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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Honda 8 won't idle

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/09/2003 : 12:56:39

Although I had a good (solo) sail yesterday I was plagued with motor problems right from the start. My trusty Honda wouldn't idle, dying at any RPM under a scream, especially in gear.

The motor died about 5 times getting out of the slip and fairway. Then I had a nice sail, but coming back in I had to run so fast I was passing powerboats. Then it died just as I entered the fairway. I had enough speed to coast all the way down and get into my slip motorless.

I drained the carb, pulled the plugs (they were dry and slightly grey), bumped up the idle speed just a tad, and re-adjusted the idle mixture (a jet screw set into a little tube just below the idle stop screw and above the plug to drain the carb).

After screwing with it for a while, the motor now runs fine. I had to turn the mixture screw about 3 turns, and moving it even a hair seems to make a drastic effect on the motor. I tested it in the slip with the motor in gear and everything seems AOK.

The problem is that it seems to me that this screw turns way too easily - like freewheeling. Perhaps it got so far out of adjustment in the first place just due to vibration (after 12 hours of motoring on my Catalina cruise). I am thinking of putting a drop of superglue in the tube to hold it in place.

I don't like that option, any other ideas?

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

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HGraham
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2003 : 13:19:42

Jim;
I got rid of my Honda 8 for that very same reason. It pushed me along okay above half-speed, but it would quit at low speed, especially when putting it into gear. It got so that I had to keep the idle speed too high when shifting--(BIG clunk!)
Does your mixture adjustment screw have a spring under it?
That should keep it under tension.

Good luck, Harry

Ovation C250WB#543

Edited by - on

RoofRoof
Navigator

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USA
186 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2003 : 13:31:43

I have an ongoing thread about the problems with my Honda 8. It is recent enough that you'll find it probably on the 2nd page of the General Forum.

I've watched the mobile technician 4 times now, take my carb apart, and clean, and refit. It appears that the most common, probable problem is the slow running 'circuit.' When you take the bowl off the carb, there is a very skinny brass or bronze jet. It is likely about 4-5 millimeters in diameter, and about 3 inches long. It has a coupe fine holes on the side, and is a hollow tube. This tube/jet whatever gets clogged very easily, and mine was even cracked once. I would think it would be impossible to crack such a piece in a motor that was purchased new only 8 months ago, and has only about 20 hours on it....But, Honda still didn't consider it warranty work. Either way, pull out the jet, and blast some aerasol carb cleaner down the tube....reinstall and I'll bet your idle/slow running will be fixed.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2003 : 16:55:37

It doesn't take much to plug an idle jet... a grain of sand will do the job quite nicely.

When you turned the idle screw you probably dislodged whatever was in there. Sometimes a gentle 'rap' on the carb will do the trick. It really pays to keep outboard fuel scrupulously clean.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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WGriswold
Deckhand

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USA
23 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2003 : 20:19:50

I had a similiar problem with my 1986 7.5 Honda. The idle jet was repeatedly clogged. I finally solved the problem by replacing the complete fuel delivery system from the carb to the fuel tank (including a new plastic tank). No troubles since. Small pieces of dirt must have come from the rubber tubing or the metal tank and got past the filter. The jet is incredibly small.

Wait Griswold

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/09/2003 : 20:42:13

Thanks, I'll replace my fuel filter, plus the fuel line from the tank to the motor looks bad, especially the connector at the motor, it's corroded and pitted. I already have a 6.6 gallon plastic tank and it's clean (to the eye).

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

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gerdo
Navigator

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107 Posts

Response Posted - 06/10/2003 : 09:03:18

Had the same problem with an 1988 BF8a honda motor.
Last season I replaced the jet screw and it worked fine for about five times, then was doing the same thing you described. This winter I tore down the engine, replaced the carb ($160) replaced water pump and thermostat, cleaned heads etc. Works fine now at the very lowest idle. Also replaced fuel hose and bulb and fuel filter but still have old tank with some rust in it. Have been out five times and no problems. Additonally I find that the motor wants to run hard and often. When you come in disconnect the fuel line with motor running and let it run out of gas that seemed to help a little last season.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 09:29:05

I have a new 2003 honda 8 hp. It runs great at all speeds. Starts with barely a touch on the starter button. Very quiet at idle. a little vibration at mid to low speeds. What year honda's are you all referring to with these low speed problems? This problem was discussed on the Catalina 22 list and if I remember correctly Honda had a factory fix for this. I believe it was for models about 3 years ago.

anybody having problems with the "new style" Hondas? Other than being heavy ofcourse

Frank Gloss
89WK/TR

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 12:42:24

I don't know the model year. It is a Honda BF8A. It was purchased (used) by the PO in 2001. I think it is about a 1998.

Always has run great up to now.

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/bf8a.jpg" border=0>

-JimB

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2984 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 13:19:45

Jim, the small jets will not only be intolerant of debri.. but also of a minute amount of water and will provide conditions exactly as you describe. The drop of water can't get past the jets and will block them.

If the problem is water... its very simple to clear by backing out the screw that drains the float bowl. It is very easy to get at and only requires a couple of turns.

btw... those small jets do a great job on the 8 hp model you have by providing great fuel economy... that motor is capable of giving 2.25 hrs per gal at 5.3 knots on a C250.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

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RoofRoof
Navigator

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USA
186 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2003 : 14:07:27

My Honda that I've had so much problem with is a NEW 2001 model. I purchased it new about 9 months ago from the dealer. They actually still have a couple NEW 2001 XL shaft motors left.

Either way, I'd like to know more about this "factory fix" for the problem. Also where it is documented so I can have it for ammunition in my dealings with Honda.

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