Honda 8hp Knock

[bjarnold1]

I have a Honda 8hp "Classic" model that has a knocking noise at all speeds. It has been used strictly for trolling and used 87 octane fuel. The green light is on and I just changed the engine oil. The weird thing is I pulled the spark plugs and turned the motor over and there is no knocking noise with them removed. I would assume if it was a rod it would knock even with the plugs out

 

[bjarnold1]

I ran the motor in a 55 gallon barrel for several hours and the noise isn't as noticeable. The strange thing is when you cover the two exhaust relief holes the sound all but goes away

 

[robert graham]

Well, it's hard to say, but since you just changed the oil(meaning a 4 stroke motor) then I know these motors are generally very quiet...can you tell if the knock is from the powerhead area or possibly lower down?....does it knock in gear And in neutral?...any ideas on the age or history on this motor?...

 

[bjarnold1]

The knock is coming from the powerhead area and it does it in both neutral and forward. The motor is a 2003, freshwater use only, and has been unused for 4-5 years.