| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| johnhignett |
Posted - 07 Oct 2013 : 16:56:18 Hi everybody, I hope somebody can give me some ideas and help with my small problem. I have a Honda BF15A outboard fitted to my boat which runs fine once it is started. The problem is that it will not start from time to time but it stinks of fuel when I have been turning it over. I have fitted new plugs but the spark seems to be weak. I am wondering if I have a problem with the CDI unit or the coil. There are some CDI units on Ebay which look the same. Has any body had the same problem? What was the cure and does anybody know where to get the parts for a reasonable price? Thanks, John |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| mikeb |
Posted - 14 Oct 2013 : 00:11:29 May be worth checking the coil - make sure it has a good earth and measure the resistance with a multimeter. It should be possible to find out what the resistance of the primary and secondary should be with a bit of digging around the internet. If it's at all suspect, try and find another coil to swap in temporarily - doesn't need to be the exact one, as long as the resistance is reasonably close it will work to test it.
It's unlikely to be the CDI unit itself - they usually fail completely if they go wrong. The only other thing is the crank sensors (hall effect), that signal the CDI unit to trigger a spark. |
| Wayfoot |
Posted - 09 Oct 2013 : 12:39:09 Also make sure that every last bit of dirt is removed from your fuel tank. Remove the tank and flush out. I used a length of clear pipe to suck up lots of dirt in my tank (suck carefully of course) Also make sure the tank 'pick up' pipe has a good quality fine mesh attached so that it does not suck up crap.
If you find crap in the tank, you can be sure it has found its way into the carb. Also make sure your diaphragms and seals on the carb are in good condition. Good luck ! |
| merlin |
Posted - 08 Oct 2013 : 19:34:03 make sure the vent on the fuel tank is open and works the fuel tank can build up a vacuum it may run fine for a while but when stopped the tank can pull the fuel out of the carb bowl hence no fuel it may need re-primed

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| johnhignett |
Posted - 08 Oct 2013 : 16:13:36 Thanks for your answers guys. I have had the carb off, stripped and cleaned and yes the choke works fine. It is not a remote choke, it has to be pulled from the engine. The starting problem occurs when cold as well as when the engine is warm, it has no pattern. One minute it is running fine then we stop for lunch and then the thing won't start!! grrr |
| mikeb |
Posted - 08 Oct 2013 : 00:31:51 I take it the choke is working correctly? (Is it remote controlled, with a solenoid) |
| df |
Posted - 07 Oct 2013 : 18:49:24 Electronic ignition problems usually involve an intermittant spark for connection corrosion issues or no spark at all for black box issues. I'd look at the carb first.

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