conditions and try to keep them in the shade which can help dramatically for over all temps for the gen.
Noise is the number one selling point on these units. If Honda (or anyone else) could safely make them 2 dB quieter with $5 of foam, they would have done it from the factory long ago.
Noise IS NOT the number one selling point..RELIABILITY is the number 1 selling point.. PRICE is the number 2 selling point.. If tap water from the faucet was bad for you..the gov'mint would filter it with RODI and UV light. Please drink your tap water by the keg
Because they focus on making there engines well balance and quiet. They don't bother with sound deadening on the case because it's already one of the quietest.
Thank you, yea the new cap is quiet but I think it’s the side panel. I’ll have to mess with it when I have some time. The old 2000 that gas cap just buzzed the whole time… lol
By numbers wise it doesn’t seem like much but in the world of sound and sound techs these are decent gains or losses. And is noticeable live. I think more could have been had from the Honda if I split the case. Overall the sound is much better on both as well. But again it’s a must hear it in person type thing.
Let us know what ya think and maybe record it before and after just make sure you do it in the same spot that way maybe you could hear the difference in tone and maybe even volume.
If you have the space, the way to get huge gains is to build a box around it with vents for air in and out. A small fan may help. Put sound baffles for the air in and out. This is what the pros do. It’s called a fully blipped generator. Look it up. It really works. It would be cheap and easy to do this. Use this materiel to line the inside of the box.
I do have the room but for me I use my generator more mobile, and don’t wanna carry excess product. Mainly I wanted it a little quieter for my self and maybe others who may be around me when camping. But I don’t wanna carry a heavy box. But hoping one day to be a pro…👍🏼😀
@@johnnysweekends Yes, makes sense. But! If you make the box out of half inch or so construction foam board, glue the Seams, and the liner. It will weigh very little. It doesn’t have to support any weight. Make it as a bottomless box that just slips over the generator. Light and you can leave it over the genny on the road so it takes up little room. Or stuff it with light weight soft things to keep it’s space less significant. This will block MUCH more sound that what was shown here in its video. Don’t know about this sound liner but keep in mind that in order to block lower frequency sounds, some liners use a sandwich that includes lead sheeting. This will add weight too. But. It’s all a trade off.
No-one has ever complained about my EU22i as they are quiet already and I respect the curfew where I am (8am-8pm). In line with your findings I guess if I did this at all it would be for a smoother sound rather than any great reduction in noise. Thanks for the vid.
@@Powerpickle68 I don"t know if it"s true of the UK as a whole but 8am-8pm is the rule for running engines or generators on the canals. In practice it depends where you are. No-one is going to care if you are out in the countryside somewhere on your own.
