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2001 Honda BFP8D1 LHSA not starting

J

jdub

New member
The motor was not properly stored and it's been 1 1/2 years since it has run. I've drained and replaced the gas, etc and replaced the spark plugs. Prior to that is was well maintained and taken for regular service.

The elec. starter "works" (turns the starter motor for a few revelotions) but does not start the motor. Both the pull cord/emergency pull give the same result - once or twice I've gotten a cough/sputter -- but nothing that catches the pistons.

It seems to me I am not getting any spark. I tried the starter with a new spark plug plugged into the connector but not into the motor and I can not see any type of spark (day light, so it may be difficult to see). Not sure I grounded it properly - plan to test that next visit to the marina.

The kill switch key is in place, but I have not tried to bypass/disable for testing - not sure how to but will fiddle with it.

The old plugs appear to be ok with a hint of being dry fouled: black soot buildup according to this chart http://www.4x4review.com/Features/Te...6/Default.aspx

My thoughts are the ignition control, starter/ignition coil or wiring -- none of that has ever been removed/replaced/fiddled with? Could that be the case or am just chasing a ghost? How could I test those? Or could it just be flooded?

I DREAD taking this thing into the shop b/c the hassle it is and I'm more than comfy getting parts and tearing into it myself.

Thanks in advance.
Jonathan
 
The "not properly stored" comment leads me very quickly to the carburator.

Take some starting fluid and spray (just a little) into the carburator intake. Then try to start it. If it starts for a couple of seconds, you need to remove your carburator and clean it.

This carb has a lot of small passages throughout. I recommend a Honda repair manual to get you through it. The passages that are used for starting are particularly critical.
It also has an accerator pump that will get stuck if it sits with gas in it over a period of time.

There are several posts on this forum that go into a lot of detail or what to look for. I think "jgmo" has several, since he works on a lot of this size Hondas.

Mike
 
thanks Mike...

I've been wishfully thinking it was not a carb/air flow issue - but the more I ponder it, it's a certain given that there is "some" varnish/crud choking the air flow. I'm just wanting to get he darn thing to start so I can eliminate electrical/ignition issues.

I plan to drain/flush the carb and give it some love/spray to do what I can to validate a spark/no spark issue. If I can get it running, then I can travel to the shop and have a complete overhaul without having to remove/transport/etc....

My thought is if it was a carb issue, at least it would start then sputter/die...since I have no confidence of a spark -- it seems my time/effort is better spent on that.....please advise/correct me if I'm wrong.

thanks...
 
Not sure how you guys are able to have a back and forth on this format as I only get an update once per day and that is usually after I am in bed. Don't like this "new" format for this site.

Anyway Jonathan, I tend to agree with Mike...and you. I agree with Mike that you most likely have a carb issue and I agree with you that it is very hard to see the spark from these engines in daylight.

Also, Mike is correct in that you should use a starting aid to verify spark. However, I am very, VERY paranoid about people using starting fluid (ether) because you can SO easily ruin an engine by using too much. As Mike said, use just a little. I like to say spray just a "whiff" of it across the intake as someone cranks the motor. If she fires and runs for a second, give the rest of the can away to a needy organization. DO NOT continue to run the engine on ether and marvel at the magic that it can make. This is where people cause damage with this stuff. I use propane to start engines that I test for no fuel as they run smoothly and readily on that fuel with no danger of damage. You can use a propane torch, unlit, while working the throttle and turning the engine over. Requires a helper for sure.

You said in the original post that "once or twice I've gotten a cough or sputter" and that tells me you are getting spark and little to no fuel.

These little carburetors are a bit finicky and very sensitive to contaminated fuel but they are also not very complicated, component wise, and are fairly easy to take apart and clean, rebuild. Just don't try it on the water! There are some "tricks o the trade" for cleaning the passages and we can share them with you if you decide to do it yourself.
 
Jimmy,

If you got up before noon, you might see more posts.. lol.

Mike


Seriously...somewhere in your profile area, you can select different options as to how you are notified. For the life of me, I can not tell you where it is now.
 
for startes, you guys rock...thanks for insight/advice - but I've succumbed to the reality that it's best to take it to the shop, get it serviced and completely up to par all around -- AND NEVER EVER NOT PROPERLY WINTERIZE/ETC...I guess we can chalk this one up to an idiot tax and hope the lessons learned.

I am more than comfy tearing into her in the future and doing self-service once it's back in shape - so all was not lost.

As for the instant notification...you have to subscribe to a thread which it seems can only been done once you post a new thread or reply to an existing one...

User CP --> Edit Options -->Messaging & Notification --> Default Thread Subscription Mode --> Instant Email Notification

I really appreciate the time/assistance -- this is one of the best forums I've found and a great community.
 
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Ok, thanks guys! I got up extra early (11:45) to read this. Ha!

I'm replying now so I can see if I can get back on track with your tip. Good luck with your motor Jonathan. Remember, a good mechanic is not expensive...he's priceless!
 
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