Honda 30 idle problem

[drummerboy]

I have a Honda 30 that runs beautifully at medium to high speed, but just doesn't seem to like to idle (in gear). Since I am mainly a troller-dude this gets aggravating at times. The motor will start out idling very smoothly like all the other Hondas I have owned, then gradually it roughens up, and eventually stalls out. When I re-start it runs well again for a while but then sooner or later (mostly sooner) the same sequence happens again. I can smooth it out when it starts to miss by advancing the throttle, but then I'm going too fast to troll. Anybody else ever dealt with this, or have any ideas.

Thanks,

DB

[SandySteel]

I always start with the simple stuff. Can you adjust the low speed fuel mixture? Have you tried adjusting it? What is the condition of the fuel? Is there water in it possibly? How long has it sat in the tank without use? What is the condition of the plugs? How did you store it in the off season? Do you use fuel stabilizer every time you fuel up? When was the last time the carbuerator was cleaned up? Remember the three important elements in an engine, fuel air, electricity. If they are not in the right balance or of good quality you're going to have problems.

[Chrome Bumper]

Try draining the carb bowls and see if a little water comes out. Warmer thermostat and plugs might help if everything else is right.

[Starfish]

Also check your oil level to be sure it's not overfilled by dilution with gasoline. Some 4-stroke Hondas generate so little heat that they never reach operating temperature and you can get gasoline buildup in the motor oil. If you're "making oil" you'll want to install a thermostat and possibly reject the motor to run leaner.

[Reeldeal07]

I think for one thing a 30 horse is way to big for trolling you should be using like a 8 or a 6 horse but thata my opion

[drummerboy]

Reeldeal07,

That's exactly what I ended up doing. After the Honda mech tuned up the 30 and put everythng to "Factory Specs" and it still died every now and then, I bought a little one-lunger 5hp (Honda, of course) and now things are fine.

Drummerboy