Honda 20hp outboard carburetor issues

[shepnuts]

I have a 2006 Honda outboard BF20D6 serial BAMJ 1301660. I purchased the motor used in 2010. It never ran very well, I had to be careful how much throttle I gave or it would die out. Since then the issue has become worse. It is an auxiliary motor so it really doesn't run much at all. Probly has less than 10 hrs on it. My question is, what is the best way to clean the carburetor? I know carburetors are complicated little contraptions, and my mechanical skills are limited. What should I look for, like where would be a good place to start? Looks like a new carburetor is around $200, almost seems like installing a brand new carb would save time and headache. Thanks for any input!

 

[Sea Rider]

Buying a proper carb clean product, the ones for soaking purposes will be way cheaper than buying a new carb, disassemble all carb parts, remove all plastic, rubber bits from it and let soak for 3-4 hours, remove, squirt generic carb spray through air/fuel passages, dry, assemble back and test. If money is not an issue and want to avoid future headaches, buy a new carb..

Happy Boating

 

[mf70]

I would either DIY ($30 parts) or buy new. If you clean it yourself, I have seen recommendations to AVOID "Dip" products, as Honda carbs have a plastic coating that will be removed.

Otherwise, the only addition I would make with Sea Rider is to use the spray cleaner so that ALL passages are free. You should identify and clean idle circuit, transition passages (leading to the five little holes behind the throttle plate) accelerator circuit, FE circuit, and main jet circuit. Replace all gaskets and 'O" rings as well as the center emulsion tube (and its "O" ring), and double check all other emulsion tubes for blocked passages.

I would not have a shop clean the carb. If I had the dollars, I would buy new, but even a new carb has a 5% chance of coming from the factory with blocked passages. I cleaned my own, and had if off four times before I found ALL the passages. It runs fine now, thought, and I know a LOT more about carbs!

 

[Sea Rider]

Spending $$ in a carb rebuild kit is useless as it won't cure a carb with fuel delivery issues. Better save money and with patience clean all that was found obstructed, reinstall back and voil?, Tohatsu manuals don't recommend soaking carbs either, just cleaning with carb spray.

Happy Boating