Yamaha EF2400iSHC Details, Use and Maintenance Guide
For more than a century, Yamaha has been providing the world with a wide range of exceptional products. In particular, Yamaha is a choice brand among power sports, having demonstrated for decades a level of engineering mastery few other companies have neared. The stunning Yamaha EF2400iSHC, from Yamaha’s family of portable generators, proudly upholds the company’s track record of excellence.
The EF2400iSHC generator is a well rounded, civilized generator designed to cover many applications within the range of low to moderate power demands. Most consumers will find that the EF2400iSHC is an impressive, yet practical option. Its efficient use of gasoline, quiet operation, versatility and convenience make it quite appropriate for weekend getaways and job sites alike.
The Yamaha EF2400iSHC at a glance:
- It produces a maximum AC output of 2400 watts and a rated AC output of 2000 watts.
- It outputs a maximum of 20 amps at 120 volts AC with a rated AC current output of 16.7 amps at 120 volts.
- The generator includes battery charging cables and its DC output is 8 amps at 12 volts.
- It can operate continuously for up to 8.6 hours at a one-fourth rated load.
- It is very quiet, putting out only between 53 and 60 dBA of noise.
From the EF2400iS to its High Current Successor
Yamaha’s EF2400iS, now in retirement, has been replaced by its high current cousin, the EF2400iSHC. This new version of the already capable generator sports a specifically designed control board able to handle higher energy demands. The high current model provides a boosted surge output thanks to specially designed field effect transistors in the electronic controller. The EF2400iSHC can therefor start appliances such as 13,500 BTU air conditioners quickly and without a struggle. The updated electronics also provide the generator with a longer and more reliable running time in any application.
The Yamaha EF2400iSHC is Compact, Portable and Quiet
Built both to be strong and lightweight, the EF2400iSHC’s frame is made from an aluminum die-cast. For further weight savings and reliability, the engine’s rotor is also aluminum. Yamaha’s EF2400iSHC generator weighs only 75 pounds and still produces a stunning 2400 watts of power, making it the most powerful generator in its class.
Among generators in its class, the Yamaha EF2400iSHC is also one of the quietest. As it only produces between 53 and 60 dBA, it is hardly even noticeable. For reference, an average conversation between two people is about 60 dBA as heard from a few feet away. Gone are the days of disturbing neighboring campers. Feel confident running the generator throughout a hot summer night to power an air conditioner. The EF2400iSHC is a genuinely polite and civilized power source.
The EF2400iSHC Provides Clean and Efficient Power for Sensitive Equipment
Combining an excellent power output with reliability, efficiency and extremely clean electricity further adds to the EF2400iSHC’s capabilities. With a Pulse Width Modulation control system built into the generator’s inverter, the EF2400iSHC produces electricity characterized by a pure sine wave. Remarkably, the electricity produced by this generator is as clean as or in some cases even cleaner than publicly supplied electricity. Unlike generators of the past, the EF2400iSHC can safely power sensitive equipment. Computers, microprocessor-controlled devices and florescent lights will all run without any issues directly off the EF2400iSHC.
The generator is also efficient. It uses a smart throttle system to regulate the engine’s speed. Heavier loads will be automatically accommodated by a rise in the engine’s revolutions per minute. If the power demand lowers, the smart throttle will naturally ease the EF2400iSHC’s engine speed, thereby gracefully matching its supply to the current power demand. The smart throttle keeps noise levels to an absolute minimum while also controlling fuel consumption.
The EF2400iSHC is Easy to Use and Maintain
The Yamaha EF2400iSHC has a very straightforward design. From starting the engine to daily operation and periodic maintenance, EF2400iSHC tasks are easy to understand and accomplish.
Begin by filling the generator’s oil reservoir. The oil filler cap is neatly located behind a small access door. Use Yamaha’s recommended oil type, which is either YAMALUBE 4 or the equivalent SAE 10W-30 type SE motor oil. Simply fill the reservoir until the oil level reaches the bottom of the fill opening. The capacity is approximately 0.63 quarts.
It is best to sufficiently ground the generator before use. The ground terminal is located on the generator’s control panel just above the Yamaha logo. Use a wire gauge that is at least 0.15 inches in diameter or greater. The ground wire should also be at least a couple of feet long. Attach the ground wire to the ground terminal on the control panel and wrap the other end around a metal spike or post that has been driven into the earth.
