Honda BF8A idle/starting problems

[j21921d]

I am the original owner of a 2000 BF8A which has given me constant problems with starting and idle. Despite, constant cleaning of the carb, fuel tanks, fresh gas etc. The engine will run fine and then stop. Or start with no problems run all day and then the following day won't even start. Sometimes will start but unable to get to high rpm.

Same with my dealer, very good guy does great work, can't find anything wrong, it runs, I take it home runs good for a day or so and then won't start.

I use the Honda plastic gas tank which I keep inside to ensure no water or contamination.

I just cleaned the whole carb, jets, yesterday and it ran great.
Today, won't even start. same gas etc.
Any Ideas before I throw it overboard?
thanks.

 

[Outrage22Cuddy]

Re: Honda BF8A idle/starting problems

I have a year 2000 5hp Honda. I had a problem with stalling & no restart when engine is warm. If run at idle speeds it would cough & stall & it would take a few minutes of waiting or no sign of life. The dealer called the problem "leansneeze." The problem is that the air/fuel mixture is too lean & there is a cap on the adjusting screw & the dealer is not allowed to touch it. I don't know if this could be related to the problems you are having. My 5hp is basically all used up. It is no longer running due to thousands of hours of use & internal corrosion damage even though the motor always flushed. I am a big fan of Honda products, but my experience with the 5hp could have been better overall. I'm in the process of saving for a 9.8 Tohatsu to replace it.

 

[gss036]

Re: Honda BF8A idle/starting problems

I have an older Honda so don't know if you have a fuel bowl drain on your newer engine, if so when you have the problem, open the drain to clean out the bowl and see if you are (by chance) getting some crud in the carb. Make sure you are sucking outside air into the fuel lines and you vent on fuel tank is open.
How is your spark plugs? Check the spark when it won't start.
I had an older Evinrude which acted similar, but turned out to be a cracked coil.

 

[zzzzz]

Re: Honda BF8A idle/starting problems

check the orientation of your primer bulb...the bulb should be in at least a level position if not even pointed upwards towards the engine...if the bulb is pointed down-the check valves in the bulb won't work and you'll experience a fuel supply problem similar to what you're describing

 

[Flakeys]

Re: Honda BF8A idle/starting problems

Here's a couple other things to check on your problem.

(1) Make sure the 2 vent passages on the carb are clean and unblocked by dirt, bug etc. (2) The fuel pump output pressure should be 2.5 psi @ idle. Maybe its going.

Just a couple more things that may be fouling you up.

Good luck.