Hello Group,
One
of the most frequently asked questions on the posting board is about
starting a Honda scooter especially after it has been inactive for awhile. I
follow these steps first:
1. Be sure the Run Engine switch is in the "on" position. The engine
won't run if the kill switch on the handlebar is in the "off"
position.
2. Empty all the gas out of the tank and fill with fresh premium gasoline.
3. Below the gas tank is the gas valve which allows gasoline to pass into the
carburetor by vacuum. Check for clogged fuel valve by applying suction to the
small hose. If gas flows from the large hose, it's working.
4. Be sure the gasoline cap vent is not clogged.
5. If your bike has a fuel filter, check that it is not blocked. Be sure your
air filter has no obstruction.
6. There is a fuel strainer in the gas tank and it should not be blocked.
7. Pull the spark plug and ground it. Crank engine to see that spark jumps
through electrode. Absence of spark indicates fouled or broken spark plug,
faulty CDI unit, faulty pulse generator, faulty ignition coil or ignition
switch.
8. Be sure you have a good battery. The ignition runs through the taillights on
Hondas. Squeeze left brake or depress foot brake to be sure the rear taillight
illuminates. if it does not--the scoot will not start.
9. Squirt starting fluid into carburetor throat and crank engine. If you have
any spark, the scoot must start unless faulty compression exists.
10. Poor starts can frequently be attributed to a weak or faulty autobystarter
(electric choke). if this occurs, your scoot will start hard but won't idle by
itself without a babied throttle until it warms. Replace bystarter if this
condition exists.
11. Check that the carburetor is snuggly fixed into its housing on the intake.
Some Honda scooters have a two-piece rubber intake boot which may develop
cracks. Check that there are no vacuum line leaks leading to the intake or fuel
valve.
12. Last resort--run compression test on cylinder.
Randy Pozzi (Rev. 03/2005) |