Honda BF50 Carb Cleaning - Do a Thorough Job

[michaelwclemens]

I had an interesting experience with a Honda-certified mechanic that attempted to clean the carburetors on my BF50. The engine had been idling rough and stalling on acceleration. After supposedly putting six hours into cleaning the carb's, the mechanic told me that the carb's had some contamination in a passage that they wouldn't be able to get to. The only option, I was told, was a new set of three carb's @ $600. I paid $280 for the attempted carb cleaning and advice to buy new carb's.

I shared this story with another mechanic who has a lot of experience on small engines, and he wanted to see one of the carburetors. Upon removing and inspecting the idle jet (a very small diameter tube leading from the fuel bowl up to the idle air passage), he noticed that the tiny hole running up the center of the tube was partially clogged.

I followed his advice and spent about 2 hours gently cleaning the debris from the idle jet with an incredibly small drill bit. I also cleaned up the other two carb's this way. This completely fixed my problem! So much for the new carb's.

Maybe some of you can benefit from my experience.

 

[JUSTINTIME]

Re: Honda BF50 Carb Cleaning - Do a Thorough Job

Honda-certified mechanic are u sure
call honda!!!! ASAP report him

 

[kenwitt]

Re: Honda BF50 Carb Cleaning - Do a Thorough Job

Tx so much.. foget the don't use wires etc I'm cleaning that jet nozzle with a very small drill or wire... worst that can happen is buy 3 new jets $12 each

I also have a very fine soft wire .. will run [ gently ] through pilot screw passage as my second try if above does not work..

tx for the help... best ken

 

[Flounder pounder]

Re: Honda BF50 Carb Cleaning - Do a Thorough Job

I guess this is what I will have to do. I get the hesitation also and I have no RPM's higher than 4200 unless I reach back a pull out the manual choke a bit, then it pumps up to 5200rpm.

 

[pwiseman]

Re: Honda BF50 Carb Cleaning - Do a Thorough Job

Sounds very similar to my problems. I have a BF30. Bought it new in 05 and run it probably 150 hours a year. Just this weekend, it started running rough at low RPM wanting to die out, but it runs great at higher RPMs.

Ran through the drills. Got new gas, changed the tank hose, and added some seafoam. Seems to be getting better, but still not happy.

I got married in June, so with all the running around, it the boat sat in my garage for almost 60 days. Enough for gas to go bad and varnish up?

Seems these carbs are a pain to get any cleaner into.

How long should I wait before taking it in for a carb repair?