Honda 25 problem.....

[hot wire]

Hey folks,

A good friend of mine picked up a Honda 25 4-stroke. I think a 1997. Today we took the motor out to a lake to give it a shot. We were not happy! [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Here are the symptoms. It started like crap. Pulled the choke on and it started, sputtered and ran VERY missing like. I believe a three cylander. Real poor to keep running. Either the choke stays on---idle goes up for a bit then ....stops. Or, leave choke off and won't start at all. (even when its warmed up) When this thing runs, its missing. BUT, no smoke while it misses. Doesn't that sound like fuel starved? I wonder if the carbs are clogged with varnish....gosh, we sure would appreciate your help...

I pulled off fuel filter and blew it out--not any better though...

Pulled all three plugs--seemed fine, none black or wet. All seemed the same. Gray or whitish residue--but very clean.

Inspecting engine shows no obvious cracks, water intrusion in oil, or fuel pressure--bulb stays hard and vent open on tank..

Any ideas? [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

Thanks in advance!

Tom

How old is the fuel?

[KROY]

HewesFisher,
I would start by replacing all the plugs, oil, lower-end oil, fuel, and fuel filter. You just never know what maintenance was done on a used motor. My plugs looked fine this summer when I had the same symptoms. I replaced the plugs and it's running fine.
Good luck,
Ken

[Silver Hilton]

Could also be the tank, if the vent isn't working. Or a leak in the hose. Though it sounds like you looked at that.

[ 12-02-2003, 08:57 AM: Message edited by: Silver Hilton ]

[hot wire]

I agree with the possibility with the plugs. Also, the maintenance was not done before. All fluids will be changed.

As far as the gas goes, he used my new Honda plastic tank and new fuel. The screw on the top was loose and so was the entire lid---just in case.

I just wondered if the carbs are all plugged up. Would I get smoke? Unburnt fuel on the water? I didn't see ANY. Thats why the plugs isssue would be a GREAT & Easy fix!

What plugs do you all reccommend?

Tom

#1 Bad plugs
#2 Bad plug wires
#3 Wet ignition
#4 Bad coils :depressed:
#5 pluged jet in carb

[Rubber Boot]

Valves get adjusted after break in? Mine didnt and it quit on me and would not [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] start.....Runs great now.

[hot wire]

***UPDATE***

Friend got 3 new plugs installed. Little improvement. Decided to take the carbs apart....OH GOD!! There was sand in each carb bowl. Removed sand and put back together. MUCH BETTER!

New symptom. The engine stumbles. The only way it seems to run steady is if a quarter throttle is applied.

Does anyone know where to start the three carb screws and their number of turns to get them close????

Also, could there be another issue with the sand going through the intake and ending up in the cylanders?

REALLY appreciate everyones help.....

Tom

[skein]

Sounds like the motor might have been submerged - maybe on a boat that sank.

But I'm no mechanic.

Skein