Honda 8 troubles

[imported_Seachaser]

Need help with a hard start issue with my 99 Honda 8hp. It may take upto 20 to 30 pulls to start the motor when cold. When warm she starts with one pull. I have replaced plugs and it help little. It sat for more than 5 years and when I got it I replaced all fluids and flushed gas . I took into shop and they said the carb has no choke adjustments but did a trick and it still takes too many pulls... any suggestions?

Also, what should the compression be for this model? I tested and it measured 95 lbs in both holes.. Is that to spec.?

The motor runs good once it starts and will run all day... Since the shop worked on the carb the plugs will foul after a couple of days of trolling...

 

[hattiecreef]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

I have the EXACT same problems...if someone helps you out, hopefully you can do the same for me.

 

[hondon]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

If you are repeatedly fowling plugs you have one or more of 3 situations that come to mind immediatly.Idle is set way to low,or you are lugging the engine,or your state of tune is so far out that complete cumbustion ca'nt happen.When is the last time you had those valves adjusted.How did you get those compression #s?These things need to be at wide open for a valid reading.Fuel quality becomes a state of tune issue as well.If you are expecting this thing to run on ancient[3 month old]fuel,try again.

 

[Nick on the Bad Habit]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

Make sure that the t-stat is working! If the t-stat does not close, complete combustion does not happen!
Nick

 

[hattiecreef]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

How do you know if the T stat closes?

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

This is 3 year old post??? Best way is to remove it and check in boiling water with a candy thermometer. Sometimes it is best to just replace it.

 

[hattiecreef]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

Where is the t stat located - I have a 2003 8hp

 

[Mas]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

Try starting a "new post" using the button near the top left of the "threads pages" for best results of your issues.

Thermostats are usually near the upper cylinder near the top plug. This may also be where yours is...

Do you have a manual? If not, check one out from the library, or better yet, purchase an OEM shop/repair manual.

If the motor is cold (not recently started), the thermostat is not your problem. The purpose of the thermostat is to get the motor up to temp and keep it from overheating by regulating cooling water. If your problem is starting a cold motor, do not worry about the thermostat.

MAS

 

[Mas]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

Thermostats are usually near the upper cylinder near the top plug. This may also be where yours is...

I just looked at my 10HP..the thermostat is underneath the intake manifold on the upper end. If the 8HP is the same, you should see an raised area in the manifold.

MAS

 

[Nick on the Bad Habit]

Re: Honda 8 troubles

The purpose of the thermostat is to warm up the motor rapidly and maintain that temperature so the motor can run efficiently. The temperature of the water on lake or ocean is way to low to operate the motor with out fouling the plug or building carbon deposit in the combustion chamber.
Nick