Honda 2 Outboard "move to start position"

[Mctavish]

If anyone has experience with a Honda 2/2.3:
I had an issue with starting a Honda 2 today. I'm very much learning how to operate outboards with it and I'm partly relying on the Owner's Manual. I read that I should "move the throttle grip to the start position". The start position is marked as a lightbulb sign just above the throttle grip handle.

As it's a centrifugal clutch, is it necessary to turn the throttle handle to the start position to start the engine (as per the instructions)? The start position is indicated at revs higher than "slow". I'd like the engine to start at idle by virtue of the centrifugal clutch, i.e. to start without the prop engaging. There is no actual mark on my throttle grip handle to line up with the start position sign. On youtube, I believe I saw a couple of people start the engine successfully without touching the throttle grip, but I obviously don't know whether they had already set the revs using the throttle fixing knob. I think this is one of them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs77wkRfftQ

One of those who were shown starting the engine using the throttle grip handle mentioned that there is no line on the throttle grip handle to line up with the "start position". You just have to learn to estimate how much revs to apply to start the engine. I don't want to experiment with "estimating" initial revs! I tried them both low (didn't start) and higher (I nearly shot away). As I'm learning, I'd like to start the boat with the prop initially disengaged so I don't go shooting off. I thought that was the point of a centrifugal clutch. Is it possible? Thanks.

 

[VicS]

In the video the engine appears to be started with the throttle sufficiently far open for the clutch to engage immediately judging by the turbulence of the water in the bin . The clutch does not disengage until the motor is slowed right down some while later.

I suggest you mark the throttle position at which the clutch normally engages then you can set the throttle just below that mark when starting.

You almost always have to learn the best settings of the the throttle and the choke when starting small outboards. Many have no clutch or neutral gear, and Seagulls start best with the throttle quite wide open! You just get used to making sure the boat is pointing in the right direction before pulling the starter and closing the throttle quickly as soon as they have started.

 

[steve66]

Hi the throttle grip does have a mark on from new but soon wears off. Open the throttle about 5 to 10 mm on the throttle to start. Alternatively start it out of the water. Once it is warm it should start in the water with no throttle. Word of warning. If you start the engine outboard out of the water do not take it past half throttle .
Hope this helps

 

[steve66]

The clutch should bite at around 1200 rpm.