Honda BF40 Carb Question

[PlanB]

Last summer my Honda 40 on my pontoon quit. I later discoverd the fuel filter was full of crud and water. After changing the filter and cleaning the system out it ran fine. Just before winter layup it started idling a bit rough, but ran ok at speed. When I drained the bowls during winterizing, I noticed a few small brownish pieces of crud drain from the tube on one carb. I am guessing some crud got past the filter and was in a low speed jet, if Honda has these. A local dealer wants to do a full rebuild on all three carbs ($$$). Will a carb cleaner in the gas help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks, Rick

 

[mcginleyc]

Re: Honda BF40 Carb Question

hey Rick I think I would start with getting to the source of that crud and water. Clean out and replace if necessary the fuel tank or tanks you use. The damage is done with the carbs. Those Honda carbs have very precise fuel passages and they get plugged up easily. You need to have them rebuilt. Just make sure the tanks are clean so it will not happen again. Also I would not reccomend draining the carb bowls for winterization as long as the fuel has been stabilized. Another note, make sure your fuel lines and mainly the primer bulb is in good condition. A deteriorating primer bulb can plug up a carb. Just a thought. Good Luck

 

[PlanB]

Re: Honda BF40 Carb Question

Originally posted by mcginleyc:<br /> hey Rick I think I would start with getting to the source of that crud and water. Clean out and replace if necessary the fuel tank or tanks you use. The damage is done with the carbs. Those Honda carbs have very precise fuel passages and they get plugged up easily. You need to have them rebuilt. Just make sure the tanks are clean so it will not happen again. Also I would not reccomend draining the carb bowls for winterization as long as the fuel has been stabilized. Another note, make sure your fuel lines and mainly the primer bulb is in good condition. A deteriorating primer bulb can plug up a carb. Just a thought. Good Luck

I was wanting smaller tanks anyway so I replaced them and the hose. What I was hoping was to be able to clean the fuel passages without a total rebuild. I do stabilize the gas and drained the bowls because that is what the Honda book said to do.