Honda 15 won't idle

[B4BAMA]

Howdy everybody. I have a 1999 Honda 15A and it will not idle and needs to choked all the way to start. When you turn the throttle wide open it stutters a little then evens out. I replaced the fuel filter and spark plugs and noticed that the plugs were black on the end. Any help would be great.<br />Thanks

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

Sounds like you have lacquered up your carb. There is a drain screw on the bottom of the carb, open it to see if you get fuel coming out. If you do, get a spray can of carb cleaner and spray the cleaner inside the carb, hopefuly it will disolve the stuff, otherwise time for a rebuild.<br />There are also adjusting screws on the carb, maybe turn them all the way in, counting the turns, just until they touch, then completely remove and spray with carb cleaner and replace to the orginial position. Try that and update your results.

 

[B4BAMA]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

Gary, thanks for the info. Today I drained the carb bowl and the gas that came out looked gold. I left the drain screw out and pumped the bulb a few times. <br />I decided to go ahead and remove the carb and clean it. Also cleaned the jet and bowl. Haven't tried it yet, I am going hunting in the morn, I'll let you <br />know if that did the trick.<br />Thanks again!

 

[B4BAMA]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

Gary,<br /> That wasn't it. Took it out today and it's still doing the same thing. Runs fine as long as the choke is open, but as soon as you close it she dies.<br />I cleaned the spark plugs with a wire brush yesterday also.<br />Any ideas?<br />Thanks<br />Michael

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

I still think it is fuel related. Is your tank vented? Does the bulb suck down flat or stay firm? Did you try adjusting the idle screws? Check the "O" rings in hose ends, are they smooth or cracked? They are easily replaced if needed. Maybe try a different fuel tank/hose combination.

 

[B4BAMA]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

Gary,<br /> It's got to be fuel related, but it has <br />just started this. The tank is vented, bulb stays firm, and I tried the idle screws. I have not checked the "O" rings, (on my way now) The fuel line is fairly new. Do you think that the fuel pump has some sort of valve that is cloged up? I have bought some Sea Foam to run through it and bought the Clymer shop manual for it (although it has not arrived)<br /><br />Thanks <br />Michael

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

I don't know where to go from here, I run a 15 and so does my friend. The last time out w/his boat we had problems with it not idleing. After it sat for about 1/2 I tried to restart it and it started and ran for the rest of the day trolling.<br />I am assuming that the motor runs ok at upper speeds.<br />I have never had to mess w/fuel pump so I don't know how it works. I would assume it is diaphram as most are. I just rebuilt my 200hp Mercury and that was simple enough. If yours had a clogged valve, it would not run at all. If it is a diaphram, a very small hole might affect idle speed. Maybe try advancing the throttle a little bit and see if that helps. Good luck Gary

 

[B4BAMA]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

Thanks for the help Gary. I'm going to try replacing the fuel filter since I cleaned the carb and also try some different gas along with the Seafoam. If that doesn't work, it's off to the shop!<br /><br />Michael

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

I was hoping that HONDON would jump in on this since he works on Hondas. SeaFoam is good stuff. I use it all the time.

 

[hondon]

Re: Honda 15 won't idle

What is the complaint?You state that we need to choke this unit fully for a start.Normal for a cold start,sometimes needed elsewise.If this engine do'es not fire off in the first three pulls ,something is usually up.Other than trying to clean this carb,what have you done or ever done to this engine?Valves I am guessing are all adjusted and we have some good compression?How much time did we put in cleaning that carb?I spend an hour with each one . They need to come down completely and all jets ,tubes ,and transition ports cleaned surgically.Then you get to set the idle mixtures and I forgot to mention float levels.You do'nt need me , you need a manual!