Honda BF2 4 Stroke

[DOILY]

Why does my outboard only run with the choke out?

After a month without use she would not start. There was a good spark on a new plug. The plug was dry so I stripped the carb and cleaned all the jets and airways I could remove or get at, using air and carb clean. There was some gunge around where the main jet pokes into the float chamber.

She started great and ran well but as soon as I put the choke in she died in 2 or 3 seconds.

I have cleaned the carb twice more but still no joy..

 

[VicS]

I have cleaned the carb twice more but still no joy..

Check for air leaks between carb and engine.

Most likely problem is that there is a jet, orifice or passage in the carb which is still not clean!

Check the float level.

 

[bobgoode]

Dirty jet...probably clogged by old fuel...ask me how I know.

Try a massive dose of redex in a tank of new fuel. Don't be shy, slosh half a bottle in. Then run the engine in a tank as fast as you can manage. It should improve the running. The preventative approach is to run the engine every few weeks without fail and never leave the carb with fuel in...again ask me how I know.

 

[ctva]

Have a look at the Honda Data sheet and clean the idle/pilot jet. Same problem I had last year. The only concern was how much force and how big a set of pliers to use on the plastic jet. Ended up wit a big set of flat nosed pliers and just pulled!

http://www.honda-engines-eu.com/en/images/59138.pdf

 

[FullCircle]

Good advice below, but here is some for after you have solved the issue.
You may wish to get the carb ultrasonically cleaned if all else fails.


I always turn off the fuel and run the engine out of fuel before I stop it, as then no varnish can build up in the tiny jet orifices.
I had problems first 2 seasons, and none since(5 seasons). Starts 1st time even after the winter layup, without putting new fuel in.

 

[Ceejay]

I would guess that the main or idling jet is blocked. Strip the carb, remove main jet, you can see if it's clear or not. Blow out all the passageways with an air line.
CJ

 

[jakeroyd]

Not that closely related I know.
I always run my BF2 till the carbs empty for the reasons given by others.

However it took me some time to realise that when you want to start it you have to leave it some minutes after the fuel is turned on for the tiny carb to fill back up.

If I leave it mine starts easily , if I am too soon it just will not even fire.

 

[FullCircle]

Blow out all the passageways with an airline.
CJ

Ryanair perhaps?

 

[ctva]

Why does my outboard only run with the choke out?

After a month without use she would not start. There was a good spark on a new plug. The plug was dry so I stripped the carb and cleaned all the jets and airways I could remove or get at, using air and carb clean. There was some gunge around where the main jet pokes into the float chamber.

She started great and ran well but as soon as I put the choke in she died in 2 or 3 seconds.

I have cleaned the carb twice more but still no joy..

So have you fixed it?