Can you give me advice on my Honda 40 HP boat motor?

Question

I live in Indiana. Boat was Winterized by local marina (non-Honda dealer). Did not run right from day one this spring. They picked it up and tried new plugs, delivered it, no improvement on the water. Now they say the carb needs rebuilt due to the tubes being gummed up.

They recommend all 3 carbs be rebuilt for $600.

a. Does this dealer have a clue?

b. would you rebuild all 3 or just one carb?

c. if it reasonable that the carb tube be plugged up if it was winterized properly?

d. would you pick it up and take it to a Honda dealer?

Answer 1

that guy sounds like a idiot thats gonna cost you alot   take it to the honda dealer  its probably something simple

Answer 2

No they didn't winterize the engine complete look at your invoice from last yr> If it's says they ran stablizer in the fuel and did the winterizening i would make them fix it as it should of ran like you left it> They didn't do what you payed for>

Answer 3

a.  NO -- if the carbs were gummed, a dealer with a clue wouldn't have tried to fix it with new spark plugs.  These guys are nothing but parts changers who are spending your money on wild guesses.

b.  All three - no point doing just one.  $600 is way too much for 3 carbs.

c.  NO -- carbs get gummed up from sitting all winter *with gasoline in them*  -- if they had gas in 'em then it wasn't winterized.

d.  Myself, I'd get a service manual and fix it myself, but if I couldn't, I'd find a reputable certified marine tech - doesn't have to be a Honda dealer, but I'd prefer the Honda guy to the other Yahoos who ripped you off before.

Answer 4

Fuel goes bad, and if the carbs weren't run dry the fuel remaining in them will turn into a gummy varnish which will impede the flow of fuel through the orifices and jets. Even if they were run dry, unless fuel stabilizer was added to the tank and run through the lines before lay- up, the bad fuel can still clog up the carbs. First, however, check your fuel filter! So A) I don't know your marina mechanic, B) If one needs it they probably all need it, C) Probably not, and D) Do you trust the Honda dealer?