Getting engine going again.

rigi36 · 18 December 2011, 17:45

Hi.

Honda BF5A (1989 I think). Not sure of the last time it was run but I will be 5+ years.

It looks mechanically sound but needs a paint job. Would like to get it going again - where do I start?

Thanks

ukprometheus · 18 December 2011, 19:57

The engine its self looks pretty clean have you actually tried connecting up to a fuel line and starting it.
I would start by changing the gearbox oil change the plug add fuel and see if it starts, while the plug is out support it on the engine block and pull it over checking for a spark.

rigi36 · 18 December 2011, 20:26

Haven't tried doing anything to it yet. Do you reckon I should just try and start it?

Might there be a chance the spark plugs will still be ok if the engine has been looked after?

Thanks.

ukprometheus · 18 December 2011, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxhar

Haven't tried doing anything to it yet. Do you reckon I should just try and start it?

Might there be a chance the spark plugs will still be ok if the engine has been looked after?

Thanks.

chuck some fuel at it and see if it starts

and make sure its passing water if it starts. if not stop it
Even if it is pumping water i would still change the impeller as a matter of course

willk · 18 December 2011, 20:48

NOS gave me a bit of decent advice about a similar (ish) engine.

Check the lube oil level. Drain the carb/s, replace the plug/s, fresh fuel and give her a pull. If she fires, pumps water, changes gear etc., then shut down and do the full service...

ukprometheus · 18 December 2011, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

NOS gave me a bit of decent advice about a similar (ish) engine.

Check the lube oil level. Drain the carb/s, replace the plug/s, fresh fuel and give her a pull. If she fires, pumps water, changes gear etc., then shut down and do the full service...

if its been sat for 5 years i cant see there being much fuel in the carb dude, an oil change is a must but as willk said see if it starts and goes in and out of gear ok

willk · 18 December 2011, 21:09

Yeah, fair dos, mine had an internal tank

Erin · 18 December 2011, 21:18

So long as the carbs haven't gummed up and it's been kept in the dry, there's every chance it will fire straight up with fresh fuel.

rigi36 · 18 December 2011, 21:51

Well if it starts I need to work out how to fit an emergency stop switch for a kill cord.

ukprometheus · 18 December 2011, 22:04

once it starts let it run for a minute then pull the fuel hose off, the carb will empty and the engine will stop.

jezza2011 · 18 December 2011, 22:11

take the plug out and spray some wd40 in and slowly turn it over by hand.
this will loosen the ring up and give them a little oil preventing a possible siez up..

do it to mine at the start of each season. 20 years on still going strong.

rigi36 · 19 December 2011, 16:47

How easy do you think it will be to modify the stop circuit to fit a kill switch?

Thanks.

Downhilldai · 19 December 2011, 17:04

Make sure you check/change the powerhead oil before trying to start it.
As advised by jezza2011 above, a drop of lube in the cylinder(s) won't go amiss.
Turn it over slowly with the plugs out, then again with the plugs in, to make sure the valves aren't stuck open.
When priming fresh fuel through, check the carb for leaks, as gaskets and seals dry out and shrink if they haven't seen fuel for a few years.
If/when it starts, let it run at idle for a while to warm up before opening the throttle to any degree.
If all ok, do the full service, as advised by willk/Nos.

Fitting a killswitch should be a doddle.

Max... · 19 December 2011, 17:31

Before starting it might be an idea to squirt some lube into the cylinders (via plug holes) and leave overnight.