Honda 4 Stroke 5 hp air starvation!

[rodd234]

Hi ,
I have Honda 4 stroke 5 Hp ,which is really difficult to start with the Engine Cover On!!!
But starts and runs fine when the cover is off!!!!, Put the engine cover on while the Engine is running and it starves its self of air and cuts out ........
I have done the obvious and checked that the two large holes in the base plate are clear the only other thing I can think of is to cut a vent right next to the Carb in the cover but why ?????????
Any Ideas anybody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DAVIDO]

Are you sure its an air problem there was a similar thread a little while ago where i beleive putting the cover on kinked a fuel pipe or something.

 

[rodd234]

Thanks I will have a look!!!

 

[ReggieK]

Hi Rodd234
Had exactly the same problem with same engine. It is due to corrosion of manifold which is causing exhaust gases to smother engine.
This is apparently a big problem with these engines especially when used as sail drives. I solved it by throwing the thing out and buying a decent make as lead time for new manifold was 8 weeks, & I wanted to go sailing. The Honda 5HP is a piece of junk, get rid

 

[ReggieK]

Further to my reply to your query as you can probably guess from my reply the bl**dy thing drove me mad before I discovered the problem. I drilled holes all over it but it made no difference.
Eventually I found a mechanic who knew what he was doing, he was a Honda agent and he told me that corrosion is a common problem with this particular engine. The engine was only 3 years old so I was quite surprised. When told lead time for spares I decided to dump it. I now have an engine that I can change gear with my little finger instead of hanging over the stern and fighting the thing, and an engine that ticks over without cutting out at a crucial stage of maneouvering in marina.
There is no question that you have the same problem and the exhaust pan will have to be replaced, only to corrode again fairly quickly

 

[rodd234]

This sounds just the same !!!!
Many Thanks,
What Engine did you buy???

 

[photodog]

Take a look on Scuttlebutt, a lot of us are mighty pleased with our Mercury/Mariner 3.3 2 strokes......

Still some available, before they ban em /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[jonathankent]

I thought they had already banned them... /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[BrendanS]

2 strokes aren't banned. However as of Jan 2007 new 2 strokes have to meet the same emission standards as were introduced for 4 strokes in Jan 2006

 

[jonathankent]

So are there still new 2 strokes availble to buy that do meet these emission standards??

 

[BrendanS]

I haven't heard of any, but then I haven't looked hard.

I believe existing stocks could still be sold, but no idea how long that lasts for

 

[Lakesailor]

I had a crap Honda 5hp.
I got a lovely Yamaha 4hp.

Didn't die as you idled up to your mooring. That has got to be worth it's weight in gold.

 

[ReggieK]

I bought a Johnson 4HP
Even pushes boat better than Honda