8hp

[sjfishon]

Is it normal for an 8hp to pull very hard to start! What would cause this, it does start runs perfect, 1pull restart but. It seems like a hard pull like very strong compression! Is this normal!!!?

 

[jgmo]

Hi,

Well, that's a very subjective question in that everyone's body is different.

But, based on my experience maintaining and repairing multiple small boat rental fleets using mostly Honda BF8D outboards, it shouldn't be that difficult for a person of average strength.

We rented to people that were young, old, big, small, men and women alike. The dockhands were always quick to report issues and complaints from customers but I can't recall them ever reporting "too hard to pull" problems with our 8hp Hondas. And, the dockhands usually had to start most of these outboards several times in a day during preparation, cleaning and parking.

So, I would have to answer no, it shouldn't be that difficult to pull over a 8hp Honda.

While brand new, these engines have in excess of 200psi compression, we introduced new ones from time to time as replacements with no complaints of hard to pull over.

So, after having said all that, I might suspect that yours could have an issue but have no way of knowing for sure.

If it's a well used outboard, especially with high idle or trolling time, I might suspect tight valves or excessive carbon buildup in the cylinders.

This could also indicate that the engine valve timing is off due to a worn belt or adjusting problem with a pulley gear. Check the timing belt condition and alignment of timing marks.

If the belt and timing look ok, you might pull the spark plugs and inspect them closely for carbon, oil fouling or damage of any kind.

Pull the engine over with no plugs installed to see if it still seems tight.
It should be almost effortless. If not, it could be any number of things causing this. From a faulty pull start mechanism to a problem in the lower end creating undue friction.

If it pulls easily with no plugs, I would still inspect the valve adjustment. Particularly if you have no knowledge of their ever having been checked/adjusted. This is something that should be done periodically on these as maintenance.

I have no sure fire cure for you, just some ideas to try.

I no longer have my shop manual for these but it's a valuable resource if you work on your own stuff. You can get the official Honda manual from the link below:

Honda Marine | Shop Manuals Publications | Honda Power Products Support Publications

publications.powerequipment.honda.com

Good luck.