New Honda troubles
curtis
wife
wanted a 100% reliable motor she could put on and off in the winter
(Maine).
Unfortunately, it's been less than reliable in the first few uses.
Tougher
to start than we expected (generally 5-6 pulls) and all but impossible
to
re-start when warm. The second use I went about a mile (at half speed,
per
break-in instructions), stopped it to show off to a neighbor, and
couldn't
get it going again drifting away in the current, pulling away, even
with
fuel line disconnected (assumed flooding). Finally rowed back to
neighbors,
visited for a while, and it started right up.
Since then, this flooding has been consistent. I discovered the carb
drain,
and now drain fuel overboard to re-start (so much for environmental
consciousness) and try to disconnect the fuel line when not running.
Then yesterday, wife (with 4-month-old aboard) went through this
procedure,
and a few minutes later motor slowed and stopped. After fiddling,
topping
off fuel, etc, it re-started. She wasn't disturbed (3 kt current was
in the
right direction), but this is really unacceptable...
Motor is due for 20 hour servicing soon; does anyone have any advice?
Similar experiences? Is there a focused outboard motor discussion
board?
I tried to contact Honda, but their website doesn't have email or
(correct) phone number.
curtis
Steven Shelikoff
>
> A couple weeks ago, I finally bought a new Honda 5 hp (4-stroke). My
> wife
> wanted a 100% reliable motor she could put on and off in the winter
> (Maine).
>
> Unfortunately, it's been less than reliable in the first few uses.
> off fuel, etc, it re-started. She wasn't disturbed (3 kt current was
> in the
> right direction), but this is really unacceptable...
>
> Motor is due for 20 hour servicing soon; does anyone have any advice?
> Similar experiences? Is there a focused outboard motor discussion
> board?
I would think this should seem obvious, but why not take it back to the
dealer and have him fix it so it runs right.?
Steve
hkr...@capu.net
The most reliable small outboard ever made had to be the Evinrude Lightwin, a
3 horse motor that started life in the early 1950s and I think was still made
into the 1980s. I still see nearly 50-year-old Lightwins pushing around 12-14'
skiffs in Chesapeake Bay. I'd take one in good shape over a Honda anything
small motor in a New York minute.
--
Harry Krause
------------
Do us all a favor--have your coffee BEFORE you read mail
Wayne Canino
strokes for *so* long that I can't believe it's a design issue. Off hand I'd
say the float level is too high / stuck. Tell the dealer it's not a problem
you're willing to live with - period.
-W
curtis <cb_b...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:a6372400.01080...@posting.google.com...
Don White
used it in a while. Usually starts on second pull. Trouble is, you have
to wind the cord around the flywheel each time.....so it had better be
reliable.
hkr...@capu.net
>
> My 41 year old British Seagull is pretty reliable, although I havn't
> used it in a while. Usually starts on second pull. Trouble is, you have
> to wind the cord around the flywheel each time.....so it had better be
> reliable.
>
>
handled bolted vertically to the flywheel...you just kinda wound it around
until the motor started...
--
Harry Krause
------------
I'll take "Famous Taglines" for $1000, Alex
Curtis Betts
wanted a 100% reliable motor she could put on and off in the winter (Maine).
Unfortunately, it's been less than reliable in the first few uses. Tougher
to start than we expected (generally 5-6 pulls) and all but impossible to
re-start when warm. The second use I went about a mile (at half speed, per
break-in instructions), stopped it to show off to a neighbor, and couldn't
get it going again drifting away in the current, pulling away, even with
fuel line disconnected (assumed flooding). Finally rowed back to neighbors,
visited for a while, and it started right up.
Since then, this flooding has been consistent. I discovered the carb drain,
and now drain fuel overboard to re-start (so much for environmental
consciousness) and try to disconnect the fuel line when not running.
Then yesterday, wife (with 4-month-old aboard) went through this procedure,
and a few minutes later motor slowed and stopped. After fiddling, topping
off fuel, etc, it re-started. She wasn't disturbed (3 kt current was in the
right direction), but this is really unacceptable...
Motor is due for 20 hour servicing soon; does anyone have any advice?
Similar experiences? Is there a focused outboard motor discussion board?
curtis
Wayne Canino
-W
Curtis Betts <curti...@mediaone.net> wrote in message
news:hxwb7.1$gx2...@typhoon.ne.mediaone.net...
Giles Morris
> A couple weeks ago, I finally bought a new Honda 5 hp (4-stroke
It's not a design problem. Mine has been flawless for several years. Always
starts on the second pull from cold, warm or hot (Why not the first? Beats
me!). It's under warranty, take it back and tell them to fix it. (If the
flooding is consistent, that's likely a hint about what's wrong).
