Stalling when put in gear, Honda 8HP

[isaksp00]

Approx mid 90's vintage BF8Am. I purchased boat/motor in spring of this year, engine could not be started. Local shop fixed, carb was gunked up (engine had not been used for about 2 yrs, perhaps a bit more).

I first launched boat (23 ft sailboat) in mid July. I've had problems with hard starting (shop said they have seen fuel quality issues - this is fresh gas/ethanol, and I used StaBil). Seems to be easier to start if throttle is turned up as far as it will go in neutral, and then when choke is pushed in, throttle down. I have also had recurring problems with stalling when put in F or R, and also when throttling up (even slowly) in gear. It seems to be somewhat more reliable (tho not 100%) if I keep the choke pulled out about half way, perhaps a bit less. I tested with the throttle stop screw on the carb in further to increase idle RPM a bit, which does help, but it shifts hard - I don't want to damage the shift gears.

Does anyone have any ideas on common causes for this, especially considering the somewhat increased reliability when partially choked? I checked the choke knob linkage, and it seems to be OK - the choke lever on the top of the carb looks as if it rotates the full range, stop to stop.

 

[stepphen]

Re: Stalling when put in gear, Honda 8HP

Approx mid 90's vintage BF8Am. I purchased boat/motor in spring of this year, engine could not be started. Local shop fixed, carb was gunked up (engine had not been used for about 2 yrs, perhaps a bit more).

I first launched boat (23 ft sailboat) in mid July. I've had problems with hard starting (shop said they have seen fuel quality issues - this is fresh gas/ethanol, and I used StaBil). Seems to be easier to start if throttle is turned up as far as it will go in neutral, and then when choke is pushed in, throttle down. I have also had recurring problems with stalling when put in F or R, and also when throttling up (even slowly) in gear. It seems to be somewhat more reliable (tho not 100%) if I keep the choke pulled out about half way, perhaps a bit less. I tested with the throttle stop screw on the carb in further to increase idle RPM a bit, which does help, but it shifts hard - I don't want to damage the shift gears.

Does anyone have any ideas on common causes for this, especially considering the somewhat increased reliability when partially choked? I checked the choke knob linkage, and it seems to be OK - the choke lever on the top of the carb looks as if it rotates the full range, stop to stop.

I also have a 8 HP Honda and when I first got it (2000) 0on a sailboat 26ft I purchased the engine was very reliable . Three easy pulls on the recoil rope while the choke was fulling out. Then one quick pull. Engine would start and I would quickly push the choke in 50 % let it run and slowly reduce the coke to fully open. Engine worked fine. Starting in about 2005 THE ENGINE has been sick. I attribited it to ethonal in the fuel. It drives me crazy. I usually use a STARTER sprayed into the carb opening to get it going.

Stepphen

 

[isaksp00]

Re: Stalling when put in gear, Honda 8HP

Stephen,

I actually solved, or think I solved, the problem since then. I removed the low speed (idle) jet, which can be removed while the carb is still on the engine (at least on my BF8A). It is on top, and has a straight screw slot. It is a short tube, about an inch, maybe 3/4 long. I cleaned the tiny orifice up the center, and also the holes that go diametrically across the jet, using a thin plastic strip (I used a dental floss threader), then sprayed with carb cleaner. Apparently that jet clogs easily and since it evidently supplies the fuel at or near idle, including when starting, if its clogged it won't run unless throttled up. So far, it has been fine, and the one time it started to act up, recleaning that jet did the trick. Just be careful when you remove it, if you're in the water.

Peter