Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

[stackumhix2]

Hello All,<br />I have a 2001 90hp Honda. Last year I started having problems with the engine leaking fuel out of the side of the carburetor and took it to my local shop. Well $1100.00 and 3 complete Carburetor rebuilds later it is still leaking fuel from the side of the Carburetor and running rough. The last time they had it in the shop they did install a large external fuel filter on the fuel line telling me that my troubles were over and that my problems were caused by water & trash in the fuel. I only get my fuel from a brand new gas station and only use premium...I know the fuel is good.<br /><br />I was thinking of purchasing a shop manual for my engine and see if there is anything I could do myself. I refuse to give the dealer anymore $$$ and not fix the problem.<br /><br />Does anyone have any thought on this or suggestions to fix this problem??<br /><br />I am in the Sarasota area.<br /><br />Thanks for any help!!<br />stackumhi @ yahoo.com<br /><br />Scott

 

[radsrh]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

I would take it back to the same shop and tell them that after spending $1100.00 with them you demand that the job be done right at no cost to you!

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

I'll second that suggestion.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

I'll third that opinion also.But I might stress to them that they sent your engine out leaking fuel which is a fire hazard. It seems to me that $1100 for the carbs being rebuilt sounds very expensive.What exactly did they do? Just carb rebuilds or other work? I do agree that Honda's as well as all outboards should use an external water seperating fuel filter.Especially because Honda's use such small jets that the smallest piece of dirt will cause problems.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Finally! A Honda post that I can relate to - only because I have the same motor. <br />Shucks, that sucks - and is an unheard of problem.<br />Guys, any preventative maintenance I can do to my motor to make sure it doesn't happen to me too?

 

[DJ]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

MajBach,<br /><br />Yes, make sure you have a fuel/water seperating fuel filter installed. About $20.00, here on iboats.<br /><br />http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?cart_id=862466503&keywords=fuel+filter &submit.x=48&submit.y=13

 

[stackumhix2]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Went back to dealership today and believe it or not, they said bring it back in at no charge.<br /><br />Maybe the 4th time is the charm??<br /><br />Thanks for the help.<br /><br />Scott

 

[radsrh]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Good deal, keep us informed on how things go at the shop.

 

[stackumhix2]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Well it was dirty fuel again. They emptied my external water / fuel filter into a container and saved it for me. You would not believe the water & dirt in the fuel. So I need to have my internal fuel tank pumped out and cleaned. I got a portable 6 gal tank and have been using it for now. So far, so good, it is running like new.<br /><br />Lesson: Get a good external fuel filter and check it often.<br /><br />Scott

 

[MajBach]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Can anyone explain why the fuel filter that is part of the outboard is inadequate?

 

[DJ]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

MajBach,<br /><br />Most engine mounted fuel filters are nothing but a screen. Engine makes do not mount a fuel/water<br />seperator for the following reasons.<br /><br />1. Space.<br /><br />2. Expense.<br /><br />3. Weight.<br /><br />4. Unknown application of the engine.<br /><br />Personally, I think a fuel/water seperator should be a part of any new engine installation. In some shops, it is.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

So, just to clarify here as I am a little green:<br />If I add a fuel/seperator in addition to the fuel filter that comes with the outboard, that should be sufficient? Does the water seperator also act as a filter to remove dirt or is the onboard fuel filter [i.e. "screen"] sufficient. Or, should another in-line fuel filter be added as well?<br />If I purchase a water seperator - and I intend to now after reading this post - is it easy to install myself? How large is it and where should it be placed?<br />Thanks

 

[james082273]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

I have a question...What does water and dirt in the fuel have to do with the carb leaking? Are the gaskets in honda carbs made out of a sugery substance?

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Majbach Yes the water seperator does filter out contaminants to a better degree than the engine filter/screen.<br />You don't want to put too many filters on your engine as eventually you will cause a restriction and vapor lock.<br />A water seperator is generally not that difficult to install but you must be careful because one small leak and you have a bomb. <br /><br />Jon Boater <br />When dirt passes through the needle and seat some of it will get caught and the float won't be able to shut off fuel flow. This will result in the fuel bowl overflowing and leaking out the side of the carb.Being that Honda carbs have very small jets and other parts, it doesn't take more than a speck to cause running problems

 

[Nick on the Bad Habit]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

I have had the same problem with my 75 HP engine. I recommend adding a Racor s3240 water separating fuel filter. It is a 10micron filter with a clear bowl at the bottom so you can see any water accumulation. The water can be drained as soon as detected before it gets to your engine.
Nick

 

[hondon]

Re: Leaking Carburetor 90 HP Honda

Here's the deal guys.Yes that engine has a filter ,stock, that offers you the bare minimum of protection.Yes you should incorporate an extra water separtaing fuel filter .And no ,those are not a free card.Those filters operate by gravity .The water or contaminats settlle to the bottom of the filter and once that filter gets 2/3 or more full,it starts to spill over into your engine.Any decent tech out there knows to take a fuel sample right out of the fuel tank if they see major contamination at any filter.It does'nt really sound like that happened and is so easy.