Honda 2HP v 2 stroke

[Guest]

Can anyone tell me how much harder it is to start the Honda 4 stroke 2 hp engine as opposed to a similar sized 2 stroke. I ask on behalf of my mother who has some difficulty starting our 3.5hp Tohatsu. I am proposing getting her a hHnda which will be lighter and easier to use - but is it easier to start?

 

[Rabbie]

Keith. I think you will find the answer to your query in June PBO which has an item on the Honda 4 stroke 2HP.Rab.

 

[Guest]

In theory should be harder to start because of one firing in every four but mine starts second pull every time.

I have found the key is first a gentle pull to wind up the compression then a steady firm pull gets her going every time. There can be quite a kick though if you mess up.

Compared to my previous Suzuki 2hp it is much heavier to lug about which may be of consideration to your mum.

On the plus side you have next to no smell of oil/petrol which I hated with the Suzuki - particularly in the car. It uses MUCH less fuel but seems to produce less but adequate power.

I did the decent thing that we all do to outboards - dunking the thing after three weeks and then having to leave it overnight.

Like all things boaty they turn into one of your mates in time and I would not part with it for one of those nice but previous heavy smokers.

 

[Guest]

I agree that in theory the Honda should be harder to start as it is a 4 stroke. The point is that it isn't as it is a Honda.

 

[tonyleigh]

I have a new one this season. Starts first pull consistently but one might expect that of a new one. Much better than my previous Merc which was temperamental for 11 years. Associates with longer experience also speak well of its starting. Haven't read PBO review yet i bit cheaky but would someone like to summarize main points?

 

[ChrisJ]

My Yamaha 2 stroke is started 2nd pull by either my 10 year old son or 65 year old Mother.

I find it starts first pull.

(7 years old now, first 3 years it had a fully paid for Yamaha dealer service each winter. Last 4 years it has had just one paid for service. In between times I have just cleaned the plug and greased a few moving parts that had grease on them already).

Cheers, Chris

 

[Bergman]

Honda now 3 years old ALWAYS starts 2nd or 3 pull

Previous Evinrude occasionally started 1st pull occasionally does'nt start AT ALL.

2 strokes give more power from a given capacity and weight but they do it at the cost of reliability.

Thats why most motor bikes are now 4 stroke.

Seen many years ago on the island.

Triumph twin broken down near the bungalow.

Rider approaches 2nd biker to borrow spanner.

2nd biker replies "sorry mate I don't carry tools - Ive got a Honda"

1st biker thinks for a moment then hits him, very hard, on the nose.

Must mean something

 

[Guest]

Reliability wasn't the main issue why 2 strokes are less common on motorbikes, it's really because of environmental pollution laws were tightened faster than the 2 strokes could be developed. The other reason is 4 stroke motorbikes especially twins sound 1000% better!

Environmental laws will catch up to outboards soon, on some of the lakes here you can only use electric or 4 stroke motors.