Honda 2.3 outboard problems...

PetiteFleur

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For the last couple of times used, it only runs on almost full choke - I've stripped the carb and cleaned the central jet in the float chamber - not reassembled yet so will this cure the problem or are there any other jets? The drain screw is stuck on the float chamber and am reluctant to force it as it's brass. I use premium petrol with Honda additive and I fitted a new plug this year.
 
How did you clean the jet? I use the relevant bit from a micro drill bit set. Carb cleaner alone sometimes won’t remove the buildup of crud.
 
No in line filter, I did flush out the tank as there is a tiny filter at the outlet.
Cleaned the jet using an acupuncture needle and quite clear.
Started after several pulls but still only running on full choke
 
I think there is a slow running jet as well. From memory it is accessed by removing the plastic black plug in the top of the carb.under the cover and the jet is very tiny and easily blocked. Try looking at a spares diagram to see the sequence of the fuel supply. Cured the above problem on mine when I cleared it out using a very thin "spike" of a plastic tube brush.
 
I think there is a slow running jet as well. From memory it is accessed by removing the plastic black plug in the top of the carb.under the cover and the jet is very tiny and easily blocked. Try looking at a spares diagram to see the sequence of the fuel supply. Cured the above problem on mine when I cleared it out using a very thin "spike" of a plastic tube brush.
There is no black plug - mine appears to have a screw which has been 'fixed' so cannot be unscrewed.
 
I think I had an email from the OP earlier. It needs a full clean,anti tamper plug removing and resetting
 
I found fuel problems were monotonously frequent in my Honda 2.3. Blocked jets af every opportunity. Never had any issue with my 5hp Yamaha or several Seagulls. Got to the point that I sold the damn thing. Never could get used to the clutch anyway.. very disappointed. Rust was a shocking issue too. Horrible engine for the price..
 
I found fuel problems were monotonously frequent in my Honda 2.3. Blocked jets af every opportunity. Never had any issue with my 5hp Yamaha or several Seagulls. Got to the point that I sold the damn thing. Never could get used to the clutch anyway.. very disappointed. Rust was a shocking issue too. Horrible engine for the price..
2hp Parsun 2 Stroke Outboard Motor - Marine Imports Are these any good? as im looking to buy a small outboard next year, i also sold my honda 2.3 recemtly.

oops just read they're banned for normal use.
 
I have no experience of Parson. TBH I have settled with the old Seagulls. Started one today after five years sitting in the shed. Filled with fresh fuel and started third pull.

No pump issues and can be repairwith a hammer and rusty screwdriver!

I know people moan about them but the environmental cost of making and shipping them has long past. I use biodegradable 2/- to help my conscience ??
 
Update - coincidentally I've had the same problem with my 22yr old Honda lawn mower and 2 stroke strimmer. I took the mower to a local mower shop who diagnosed the problem as 'Crap fuel!' Honda now say use E5 petrol and Honda additive - which is what I had actually used... However, now ditched all the old fuel, bought new E5, added additive, cleaned fuel tanks and all engines now run. The outboards carb I managed to drop and the anti-tamper top snapped off the idle screw so ordered another from local dealer. When fitted I should be able to clean out this jet and should now idle.
ps - how do I get rid of old petrol? Reluctant to put in my wife's car as it does have 2T oil in it.
 
Update - coincidentally I've had the same problem with my 22yr old Honda lawn mower and 2 stroke strimmer. I took the mower to a local mower shop who diagnosed the problem as 'Crap fuel!' Honda now say use E5 petrol and Honda additive - which is what I had actually used... However, now ditched all the old fuel, bought new E5, added additive, cleaned fuel tanks and all engines now run. The outboards carb I managed to drop and the anti-tamper top snapped off the idle screw so ordered another from local dealer. When fitted I should be able to clean out this jet and should now idle.
ps - how do I get rid of old petrol? Reluctant to put in my wife's car as it does have 2T oil in it.
+1 for fuel additive, - 1 akylate fuels
Add additive and drain fuel bowl after use and you will never need to touch the carb again
 
I have no experience of Parson. TBH I have settled with the old Seagulls. Started one today after five years sitting in the shed. Filled with fresh fuel and started third pull.

No pump issues and can be repairwith a hammer and rusty screwdriver!

I know people moan about them but the environmental cost of making and shipping them has long past. I use biodegradable 2/- to help my conscience ??
Shame on you! I pulled mine out after nearer eight years and it started second pull.
 
I'm actually in the middle of this exact problem right now! I've taken the carb off and cleaned the jets, they were fine anyway. The engine is misfiring and doing very irregular things, considering it's been the most reliable item on the boat.
I'm going to change the fuel from the current relatively old, maybe 9 months, E10 without an additive, to E5 with additive, and see what happens.
I'm quite careful about fuel, and was unaware really of E10 'going off'.
 
I'm actually in the middle of this exact problem right now! I've taken the carb off and cleaned the jets, they were fine anyway. The engine is misfiring and doing very irregular things, considering it's been the most reliable item on the boat.
I'm going to change the fuel from the current relatively old, maybe 9 months, E10 without an additive, to E5 with additive, and see what happens.
I'm quite careful about fuel, and was unaware really of E10 'going off'.
Shelf life of e5 or e10 9 months old ....and youre careful with fuel,!!!! e5 or e10 in a honda open to air has a shelf life of about 2 weeks.
Run on stale fuel and I will guarantee you will need to do a valve job shortly
 
Shelf life of e5 or e10 9 months old ....and youre careful with fuel,!!!! e5 or e10 in a honda open to air has a shelf life of about 2 weeks.
Run on stale fuel and I will guarantee you will need to do a valve job shortly
Yes, yes, yes! I know NOW! Regarding the valve job, it's not run enough to get to that stage.......!
Cheers though Steve.... (y) ?
 
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