Honda 10hp Fourstroke Idle Problem

[SteelheadNympher]

Looking for some help with troubleshooting a honda 10hp. Motor has not been run for a couple of seasons. Changed oil/fluids and cleaned plugs. Motor will start, run for 10-20 seconds and die, acting like its not getting fuel. Went through fuel line, pump, and filter, and engine seems to be getting fuel.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. SN

[Tacklebuster]

I assume you are not using the fuel from a couple of seaons back correct? Will it idle after it has been warmed up for a few minutes at a warm up idle?

I have not used my T8 in six months and just fired that up a week ago. I had to let it warm up for about 4 minutes but after that, she would idle down just fine.

If that does not work, try pumping the ball when the motor acts like it is about to die. If that doesnt work, put in new plugs and look at the carb.

[Capt Bob]

I agree with Almost Perfect. Fuel will gum up in the carb after time. Remove and clean the carb and the float bowl with carb cleaner. New plugs are good bet also.

[SteelheadNympher]

Thanks for the suggestions. Using new tank and fuel. Can nurse it along by adjusting choke and throttle, but just can't seem to get over the hump....

Will try the carb cleaner and new plugs and see what happens.

[Starfish]

Sounds like plugged jets in the carb from gum/varnish. Drop the float bowl and pull the jets and clean with carb cleaner. The idle jet is a common culprit because the orifice is so small.

[Orca]

As StarFish said. You will need to pull the carb (or bowl) and clean things up. Get a new bowl gasket or it will leak.

[SteelheadNympher]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Pulled the carb, took it apart, cleaned it with carb cleaner (shocked at the crap that came out of it), put it back together, and viola, it started on first pull and didn't stop.....

Motor runs well, but stutters slightly when I throttle up in nuetral. Made some throttle adjustments which seemed to help.

By the way, is there a fitting available for the impeller intake so I can hook up a hose instead of running it in a large bucket? Thanks again. SN

[fineline]

My eight horse came with one.

[Tacklebuster]

Use ear muffs or a bucket. If you value your motor, you won't run a hose to a garden hose adapter and run your motor even if you have one equiped. If you do, your rubber impeller won't last and will probably fail on you when you need it the most. I know mine did :rolleyes:

[Starfish]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Pulled the carb, took it apart, cleaned it with carb cleaner (shocked at the crap that came out of it), put it back together, and viola, it started on first pull and didn't stop.....

Motor runs well, but stutters slightly when I throttle up in nuetral. Made some throttle adjustments which seemed to help.

By the way, is there a fitting available for the impeller intake so I can hook up a hose instead of running it in a large bucket? Thanks again. SN



Glad to hear it's much improved! Way to go.

If it stutters when hitting the throttle you might try richening the mixture a little with the pilot air screw if so equipped (can't remember if it's in or out to richen it... probably try half a turn to the right).

I prefer running a kicker in a bucket rather than muffs or a hose connection. It seems a lot more certain to give good water flow.

[Blind Bobber]

I agree with the carb diagnosis. That is a great motor. I had an older 7.5 for many years. One season my motor had the symptoms you described. The problem turned out to be a small O ring failure where the fuel line connects to the motor on the outside. It was allowing air inside and leaking fuel. That motor was a great all day troller. Best of luck with it.