It's an _excellent motor_ <flamebait>and beats the pants off any
2-stroke</flamebait>.
Giles Morris
Curtis Betts
initially, so I sent it again thru Google...
"Wayne Canino" <b17of...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:qzwb7.24973$bm5.9...@typhoon.ne.mediaone.net...
> Deja Vu?
>
> -W
>
> Curtis Betts <curti...@mediaone.net> wrote in message
> news:hxwb7.1$gx2...@typhoon.ne.mediaone.net...
> > A couple weeks ago, I finally bought a new Honda 5 hp (4-stroke). My
> wife
> > wanted a 100% reliable motor she could put on and off in the winter
(snip)
Lloyd Sumpter
A...USED MOTOR? You, Harry? Say it ain't so!
Lloyd Sumpter
"Free Time" Campion 18
hkr...@capu.net
Well, sure. What little I know about outboard engine repair (and I stress
"little"), I learned on a Lightwin. My father gave me one in a box and said if
I wanted a motor for the summer, I had to put it back together and figure out
what was wrong with it. I was about 10. If I had a small skiff, I'd certainly
want a Lightwin on it.
--
Harry Krause
------------
Ooh-ee-Oo-ah-ah-ting-tang-wallla-walla-bing-bang
AKPBrown
Service center couldn't find anything unusual. They said "these four stroke
buggers are just hard starters but should get better after full break in". The
hell with that, I traded it in for an electric start 15 HP 2 stroke. So much
for trying to be environmentally friendly. Good luck.
Mike
My 8 HP Honda is a bitch to cold start. 10-20 pulls trying every
damned technique there is including talking "dirty" to it! Having it
serviced now but the dealer I am trying just screwed up my vacation by
lying about having it done in a week. Now, maybe 2+ weeks. I'm
starting to get a bad taste in ,my mouth for Honda Myself. This is 3
dealers that have pissed me off now.....Mike
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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hkr...@capu.net
>
> On 06 Aug 2001 17:36:08 GMT, akpb...@aol.com (AKPBrown) wrote:
>
> >Sounds like the exact same problems I was having with my 99' Honda 8 HP.
> >Service center couldn't find anything unusual. They said "these four stroke
> >buggers are just hard starters but should get better after full break in". The
> >hell with that, I traded it in for an electric start 15 HP 2 stroke. So much
> >for trying to be environmentally friendly. Good luck.
> My 8 HP Honda is a bitch to cold start. 10-20 pulls trying every
> damned technique there is including talking "dirty" to it! Having it
> serviced now but the dealer I am trying just screwed up my vacation by
> lying about having it done in a week. Now, maybe 2+ weeks. I'm
> starting to get a bad taste in ,my mouth for Honda Myself. This is 3
> dealers that have pissed me off now.....Mike
>
I hope you guys get your problems fixed, but I have to say, I find fascinating
the number of complaints being posted here and elsewhere about the heretofore
"superior" Japanese outboard motors. Where's those old Evinrude two strokes
when you need one? Oh...and the wonderful old Merc 10, the one that would move
a boat faster than TWO Honda eights...
Harry Krause
------------
I'm not crazy, it's just a chemical imbalance
GTO69RA4
the second pull every time. The previous owner used it in saltwater and left it
out on a tender all season. Still purrs like a kitten.
GTO(John)
Wayne Canino
That said - I think Harry's hatred for all things Jap comes shining through
his objectivity.
-W
GTO69RA4 <gto6...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20010806160818...@ng-co1.aol.com...
hkr...@capu.net
>
> I run a 40 year old Merc 800 - 2nd pull - but the starter still works too.
>
> That said - I think Harry's hatred for all things Jap comes shining through
> his objectivity.
>
> -W
My hatred for all things Jap?
Absurd.
I drive a truck that's half Japanese. Have lots of Japanese camera stuff,
stereo stuff, et cetera, and I love sushi.
I'm just not overly impressed with Japanese outboards.
--
Harry Krause
------------
What is the highest pyramid in the world? Amway
Mike
> Harry Krause
I really hope so too. Please understand, when I bought my Honda, I
was told by all my recreational boating buddies (who use ONLY
Johnson/Eveinrude) that if I went 4 stroke, ONLY buy Honda since they
have the most experience with 4 stroke. Now the clincher is, in
California, dealers are NOT ALLOWED to sell 2 strokes. I simply had no
choice in the 2-4 stroke game, unless I went used I guess? With
absolutely NO background in boating, AND the fact I go out in open
ocean a few miles in an inflatable to go surfing etc, I went with what
the majority advised. Myself..... I wish I had just bought an old
antique or something at this point. I have had the most unbelievable
luck with dealers also on this Honda. Mike
JeffC
>
>I'm just not overly impressed with Japanese outboards.