Fill the fuel tank with 86 octane or higher unleaded fuel. The fuel filler cap is located on top of the EF2400iSHC. With no devices connected to the generator, turn the fuel petcock on, pull the choke knob out and turn the engine switch on. Pull slowly on the recoil starter until it engages, or “catches,” and then pull quickly to start the engine. Allow the engine to warm for a minute or two and then push the choke lever back in to disengage the carburetor’s choke.
Once started, the Yamaha EF2400iSHC is available to power a variety of devices. Many features are incorporated into the generator to make it’s use very simple. A fuel gauge shows the remaining fuel at a glance and is located intuitively right beside the fuel filler cap. Three indicator lights are located on the generator’s control panel: an oil warning light, an AC pilot light and an overload light.
The generator can also provide DC power. Charging batteries is as simple as plugging in the included battery cable to the DC receptacle on the control panel. The DC receptacle outputs 12 volts at 8 amps.
One advantage of the Yamaha EF2400iSHC is its ability to link to another EF2400iSHC if power needs increase beyong a single generator’s abilities. This features is made possible by a special parallel running kit. With two EF2400iSHC generators linked together, power output is nearly doubled. Being able to link two generators together is especially applicable to businesses that perhaps intend to buy more than one unit. Choosing the Yamaha EF2400iSHC adds versatility.
Most maintenance performed on the EF2400iSHC can be performed by the consumer. Gaining access to maintenance tasks is as easy as removing the appropriate side cover. The covers are generally held in place with one or two screws. Never perform maintenance tasks while the generator is running or is still hot.
The Spark plug should be checked periodically to be cleaned or replaced. Yamaha recommends replacing the spark plug every three months or 300 hours of use. Remove the side cover held on by two screws to reveal the spark plug. Remove the plug wire and use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plug. Its electrode should be tan in color. When installing the spark plug, it should be snug but not overly tight. Use a torque wrench if available and torque the spark plug to 13 ft. lbs.
The oil should be changed after the generator’s initial one month break-in period and then every six months as a routine. To change the oil, first run the generator for a moment or two to warm the oil. With the generator off, remove the drain plug from the bottom of the generator and drain the oil into an oil pan. Remove the oil filler cap while draining the oil. Install the drain plug and fill the oil reservoir with new motor oil.
Annually clean the muffler screen, spark arrester and air intake filter. The exhaust components and the intake filter each have their own side cover. Clean the spark arrester and muffler screen with a wire brush. The air filter element should be cleaned with a mild detergent. Once dry, apply foam air filter oil until it is damp with oil but not dripping.
Other annual maintenance, including a valve clearance adjustment, idle speed adjustment and crankcase breather hose inspection are best left to a Yamaha dealer or qualified mechanic.
When storing the generator, first siphon as much fuel out of the fuel tank as possible. Then, turn the fuel petcock valve off and drain the carburetor by loosening the float chamber drain screw. Use a tube to drain the fuel into a gas can. Finally, start the generator to burn the remaining fuel left in the carburetor. The ability to run the generator empty helps to keep the fuel system clean and free from contamination.
Overall, the Yamaha EF2400iSHC is easy to operate and maintain. It will provide users with years of hassle-free use.
Product Dimensions
Yamaha kept portability in mind when designing the EF2400iSHC. Therefore, a lightweight, compact design, high power output and quiet operation characterize the generator. Its dimensions are as follows:
Overall Length: 20.7 inches
Overall Width: 16.5 inches
Overall Height: 18.1 inches
Dry Weight: 72 pounds
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High power output at 2400 watts
- Low noise output at only 53 to 60 dBA
- High reliability and ease of maintenance
- Highly portable
Cons:
- More costly than louder, cheaper alternatives
- Limited power output for high power applications
- Larger and heavier than generators with less output capabilities
Yamaha’s EF2400iSHC is an exceptional package. It boasts a healthy helping of power, incredibly clean electricity output, very usable controls and a basic maintenance routine that anyone can perform. The EF2400iSHC is great for the serious outdoor enthusiast, RV camper and field service provider alike. For a mobile power source capable of starting heavy appliances and for hours of continuous, reliable operation, the Yamaha EF2400iSHC delivers.