Honda 90 Carbs

[therrick]

I've just acquired an '84 22-foot Classic with a Honda 90. The boat has been in storage for over a year and I'm trying to get it running. The outboard will start but won't run without the choke full on. The real problem, however, is that the carburetor floats are apparently stuck with old gas varnish. That's causing a particularly alarming amount of gasoline to gush from the sides of the carburetors as it sputters along.

I've talked to several outboard mechanics who concur with the diagnosis, but offer different solutions. A couple said to spray the carbs with cleaner and that should fix it. The Honda mechanic said that the only way to do it right was to remove the carbs and boil them in some kind of solvent - to the tune of about $400.

Am I kidding myself by even trying to use the carb cleaner, or worse, is it possible to cause damage to the engine by that approach? I was hoping to give the $2.95 option a try first, but haven't done any engine work since my 1970 Monterey.

Your experience will be appreciated.

Tom Herrick

[Papillon]

Hi Tom and welcome to the pub.

Take it from an old Cynthiana boy, use the old $2.95 method first. It will not cause any harm and may very well work for you if your hold your mouth just right during the operation.

When you get her running...trailer her down or motor her down to SW Florida and we will discuss the proper pernouncation of "Versailles".

[Rabidfish]

More likely to cause harm by "boiling" the carbs...

Most carbs can be cleaned by disassembling them and soaking them in "SEAFOAM". Available at most good auto parts stores.

You can leave them in it overnight without risk of damage to the aluminum, or the protective coating...

Do not soak them in a conventional carb solution(way too caustic)

[C-Gypsy]

Tom - The SEAFOAM is a good idea.

I had a Honda 9.9 that sat for two years. It would start but only for a second or three before shutting down. I used spray type carbuerator cleaner (two cans) and still it would not run.

Finally had a Honda mechanic looked at it and the gas had crystilized inside the carburator jet. He cleaned it out with a fine piece of wire and it ran great.

SEAFOAM would clean everything with little effort from you.

Al

[therrick]

Bit the bullet and took the Honda 90 to a certified Honda mechanic. The boat and motor had been sitting in the elements for a couple of years. It's carbs were blowing fuel by the cupful when I tried to run it. Floats were varnished stuck; real stuck. I'll have it Friday and will be smiling all weekend.

To WhalerGoFar, I ain't from around here, so it was a bit of a surprise to here Versailles pronounced "Vursales", but after 16 years I've finally gotten used to it - sort of... But I've heard locals pronunce the town name "Egypt" in Indiana even better; try "egg-wiped".

Thanks to all for the input and - to the management - for the opportunity to receive it.

Tom

[Captains Cat]