Problems starting a new honda 9.9

SVlagniappe · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

I bought a Mercury inflatable and a Honda 9.9 short shaft outboard last week. It started on the first pull and has done so ever since until today. It didn't start and I haven't been able to get it started all day. I talked to the mailorder dealer, they were no help. I have the lanyard for the kill switch installed, the choke's on (tried it off too), The gas line is well connected and primed. The gas tank vent is open. The tank is 3/4 full.

Any ideas on what else to try. According to the manual I have to drain the oil and carbs to transport it in my truck to the nearest honda service place, so If I can figure this out on my own (with your help), I'd sure like to. The engine has about 3 - 4 hours on it. Was run according to the break-in recommendations and has performed flawlessly.

It really seems like it must be something as simple as the kill switch, but I've triple checked everything I mentioned..

Thanks in advance...

ckgreenman · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

Check your plug(s). pull them out and look to see if they're fouled or not. You might also be able to ground the tip and see if they're sparking but be careful cuz it doesn't feel good to get zapped

ckgreenman · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

Oh, and while you've got the plugs out, pull the starter cord a couple times and check the cylinders to make sure you're getting gas into the cylinders.

Valiente · #4 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

Try this: Set throttle on "start" and tighten the friction knob enough so it stays there. Pull choke fully out. Pull start rope once as fast as you can manage. Push choke halfway in. Count to five, and then give it two or three sharp pulls. It may very well start, unless you have the aforementioned fouled plugs.

This "choke out, one pull, choke half-in, pull twice" thing has been a "feature" of every Honda I've ever owned, including my new 2 HP four-stroke (the one-handed outboard). The only time I've started with no choke is on really warm days.

If you get it started, take it for a ten-minute full-throttle run, stop it and then try starting it again. You will likely find it will start first pull, or with first pull at half-choke. Hondas would appear to have a wide range of lean/rich mix options, but I'm just guessing. This has worked for me, and I own the 2 HP, an old BF100 9.9 from the '80s, and a new Honda 2000 genset. They all have touchy chokes.

SVlagniappe · #5 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

Thanks for the tips, especially yours Valiente, as it is based on experience. I'll file that one away for sure, but they were all informative.

I decided to fill up the fuel tank, which involved removing it from the boat and the fuel line. When I put it back in the boat and hooked it up, it started up on the second pull, after a burp on the first. I'm dumbfounded as to what the problem was and anxious to see what tomorrow brings. I had disconnected, and reconnected and double checked everything many times.

I did get a call this evening from the owner of the undisclosed mailorder company this evening asking if my problem had been resolved and leaving his number should I need further assistance. Pretty Impressive!

ckgreenman · #6 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

It could have either been flooded or the plugs were fouled and letting it sit allowed the fuel to evaporate enough to start it.

capttb · #7 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

It's also a start trick with the Hondas to slowly pull the start rope till you feel tension indicating that it's on the compression stroke, then let the rope retract, now when you pull to start, the piston is headed to the power stroke first thing, seems to always get them running on the second or third pull.

sailbot · #8 (**permalink**) 09-30-2008

hi there, I have a Honda 8HP 2007, I know for sure that the throttle must be set to the LOWEST setting otherwise she will never start. The hondas dont really have a conventional choke, it just opens a passage around butterly valve, at least thats what I was told..
If you twisst the throttle even a little bit while starting you will flood the engine

Valiente · #9 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by capttb

It's also a start trick with the Hondas to slowly pull the start rope till you feel tension indicating that it's on the compression stroke, then let the rope retract, now when you pull to start, the piston is headed to the power stroke first thing, seems to always get them running on the second or third pull.

Oh, yes...I forgot that one...I do it so automatically. I had a two-stroke Mercury that I sold this summer that had a different "routine", and while there was nothing wrong with it performance or reliability-wise, I have to say I prefer the four-strokes.

KRCSWO · #10 (**permalink**) 10-01-2008

I have a Honda 8hp outboard. The only time it won't start for me is if I accidentally knock it into gear, and try to start it. It will not start if in gear.