Put a Yamaha on your next boat, and you may change your mind.
--
I've spoofed my email in an attempt to reduce spam.
Please remove the "carrot" when replying via email. Thanks!
Lloyd Sumpter
You mean...a DUMPSTER engine? You? Well, break out the iceskates in Hades!
You mean you actually went out in a boat with a non-brand-new engine? One that
actually had to be FIXED before it even ran?
Geez, Harry, at least my boats ran when I got them...
hkr...@capu.net
Not very well, though, eh?
I don't want to destroy your illusions, Lloyd, but any engine that left my
father's shop after a rebuild was at least as good as new. He had some
incredible machinist and mechanics working for him, and my rebuild of that
wonderful Lightwin was supervised.
Oh...it wasn't a dumpster engine, Lloyd. It was a disassembled engine.
--
Harry Krause
------------
Old music teachers never die - they just reach a part marked tacet
Steven Shelikoff
>
> That's what I've been noticing. I have a 33 year old Johnson 6HP that starts on
> the second pull every time. The previous owner used it in saltwater and left it
> out on a tender all season. Still purrs like a kitten.
My 4 year old lawnmower starts on the first or second pull every time,
and it's a 4 stroke. So there's not something inherently wrong with 4
stroke engines that make them hard to start.
Steve
Wayne Canino
Some Honda's are hard to start when *hot* my XR-600 is such a beast though
my XR-250 is OK.
I wonder if they are not running so much compression on the thing to try to
get max HP that they made it hard to start. Perhaps you need a "big arm" to
spin it over fast enough to beat the flooding blues when she's hot. Still
sounds fishy though.
-W
Steven Shelikoff <shel...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3B6F2491...@yahoo.com...
Butch Ammon
>
>Some Honda's are hard to start when *hot* my XR-600 is such a beast though
>my XR-250 is OK.
>
Dirt bikes? *sniff* My Dad wouldn't let me have a dirt bike as a kid!
Probably because he saw me trying to do crazy Evel Kinevel stunts on my
bicycle! LOL!
Butch Ammon
My web page:
http://members.aol.com/ammonc/butch.html
RGrew176
>Dirt bikes? *sniff* My Dad wouldn't let me have a dirt bike as a kid!
>Probably because he saw me trying to do crazy Evel Kinevel stunts on my
>bicycle! LOL!
You too........
Butch Ammon
LOL! You know it! ha ha ha.... But it wasn't until 1984 that I got one (but
not a dirt bike). I bought up a used Honda Silverwing GL-650 motorcycle. Nice
bike. Shaft drive, liquid cooled, fairing, saddle bags. My wife liked it too
- but she never had the desire to drive it solo. Soon twin girls came along
and the bike went bye-bye.
I wouldn't want one of the newfangled Hondas now. I'm sorry... They look way
too much like a Harley, for the Harley bikers to come along, kick butt and take
names.
I don't know how good Honda marine engines are (getting back to the origin of
this topic), but if they look at the long standing reputation of the motorcycle
engines, the marine engines should be just as good.
Lloyd Sumpter
<amm...@aol.com123> wrote:
>>In thinking about this more......
>>
>>Some Honda's are hard to start when *hot* my XR-600 is such a beast though my
>>XR-250 is OK.
>>
>
> Dirt bikes? *sniff* My Dad wouldn't let me have a dirt bike as a kid!
> Probably because he saw me trying to do crazy Evel Kinevel stunts on my
> bicycle! LOL!
>
Dad nor I had the money to buy a me a dirt bike, so I used to make my own.
Mounted a 4hp B&S (4-stroke US-built!), first on a modified bike frame, then a
custom frame, and away I went. Saved money by not painting it or installing
brakes...
(Then got the Boating Bug and built an 8-ft "hydroplane" around the same
engine...Then I got the Sailing Bug and removed the engine and mounted a
mast...)
Gordon Zumach
> curtis wrote:
> >
> > A couple weeks ago, I finally bought a new Honda 5 hp (4-stroke). My
> > wife
> > wanted a 100% reliable motor she could put on and off in the winter
> > (Maine).
> >
> > Unfortunately, it's been less than reliable in the first few uses.
> [...]
