Many thanks JGMO. 3 hours of TLC and it worked. Cleaned carb although there was no apparent varnish or dirt in the float chamber or the evap chamber or on the jets. But all jets cleaned with fine wire and carb cleaner. Took a bit of pulling to fire up but it did and ran smoothly thereafter. Conclusion is that the old fuel pump was probably okay and it was a pure fuel blockage issue. But new pump doesn't hurt on a 12 year old engine. Tiny jets and lots of them so any dirt would cause a stoppage. We were bracing for a new CDI unit and other stuff but your advice was correct. If there was a strong spark which there was, then that part working, thankfully. We avoided an easy $1000+ bill with some maintenance and help from yourself and this forum.
Hi lela2,
Well, if, as you say, the sparks are sparking, then I don't think that there's any problem with the kill switch or the CDI. Getting spark on one of these usually indicates all the "electrics".are ok. Even though there is the possibility of the spark being too weak, your description of "dry plugs" says lack of fuel to me.
I'm assuming you tried the pumping the bulb trick?
I always confirm a lack of fuel guess by using propane to artificially enrich the engine but I realize most aren't equipped or confident enough to do that.
I NEVER recommend using ether (starting fluid) unless in an emergency because of the damage it can cause to the engine.
My guess is that it's probably the carburetor. But....just a guess at this point.
You can try "spritzing" carburetor cleaner into the muffler while cranking (takes two people) to see if it will pop or cough. But you still need to be careful because you can use too much and, because it's a liquid, doing that can also cause harm.
A few questions:
This is a no start, right? As in: you pull it over and it won't cough or ever try to fire?
Did this problem start all at once or did it gradually get harder to start?
Have you checked your fuel tank vent or tried running with the cap off?
Are you positive that the fuel you're using is of good quality and is fresh?
Have you ever emptied the fuel chamber? That's the round, black thing mounted to the engine oil dipstick tube.
Does your choke knob stay pulled out all the way and not move back toward the closed position by itself when you release it?
Have the valves ever been adjusted?
This carburetor "fuel enrichment system" is NOT a conventional, butterfly valve type "choke". It acts more like a valve inside the carb. The cable for it can stretch and or buckle and cause the valve not to operate properly. That can cause hard/no start but usually only when cold.
Also, these carbs are VERY sensitive to ANY fuel contamination and can get plugged up easily as a result.
When that happens, a thorough cleaning will usually fix the problem. BUT...
...be forewarned...it's NOT a 20 minute job. The carbs are finicky with very small passages and can give you fits getting one clean.
Ask any and all questions but please, also answer mine.
This is a reply to previous to last post:
This is a no start, right? As in: you pull it over and it won't cough or ever try to fire?
CORRECT. NOT A POP. PLUGS DRY DESPITE FUEL FLOW TO PUMP AND CARB.
Did this problem start all at once or did it gradually get harder to start?
ONLY IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. VERY RELUCTANT TO START, CONKED OUT LEAVING MARINA BUT I GOT IT GOING EASILY WITH CHOKE AND SOME REVS AND IT RAN STRONG FOR 45 MINUTES. WENT HOME. 2+WEEKS LATER NOTHING/NOW.
Have you checked your fuel tank vent or tried running with the cap off?
NO BUT WE FITTED A NEW FUEL PUMP AND FUEL IS GETTING THROUGH AND I HAVE A TRANSPARENT FILTER TO IT'S GOING IN
Are you positive that the fuel you're using is of good quality and is fresh?
JUST TOPPED IT OFF WITH NEW FUEL
Have you ever emptied the fuel chamber? That's the round, black thing mounted to the engine oil dipstick tube.
NO BUT WE TESTED THE FLOW FROM THE CHAMBER EXIT TO THE CARB AND IT GUSHED OUT WITH EACH POLL (MANUAL STARTER).
Does your choke knob stay pulled out all the way and not move back toward the closed position by itself when you release it?
STAYS OUT AND WAS WORKING
Have the valves ever been adjusted?
NO. WHEN IT RUNS IOT RUNS PERFECTLY. HOWEVER, EARLIER IN ITS LIFE AT TOP REVS IT DID CLATTER A BIT SO BACK IT OFF AND IT SETTLED DOWN. FOR A YEAR THAT HAS GONE.
COULD IT BE AN INTAKE VALVE ISSUE? BUT LAST USE HAD NO INDICATION OF ANY MAJOR FAIL LIKE THAT. IT RAN AFTER STALLING TICKED OVER UP TO THE SLIP THEN REFUSED TO START AFTER THAT AS MENTIONED.
We've cranked this with throttle full open and choke on to see if the plugs are wet but remain dry so it does point to the carb. Is there a main jet that gets blocked? I'm fearing a combo of gunk in any case.
This engine gets a ton of use and is usually wonderful but never serviced the carb. All other fluids etc changed as per. Plugs seem good. Had various Hondas and they are amazing including 47 year old original mini trail that pulls us 220lbs up the hill!.
Thank you again for your input and to the forum
Lela II