Possible Stator or Coil Problem with Honda BF40a? Bogging at 2k RPM

[HokieHiVPI]

So my older (2002) BF40 has been sitting a few years (sadly). She starts great, runs great... until about 2k RPM. Over that she just plows along and never gets any higher. It runs great in neutral, but underway it bogs. I cleaned the carbs once, it started better, ran better... same problem though at >2k RPM. Took some starter fluid and sprayed it into the intake and she took off.

So I took them back off and got them cleaned in an ultrasonic bath. Slapped 'em back on and she did the same thing... bogging at about half throttle. I sprayed more starting fluid and this time it didn't change anything. It stayed the same.

After that, I replaced the fuel lines, the fuel pump and the plugs to no avail. Compression and spark are good as well.

What's next to check before hauling it to a dealership?

 

[Sea Rider]

Welcome to Iboats,

Having a spark is no indication that will be strong enough to ignite all the fuel inside cylinders when engine is at load pushing a boat. If all mechanical parts are doing their homework right, need to troubleshoot each electrical component individually.

Will need a Service Manual along multitesters for that task..

Happt Boating

 

[ahicks]

I'd have another serious go at cleaning the carbs if my engine were acting like that - especially if it's been sitting any length of time.

The trick on the Honda carbs is finding all the holes that need to be cleaned, including the idle jet that's hidden inside that small tube that runs from the bottom of the carb to the top.

 

[HokieHiVPI]

Thanks both for your responses! I think I'll have a go at the carbs like ahicks suggested before hauling it to the dealer.

 

[ahicks]

Hey, don't feel bad. I've cleaned dozens of Honda carbs and it STILL might take me 3 tries to get them right! Pro mechanics/dealers will often replace those idle jets rather than try to clean them. They have the privilege of spending other people's money though. Myself, as a shade tree hobbyist mechanic, I have more time than money when it comes to my projects! It's very easy for me to identify with someone that doesn't get them right on the first, or even second try!

 

[HokieHiVPI]

I have more time than money when it comes to my projects! I

I do too but I've already waited almost two full years to splash this boat so I think I'll use it as is for a few more months and then yank them off in the winter and give them hell. This is a cruising boat anyway. Cheers!

 

[Sea Rider]

Just for the record, post if third, fourth and so on full carb cleanings fixed the issue....

Happy Boating