> > off fuel, etc, it re-started. She wasn't disturbed (3 kt current was
> > in the
> > right direction), but this is really unacceptable...
> >
> > Motor is due for 20 hour servicing soon; does anyone have any advice?
> > Similar experiences? Is there a focused outboard motor discussion
> > board?
My old 7.5 Honda was hard starting. Found neutral switch was flaky.
Bypassed that sucker. Also found there wasn't enough throttle in neutral to
start well. Adjusted for more gas.
Noww, when cold, pull twice with choke, starts on next pull w/o choke.
G
Butch Ammon
>Mounted a 4hp B&S (4-stroke US-built!), first on a modified bike frame, then
>a
>custom frame, and away I went. Saved money by not painting it or installing
>brakes...
>
> (Then got the Boating Bug and built an 8-ft "hydroplane" around the same
>engine...Then I got the Sailing Bug and removed the engine and mounted a
>mast...)
>
>Lloyd Sumpter
>"Free Time" Campion 18
>
Wow, Lloyd.... Can you build me a 4x12 speaker cabinet for my guitar
amplifier? ha ha ha (no - don't! my wife would kill me if I tried to bring it
in the house!)
The only thing I helped put together besides the small dock floats out of 2x6's
and styrofoam blocks, was a waterski slalom course back in the 70's. That was
a pain in the a**! Every boat wake that came by, threw us off our
measurements. But got it and had a great time waterskiing.
BJ Waguespack
your disconcerns over the lack of service by their dealers. See if they
have a factory rep that can have it serviced for you.
Sarge
Gordon Zumach
> Dad nor I had the money to buy a me a dirt bike, so I used to make my
own.
> Mounted a 4hp B&S (4-stroke US-built!), first on a modified bike frame,
then a
> custom frame, and away I went. Saved money by not painting it or
installing
> brakes...
Couple years ago the kids at Neah Bay were mounting weed eater motors on
their bikes. Go like heck and wail like a banshee!
G
Mike
Just got my 8 HP Honda back from a dealer I haven't yet tried. Had
it's 1st service. Funny though, they only charged me $101.00 total.
Read the receipt and they changed the oil and impeller ONLY, along
with tank running it. I understood the valves were supposed to be
adjusted etc. Tomorrow I'll take it out in the ocean and see if it
start's any better etc. I also was told (by yet another dealer) that
even with only 20 hours at 1st service the spark plugs needed changed?
This was also not done..... I never even asked for an estimate, nor
did I care how much it cost, maybe they thought they saved me money
and did me a favor or something? Maybe they thought it just didn't
need all that? Maybe I screwed up again? Hate this, maybe checking
with a Honda rep is the way to go.....IF I could find one! Mike
JeffC
My 1986 Honda four wheeler still starts easily, I agree with you,
Steve.
GTO69RA4
a much easier time with old 2 stroke outboards than they do with new, high
tech, Japanese motors.
GTO(John) <--who used to have a lawnmower older than he was that would start on
the first pull.
George
disgruntled folks aren't pitching bull.
I am in MN. 2 cycles destroyed our lakes and continue to.... and the
EPA was slow to fix the problem. I have a 4hp Merc and 115HP Evinrude
I would love to sell to you salt water boys. I'm a bit down on my luck
or I would crush them and start fresh.
Every Honda owner I have met here, loves the engine. My friend has an
early 40hp. Outstanding motor.
If this guy REALLY bought a new small Honda with the problems he
contends, he would have taken it back to the dealer pronto.
His post is a ruse!
hkr...@capu.net
>
> it is sad to read this 4 stroke malignation. I wonder if some
> disgruntled folks aren't pitching bull.
>
> I am in MN. 2 cycles destroyed our lakes and continue to.... and the
> EPA was slow to fix the problem. I have a 4hp Merc and 115HP Evinrude
> I would love to sell to you salt water boys. I'm a bit down on my luck
> or I would crush them and start fresh.
>
> Every Honda owner I have met here, loves the engine. My friend has an
> early 40hp. Outstanding motor.
>
> If this guy REALLY bought a new small Honda with the problems he
> contends, he would have taken it back to the dealer pronto.
>
> His post is a ruse!
>
>
cycler doesn't want to believe it.
--
Harry Krause
------------
If it happens, it must be possible
Matt Jensen
>
> I am in MN. 2 cycles destroyed our lakes and continue to.... and the
I used to live in MN. Fertilizer destroyed your lakes.
Harry has lots of axes to grind, but I don't think any of them involve
blaspheming 4-stroke outboards. :-)
Labeling this "4 stroke malignation" is a tad extreme.
