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BZBF 2HP Honda

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Bullie

Regular Contributor
My first time looking at one of these little 2hp Hondas. It doesn't have any spark at all. I removed the kill switch wire and checked again. Still no fire. Is this likely the coil? Magnets look good and feel strong.
 
If there is truly no spark, the three parts are the magnets, ignition coil and spark plug.

I am not sure how you are checking spark but the spark on the Hondas is pretty small and sometimes very hard to see. Before you order a new coil, check the spark in a darkened area or at night. Make sure you are connecting your tester or spark plug (new one) to a good ground.

Also, you can check for continuity from the spark plug lead to ground. If it is an open circuit, then the coil is faulty.

It is not unusual for people to think it is no spark and it turns out to be a dirty carburetor.

Mike
 
I am checking spark with a basic gap spark tester. I will check again. Not having any experience at all with Hondas, I assumed the spark would jump similarly to an OMC.

I currently have the coil removed from the motor. When you said I could check continuity from the spark plug lead to ground are you referring to the ground on the coil (to the MOB/kill switch)?
 
Plug lead to ground on the coil.

It will not have a spark anywhere close to an OMC. Close down the gap and it should jump the gap if you crank the engine fast enough.

Sometimes it is easier to just put a timing light on the plug lead and see if it flashes.

Mike
 
If you are near a True Value or Ace hardware store they sell a proximity spark tester that works like a charm. It costs about $12.00. Hold it next to the plug wire and have someone crank the engine. It will pulse every time the coil sends a pulse to the plug. Works on just about any gas engine.
 
I picked up one of the simple light spark testers as well as a timing light today. Needed the timing light anyway and happened to pass the cheap spark testers so I picked up one of those too. I reinstalled the coil and plugged the little spark tester in and she lit up when I pulled it over. Thanks Hondadude and chawk_man for the advice.

Hondadude, I pulled the carb and the bowl was lined with what we call red clay around here. No telling how many dirt dauber nests I knocked out of that thing. My driveway has a big orange spot on it from mud they make their nests out of. I cleaned the mud out of the carb and I think it should be good to go when the new gaskets come in.
 
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I am not having much luck with this little Honda. I have taken the carb apart and cleaned it 2x. After putting it back together both times I get it started and it runs and idles like it is new. The first time I revved it up a bit and as I brought the throttle back down it died and would not restart. Took it apart again and cleaned it and it started up and ran great until I shut it off to refill my barrel. I cannot get it to start again. The only adjustment needle I see on this motor is restricted to about a 1/4 turn as it is between two ears and has a fin on the screw that keeps it from turning. I have no idea how it even got in there. That is the only passage that I am sure I haven't cleaned out.
 
I am back to thinking this is a spark issue. I have been through the carb again. I can't get it to even sputter. I spark tested it again this morning and even in a dark garage, turned out all the lights, it is barely making it light up. Just a tiny weak light.

I tried putting a little gas directly into the cylinder. Nothing. Tried a little spray of starter fluid. Nothing.
 
Let us review...

You said it did not run, but the carb was dirty.
You cleaned the carb.
You said it then ran but did not idle. Which means idle passage clogged. But you had to have spark then.
You cleaned it again, then it did not run?

Sounds like something other than spark to me....but you are the one looking at it.

Sometimes this little guy does not respond to starting fluid. So, that is not a valid test.

Are you getting fuel to the carburetor? If you open the carburetor drain, will fuel flow out...or does it dribble?

If it flows, then you know you are getting fuel.

If there is a dribble or no fuel, the filter in your tank might be clogged or there could be a clog in the fuel cutoff valve. There is a very small filter that is in the outlet of the fuel tank, where the fuel line connects to it. Terrible place for a filter.

I may have said it before, but Hondas do not have big spark. If you really are not getting spark...and the safety switch is disconnected, then it would be time for a new coil. My gut tells me...not. But you are there and I am just typing into my computer. And....I have been wrong before.....

Mike
 
I admit I don't get it. I am frustrated with the little thing. Grasping at straws I guess.

Both times it started, it started easy and idled fine. Gas pours out of the hose from the tank when I disconnect the carb so I don't think the filter is clogged. I pour gas out of the carb when I remove it for cleaning. The last time it ran it started on the first or second pull and idled all the way down to the stop, then ran up to max, then back down to idle perfectly. I know that doesn't sound like a spark issue but after I shut it down I could not even get it to sputter 2 minutes later. The carb was full of gas when I took it back off again. I am stumped.
 
Ok...maybe it is flooded. Advance the throttle at least half way or more and try to start. Ignore the mark that says start. Be ready to throttle it back, in case it does start.

Mike
 
Bullie:

You said:
I pulled the carb and the bowl was lined with what we call red clay around here. No telling how many dirt dauber nests I knocked out of that thing. My driveway has a big orange spot on it from mud they make their nests out of. I cleaned the mud out of the carb and I think it should be good to go when the new gaskets come in.
Click to expand...

That sure sounds like dirt in the fuel system! Have you looked at all the other parts of the fuel system? Tank, siphon pump, engine pump, lines?
 
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