honda kicker problems.

greenbuttskunk · 06-20-2005, 06:25 AM

I own a 2001 honda 8hp 4-stroke with only about 100 hours on it.. Had planned on trolling for kokanee all weekend, and when I tried to fire it up, it took forever to start. once I did start it, it would die if I tried to drop it into gear or give it throttle.
things I checked.
It had oil
checked fuel line from external tank, good.
Good gas.
Any ideas??? I may have to take it to a shop, but would love to save the $$ if there's something I can try.

Thanks,
GBS

Kamalot · 06-20-2005, 08:17 AM

Hey Brad,

I used to have a 2000 15hp Honda, and it had this type of problem and all it was is 1 of the 2 plug wires went open so the motor was firing on just one cylinder! Try pulling your Spark Plugs and verify spark on both.

Cory

Chrome Bumper · 06-20-2005, 08:49 AM

check for loose connections by the ignition pickup, they are exposed and easy to knock loose without noticing. Maybe the throttle plate shaft idle stop screw is backed out and needs adjustment.

jet · 06-20-2005, 10:33 AM

This happened to me... I left the choke on and could not figure out what was worng. Maybe it is on?

Jet~~~

RODACTION · 06-20-2005, 01:59 PM

One problem with the Honda O/B's...well the small one, is they need alot of choke to start when cold and this fouls the plugs. I was told (by a Honda dealer) to start the motor with the choke, give the motor more throttle and turn the choke off. Leave the choke closed/on for as little time as possable. I have had my 2004 8hp Honda let me down twice, both times was because on of the sparkplugs fouled. I now carrie a extra set of plugs and a spark plug wrench.

KROY · 06-20-2005, 02:26 PM

I ditto the plug problem, happened to me one day and I swapped the plugs. I carried a spare set after that.

Okie · 06-20-2005, 02:37 PM

Honda has a drain on the carbaretor that you should drain when you are not using the engine. This stops the jets from fouling up when the gas sets for a time in the carbaretor bowl.

Critr Gitr · 06-20-2005, 03:59 PM

Ditto had one of the same beasts - I also found that the carb linkage is pretty fragile - got to where I had to turn the trhottle to the stops when trying to pull start it - arms looked like a pretzel but it got it going....

Good News Tuna · 06-20-2005, 07:45 PM

Had the plug problem with a older 10hp

greenbuttskunk · 06-20-2005, 08:07 PM

hummmm? So maybe I can remedy this myself. I'll have to pull the plugs and check things out. A little easier than when I was on the lake with the family and kokanee jumping all around us.

Thanks guys,
GBS

Seefood Man · 06-21-2005, 07:57 AM

The factory plugs are nothing but garbage in those honda kickers. Go with a NGK in the next higher heat range and your starting problems should end.

nobrownline · 06-21-2005, 11:12 PM

Where is the gas tank? Some motors are very picky about length of fuel draw.When I had my tank in the front of the boat(15')It did just as yours did.I read somewheres they shouldn't be over 6 feet away

ChSp · 06-22-2005, 07:36 AM

I agree with Okie, had the jets get plugged on mine because I didn't drain the carb - 2 weeks of hot weather and the gas evaporates leaving a laquer on the jets. When it happened to me I could get it to run with the choke about half on, but only at half throttle, not too good for trolling.

Chrome Bumper · 06-24-2005, 12:17 PM

Is the air vent in your gas tank open, that one gets me if I am not watching. See related post on Yamaha and carbs.