--
Matt Jensen (my email address is "moc.noivbo@nesnejm" backwards)
a.a.d.t: 98 Ram 1500 QC 4x4 5.9L
r.s.s : 02 ZR 800 EFI CC, 02 ZL 600 EFI SS, 01 ZR 440 Sno Pro Snocross
r.b : 00 Checkmate Pulsare 2100 w/ Mercury Pro Max 225
hkr...@capu.net
>
> George wrote:
> >
> > I am in MN. 2 cycles destroyed our lakes and continue to.... and the
>
> I used to live in MN. Fertilizer destroyed your lakes.
>
> Harry has lots of axes to grind, but I don't think any of them involve
> blaspheming 4-stroke outboards. :-)
>
> Labeling this "4 stroke malignation" is a tad extreme.
>
>
four cycle Yamaha 115. I wouldn't buy a large horse Honda. If, a couple of
years from now, I decide to get a larger outboard boat, like a bass boat, I'd
seriously consider a 200+ hp four cycle outboard if the prices were realistic.
But, again, not a Honda. I prefer marine engines to car engines.
--
Harry Krause
------------
DCLXVI - Ille numerus bestia
George
...too. The farmers and homeowners are irresponsible..
Soooooo.... I will go four cycle soon and I am an organic fertilizer
buff since I found www.gardensalive.com
I got to tell you that expensive lawn fertilizer, applied as they tell
you ...works!! I now have grass roots so deep I save more money not
watering my lawn, than the cost of the fertilizer.
I am confidant their fertilizer is better for my lawn and our lakes
and streams, than if I was using Scotts or Frank's or Kmart etc
It releases soooooooo slow, and is low on phosphorous and nitrogen.
Sometimes I wonder why it works since the amount of the classical
nutrients in the stuff looks a little on the sparse side.
I am not an expert on soil composition and additives but this gardens
alive stuff works as marketed.
hkr...@capu.net
>
> Ok.. I'll capitulate..yes ...fertilizer does a number on MN lakes.
> ...too. The farmers and homeowners are irresponsible..
>
> Soooooo.... I will go four cycle soon and I am an organic fertilizer
> buff since I found www.gardensalive.com
>
> I got to tell you that expensive lawn fertilizer, applied as they tell
> you ...works!! I now have grass roots so deep I save more money not
> watering my lawn, than the cost of the fertilizer.
>
> I am confidant their fertilizer is better for my lawn and our lakes
> and streams, than if I was using Scotts or Frank's or Kmart etc
>
> It releases soooooooo slow, and is low on phosphorous and nitrogen.
>
> Sometimes I wonder why it works since the amount of the classical
> nutrients in the stuff looks a little on the sparse side.
>
> I am not an expert on soil composition and additives but this gardens
> alive stuff works as marketed.
We fertilize our garden with the "leftovers" from fish cleaning. Heads, skins,
guts, et cetera. In the furrows between planting rows. This year's furrows
become next year's planting rows. I started doing this in Florida and it made
one heck of a difference in the speed and size of crops. The native Americans
were right.
--
Harry Krause
------------
Hollowpoints - the ultimate in feminine protection
del cecchi
"George" <g...@mn.rr.com> wrote in message
news:p7e5nt8v41n3348vc...@4ax.com...
> it is sad to read this 4 stroke malignation. I wonder if some
> disgruntled folks aren't pitching bull.
>
> I am in MN. 2 cycles destroyed our lakes and continue to.... and the
> EPA was slow to fix the problem. I have a 4hp Merc and 115HP Evinrude
> I would love to sell to you salt water boys. I'm a bit down on my luck
> or I would crush them and start fresh.
I am in Minnesota too, and have yet to see a lake destroyed by 2 cycle
motors. Septics and farm run off you bet.
>
> Every Honda owner I have met here, loves the engine. My friend has an
> early 40hp. Outstanding motor.
Go read the test of kickers by Bass and Walleye boats. They had trouble
with Honda starting too.
>
> If this guy REALLY bought a new small Honda with the problems he
> contends, he would have taken it back to the dealer pronto.
Lots of people post problems here to get an idea of what the dealer
should say and do.
>
> His post is a ruse!
>
> n 06 Aug 2001 20:08:18 GMT, gto6...@aol.com (GTO69RA4) wrote:
>
> >That's what I've been noticing. I have a 33 year old Johnson 6HP that
starts on
> >the second pull every time. The previous owner used it in saltwater
and left it
> >out on a tender all season. Still purrs like a kitten.
> >
> >
> >GTO(John)
> >
> >
snip
> >
>