Honda 2.3 Outboard won't start - any pointers

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Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Just got the outboard out from the lazarette and it won't start. Could be stale fuel, it has been down there all last year at least.

Spark looks week, tried a new plug, no improvement.

Thoughts - advice anyone?

TIA Peter
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Replace fuel if suspect but problems more likely with 2 strokes AFAIK.

Clean carb perhaps.

BUT if spark is weak got to sort that first. Should jump at least 1/4"

Condition of coil and HT lead?

Wasnt serviced and properly laid up at the last year then?
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Guilty for no service or lay up last year, the summer was so bad I hardly used it (once I think!)

It was new in 2007. HT lead etc is in mint condition.
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Could be something as basic as the float / needle valve stuck closed.

Systematic checking ignition and fuel systems is the way to go. Easy things first. More difficult things later.
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Try putting some petrol in a CLEAN spray bottle (Windowlene type),remove the air cleaner, then get someone to put a couple of squirts into the carb while you pull the starter chord. If there is an adequate spark this will usually cause the engine to run for at least a short burst and tell you you have a fuel problem. Sometimes running for 2 or 3 short bursts either clears the jet or shakes a stuck component free.
If still no luck it is probably a dealer job.
Good luck
mikej
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Is the plug wet after you've turned it over a few times? That will tell you if the carb is delivering fuel.
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Yes it will, but the above trick will sometimes start an engine with a stuck fuel component. We also use it to start dry engines relucltant to pull fuel through. Even if it fails it costs nothing.
mikej
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

Symptoms match that of a blocked main jet due to old fuel left in carb. Bite the bullet and take the carb apart or spend the money having an engineer clean it out. If you can get it to fire then fresh fuel witha massive dose of redex type carb cleaner and a couple of hours running in a dustbin should clear it.
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - Good News

Took the advice and brought it home to the garage (perks of living so close) and stripped the carb down.

What did I find?

No dirt, no old fuel but oil /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif, yes oil. Nice clean engine oil!!!!

Cleaned it out and she started a treat. Don't want to think how it got there, there is only one route. I always store it on it's side, the carb is lower than the engine and there has always been some oil residue when I lift it. I guess that lack of use last year just meant that more got into the carb than normal!

I have checked the little oil level indicator on the side and it is spot on as it always is...

Anyway, have a running engine now, just need a new tender!

Thanks again for all of the suggestions.

Peter
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - Good News

Possibly consider switching fuel off and running carb dry before stowing it too (as well as on its side with the carb uppermost) that way you can be more or less sure that the carb won`t become "waxed" up? maybe.
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - Good News

I do always run it dry before taking it off of the tender.

The problem with the storage is the little lugs for it to lay on are only on one side, could perhaps design something to hold it, may give that a go. Thanks
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - any pointers

An old trick i used to use on 2 strokes,especially those oiled up was to put the end of the s.plugs on your gas ring for a min. or so. This burns off any oil and the hot plug assists starting.
 
Re: Honda 2.3 Outboard won\'t start - Good News

It is important with a 4 stroke engine that it is only ever laid down in the attitude described in the owners manual. Some means of securing it in that position would be a very sensible idea. In a deep locker perhaps the facility to store it vertical would be the ideal solution.

Very important of course that the power head is always kept higher than the prop end. That must be particularly difficult in a sailing vessel that would normally be practically lying on its side half the time!
 
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